<p>So I've always had my sights set on good universities with good business schools. This does not mean I'm trying to get into Wharton because, as nice as that would be, it's very unlikely I would get in. I'm still looking at top of the line schools like Georgetown, Emory,and Notre Dame though, and I want to know if I actually have a chance of getting into these schools. I have back up schools that I am fairly sure I'll get into, and one that I know will accept me, but I really don't want to have to use them.
Anyway, I have two years of High school swim team, three years of DECA (with awards and leadership roles), and community service as extracurriculars. My GPA is around a 3.85-3.9 unweighted. And my best SAT scores in each category are CR: 670, M: 650, and W: 620. I also have a 29 on the ACT, but I think I'm just going to use SAT scores.
Oh I have also done two years of high school in the US, and the final two in Canada. I don't know if that counts for anything.</p>
<p>GPA is alright, but ECs and SAT/ACT are obviously lacking. Im not trying to break it, but realistically, your chances into Georgetown,Emory, and Notre Dame are maybe 20% or lower. </p>
<p>Thanks! I’m applying anyway because otherwise I have a 0% chance, but yes my SAT scores have actually been the bane of my entire application process. The one thing I don’t get though is why universities look for so many extracurriculars? It’s not like I do nothing outside of school, but no I am not musically talented, or very sport oriented. However, I do recognize that your point about EC’s is valid, despite my thoughts. </p>
<p>If you “really don’t want to have to” go to your safeties, then you need to pick new safeties.</p>
<p>Thank you for the response, but back ups are back ups for a reason. The reason being that you need somewhere to go in case you do not get in to your other schools. Otherwise, there would be no point in applying to reach schools anyway since you would be complacent attending any university. </p>
<p>I agree with Ranza123 on this one. Safeties are there so that you are sure to have a back up that you like and would have pleasure attending. That doesn’t mean that you like the safety as much as the ivy, but it means that you like what you have whatever happens.</p>
<p>I’m going to have to disagree with you here @csglen. Yes, you need to have safeties to go to in case you don’t get into your match or reach schools. That is important to acknowledge and it’s good you realize that now rather than waiting until you potentially get rejected everywhere (which does happen). However, should that happen, it’s important that the safeties you got accepted to are still places you would be happy to attend. There are hundreds of schools out there that can act as safeties. Of those, there are going to be a few that fit your needs and that you would be happy to attend. Find them, because there is always a very real possibility you will be going there. Think to yourself, “What if this is the only school I am accepted to?” If you would be unhappy going there, then pick a new one. I would have been fine going to one of my safeties had I needed to. You need to find the right safety schools or you will be full of regret later on. </p>