<p>Hi everyone. I am attending community college full time and working part time. In high school I had average grades and didn't do any clubs or sports. I saw a video on YouTube that most Ivy League schools mostly admit people that are"specialists" and will make them more money after they graduate. Also in the video he talked about they allow rich people to do what they want and treat them like royalty. And he mentioned that they can get away with allowing people that are smart but don't have the grades and that they let kids with All As to cover up. Is this true? What can I do to increase my chances of getting accepted. Any feedback would be great.</p>
<p>You will never be able to go to a point where you will be accepted to any school at all. Even the most-qualified students occasionally get rejected. No matter how well you do in community college, your average grades and lack of extracurricular activities will negatively affect your application, However, the past can’t be changed, so here are a few things which will improve your chances (you likely won’t be able to complete them all - try at least part thereof): Gold medals at international olympiads, research with a professor or programs such as RSI, PRIMES etc which results in a publication/award for research, computer programming, chess, sports, having a 4.0 GPA at community college, perfect scores on standardized tests such as SAT, AP, ACT etc. There are many more, but if you are able to complete even a part of the ones I listed, your chances will be increased exponentially. Good luck!</p>
<p>Yeah that’s true. I guess it all depends on what goals you have in life who you want to be.</p>
<p>People here call application to the very-selective schools a “crapshot”, which is a phrase used to describe something of which the chances of achieving said thing are so low, doing so feels like winning the lottery. No matter how good your application is, there will always remain a chance of being rejected. That being said, there are many things you can do to make your application better. Just remember to not over do it, not get too worried over it and definitely not to do it just for the sake of university applications (only do the things if you enjoy them, otherwise you will dislike it and most likely be unsuccessful). </p>
<p>Thanks. I’ve read through many posts about even some of the top qualified student’s don’t even get in. All I can do is try.</p>
<p>Gamerforlife: Forget the ivys. They were crazy hard to get into even for the kids who took 12 AP classes in high school. Most of them got rejection letters too… </p>
<p>Go for a major where you can get a decent job when you’re done. Computer science or nursing or many of other non MD medical degrees (radiology tech is one example.). These are just off the top of my head and I don’t know your strengths. Some don’t even need you to transfer to a four-year university. Read about some of these options online and stop in at the counseling center at your community college. Make an appointment to talk through ideas with someone there. Also start a new thread here on CC with your home state, and what classes you have been taking so far and which of these you excel in. If you need further help narrowing it down, people can help you identify some career ideas and good state universities in your area to transfer if that is needed. By the way, glad you turned the corner on your high school choices and are moving forward with community college. </p>
<p>Well I still have time to decide. But I am going to give it a shot anyways</p>
<p>@Picapole
What are you speaking about? Why can he not get into the Ivy League schools? Also, one should never choose their field of study based on job prospects. They should do what they enjoy. Employment is a factor, but going into a field just because of it’s employability is stupid. </p>
<p>Wannnabe:</p>
<p>He is currently in community college. His own self-selected name is “Gamer for Life” and he discusses that he had average grades and no clubs or sports whatsoever. Anyone’s odds of getting into an Ivy are ridiculously low, and that’s IF they go through all of the hoops needed. I looked at your other two threads, and you have very high test scores. You have done solid ECs. I have worked with a range of kids in a high school career center, and not everyone has your resume. Don’t you think if the applicant had a 2300 SAT etc, it would have been mentioned? </p>
<p>Please do not put words into my mouth–I never said he should go into a field “just because of its employability.” That is all your opinion. Some concern for how you pay back your student loans with a real job afterward is valid. If he is a gamer for life, he may actually be good at some of the things I suggested. I have a houseful teen boys who come over and do LAN parties regularly and the aptitude for CS and anything technical etc often does relate to their passion. However, note that I suggested he meet with his counselor at his community college to figure out what he is good at. </p>
<p>OP: There is a bigger question though. Why limit yourself to eight colleges that are in a particular athletic league? There are something like 3,000 colleges in the United States. I still think you should start by visiting your local state universities first and find out what they offer. They are nearby and it is a great introduction to your future. You may be surprised. If you’re unhappy with them, then as a compromise between 8 and 3,000, why don’t you expand your search to the 283 who offer Phi Beta Kappa, the most prestigious of college honor societies for high grades: </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.pbk.org/home/chapterdirectory.aspx”>PBK - Phi Beta Kappa;