What’s my chance of getting into a good college?
So I’m a a junior now and I’m scared for what’s ahead of me. I want to go to University of Chicago, UCLA, John Hopkins, University of Washington, and my dream school Comumbia University. So let me tell you about myself. I am Hispanic and will be a first generation student. I was raised by my mom my whole life and come from a low socioeconomic background. I live in Bankruot California city. Now here are my grades: freshman year all A’s and 1 B in geometry in IB courses. Sophomore year is all A’s and two B’s in Algebra 2 and Chemistry. I have a 3.75 cumulative GPA and took the hardest courses available to me. I know that I have a very low GPA but how much higher will it get if I get straight A’s next year? Ok so now my EC: I’ve been in Key Club for 2 years and I moved to different school sophomore year so I could not run for election. I volunteered at a community hospital this year and will do it for the next two years of high school. I am also in Best Buddies and will be for the next two years. I plan to start the habitat for humanity club at my school and become president. I also took a human hereditary class this summer at UCR and got an A. So if I get straight As junior year and start the habitat for humanity’s club at my school will my chances of being accepted higher?
Yes, starting clubs will boost your chances. Your 3.75 UW might get to a 3.8 or so. Three B grades through all of high school should end up as even higher. As Hispanic first gen you are an attractive student. Hunker down and study for SAT and ACT and Subject tests. I can’t tell how you are doing in terms of academic rigor but otherwise you look strong. Reach out to your regional admissions officers
Strong ECs are nice and helpful, but the biggest thing is strong GPA, strong classes, strong test scores. Being Hispanic will help you too. HOWEVER, you are targeting some tough schools. Columbia is a reach for anyone. University of Chicago is a reach for anyone. Johns Hopkins is very tough. UCLA and University of Washington are a bit easier, but you need to do as well as you possibly can from here on out and you MUST get a stellar score on the SAT or ACT. Good luck.