Hello anyone and everyone,
I am a rising senior from a small town in Massachusetts, and I am trying to compile a list of colleges that might be good matches for me. I do already have several schools in mind, but I’d like to see what the CC community thinks. Any recommendations would be awesome! Just an FYI - I do have a tendency to prefer schools in New England or in the Mid-Atlantic. Here are my stats:
- Ethnicity: African American, Native American (Cherokee)
- GPA: 4.00, 99/100
- Course Load: All classes are Honors or AP, unless such levels are not offered.
- Class Rank: Top 10% (My school does share numerical ranks.)
- SAT I: 2310 (750 CR, 760 M, 800 W)
- SAT II: 730 US History, 730 Math I
- EC: Cross Country (Captain), Indoor Track, Outdoor Track (Captain), NHS (President), Spanish Honor Society (Secretary), Rho Kappa (Chairman), Model UN, Math Club, Student Council, SAGE & Diversity Club, American Red Cross (Youth Volunteer), Amnesty International USA, Hands Up United (Community Outreach Volunteer)
- Individual Achievements: Perfect MCAS Scores (Biology, ELA, Math), St. Michael's College Book Award, Delegate to MA Boys' State 2015, High Honor Roll, MIAA Div. 6 E-Mass State Cross Country Meet Qualifier (x3)
- Expected Achievements: AP Scholar with Honor, NMSQT Commended Scholar, Commencement Academic Leader (my school's version of Valedictorian)
I do understand that I might not be a “stand out” candidate everywhere, but what do you guys think? Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks!
I feel like this is what you’re fishing for, so yes, you would be a qualified and competitive applicant at top tier schools. Your bring an URM will also significantly help your chances in the application process, but know that nothing is guaranteed and it’s completely possible you’ll end up at your safety. Focus on demonstrating interest through interviews and the essays so that every school you apply to thinks they’re your “perfect fit”
You may not be a “standout” but not to be racist, you have a hook. Your half African American and half Cherokee. Plus you have a perfect gpa near perfect SATs, you show leadership in extra curriculars (captain of two varsity sports) and others. You could apply anywhere you want. However, the top 20 schools would be a reach for anybody so consider them as such. Matches for you would be 20-50. Anything ranked 55 or below is a safety.
You could apply to some ivies as reaches if you want to stay in the area.
Apply to the top schools you like. You have a very good hook…Native American and AA…plus you’re a male URM.
Are you low income? If so, then that’s another “hook” combined with URM status.
Have your parents run the NPCs and see if the results are favorable.
If you have a non-custodial parent, then that could be an issue since his income will be used as well and he must provide financial info.
If you will have issues with paying for college (parents can’t pay their EFC, an NCP that won’t help), then also include some schools that will give you a free ride or near-free-ride. Apply to some schools where the big awards are assured and to some schools where the big awards are competitive.
You ask a great question. It is absolutely possible that you will be one of the students we read about next year who has been accepted to all of the Ivies. Or, it is possible (though unlikely) that you could be shut out. Everyone needs matches.
Your matches should be schools that you really, really want to go to, and that your family can afford. Do you enjoy being a standout on campus? Then consider an LAC. You are no doubt getting great advice from your GC, family, and teachers. Consider what they have to say carefully. Congratulations on your accomplishments and good luck!
Given that your a competitive candidate almost anywhere, the important questions are 1) what do you want to study/plan to do professionally and 2) what kind of educational environment brings out the best in you (size, urban/suburban/rural, culture, etc…) We can offer suggestions other than the usual ‘Ivies’ with more information about who you are and what you want.