<p>Yes, universities tell you that they seek individuals with great personalities and leadership qualities, etc. etc. But we can't deny that they really do take into a candidate's academic abilities.</p>
<p>I wasn't a really hardworking student in high school, add on to the fact that I was going through typical teenage depression shenanigans, I was surprised that my freshman GPA was a 3.6. But in my sophomore year it dropped to a 2.6. By the time I was a junior, I went through some serious considerations and raised it to a 4.1, and as a senior right now I still manages the 4.0. My SAT is 2340.</p>
<p>Just speaking grade wise, do I even have a chance at applying to the top 20 universities? Do they prefer students with perfect results in everything, or do they also seek gradual improvements?</p>
<p>So, you have a 3.5 and 2340, with a sharp upward trend. Are you taking Honors/AP’s and do you have one national-level EC?
If so, you have a shot at a Top 25 university or LAC.
If not, don’t apply to more than 3 (unless your family’s rich and you can apply to as many super reaches as you want).
What are your 2 safeties (schools you like, are sure you can get into, and can afford), 3-5 matches (schools you think you can get into, like, and can afford) and reaches?</p>
I don’t know (nor have I taken) any EC classes.
My junior year I took AP US History and AP European History, and as a senior right now I’m currently taking AP Stat, AP Psych, AP Gov, AP Chem, and AP Bio.</p>
<p>
Idealistically, I would like to get into the Top Five. But of course that is not possible for my situation.
Seeing the current increase in competitiveness and the candidates’ improving resumes every year make me lose confidence in my own chances, to be honest with you.</p>
<p>You’re lacking AP Lang or Lit and AP Calc or Physics, which top schools really like to see. But a 2340 is nothing to sneeze at, the upward trend is good, and you’ve got 7 APs. Your chances at a Top 5 are better than average, considering how many people just throw a Common App over the wall to see how they do, but they aren’t great by any means and I really wouldn’t get my hopes up. Send it in and see what happens, plenty of lesser candidates do.</p>
<p>In short, you need a Plan B, which should be something among the Top 25 National and LAC lists. And that’s still really, really good, don’t let yourself or anyone else convince you that it’s not.</p>
<p>National level EC is not a class… it is an extra curricular. But not sure I know what a national level one is … Is an Eagle Scout considered national?</p>
<p>Eagle scout, All-American, USAMO, Siemens, etc. would be “national”- level EC’s (extra curriculars) vs. All-State, District Science Fair, Troop Leader, etc.</p>
<p>You have your dream schools (schools in the top 5 and in the top 20). Now choose matches (3-5) and safeties (2).</p>
Thank you very much, I will try my best. What colleges do you think that I may have a chance at?</p>
<p>
Aw, thank you. This really, really means a lot to me. It really does. Thank you.</p>
<p>
Oh okay.</p>
<p>I have a black belt in Taekwondo if that counts. Averaged a 3.7% return on day trading, elected as a Transition Leader for my school and a Step-Up Leader for my county. I think that helps?</p>
<p>Other in-school activities I did were MUN, YAG, HS, and Track. I did start a nonprofit organization within my school in my junior year, in which the money was donated to foster homes. But then again, these stuff are common. I dunno.</p>
<p>You think you are common, then you will come across that way. When you list your EC’s, be proud of every one of them and list them all, especially leadership positions and high level achievement, such as your black belt - that shows dedication.</p>