My Class Rank Problem

Rtgrove123 · 11-03-2009, 07:13 PM

Hey guys,

Quick question. Currently, I am ranked first in my class of 324 people and am interested in applying to some top schools (Rice, Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth). I come from a school in Nebraska, have probably slightly below average ECs/Awards for these schools (only a couple of state championships in some stuff and only one presidency this year) and a slightly above average SAT score (2340). So, because I am crazy borderline for these types of schools (and as of now only stand a shot at getting into a couple of them), I am a little concerned with maintaining my val status. Normally, I havent had a problem getting all As, but this year, I am struggling in my AP Chemistry class. I could end up with a low A or high B in the class and- after doing the math- found out I will drop to either 2nd or third in my class if I do get a B. So, would losing my Val status be detrimental to my app to some of these schools?

THANKS,
Robbie

aaron21 · 11-03-2009, 08:55 PM

2340 is "slightly above average"?

itry · 11-03-2009, 09:00 PM

cocky much

mom2collegekids · 11-03-2009, 09:20 PM

I wonder what this person thinks is average? Since when is a high 99 percentile SAT "average"???

FYI to the OP...99 percentile means that 99% of students scores worse than you did.

limabeans · 11-03-2009, 09:27 PM

The final decision of val. is usually based at the end of all four years, which you seem to be aware of. When do you think the colleges will make their decisions? June? I don't think so. With that in mind, what do you think you should do?

PS: I love this line you wrote: "(only a couple of state championships in some stuff and only one presidency this year) and a slightly above average SAT score (2340)." Are you kidding?

Rtgrove123 · 11-03-2009, 09:38 PM

Sry...I honestly am not trying to be arrogant. I assumed- and still believe- that at HYP, most unhooked applicants who are accepted have a 2300+. Addititionally, the many or most unhooked applicants to these top schools have many presidencies and alot have national awards. I might be wrong...thats just what I thought.

However, back to my original question. Colleges get my transcipt that initially just has my grades up to junior year and rank on it. Then, senior year grades are sent in. So, do colleges use senior year grades from first semester in your rank or not?

Yeti Crab · 11-03-2009, 10:04 PM

There's really not much difference between #1 and #2 or #3... so just relax, you'll have a fantastic rank anyway. You'll be fine. =)

Millancad · 11-03-2009, 10:15 PM

This 100% proves what everyone says about Robbies.

jasonInNy · 11-03-2009, 10:29 PM

99%'tile on SAT is only 2200. Unfortunately, VAST majorities of the applicants to college are... dumb.

FOr example, 99%'tile on the MCAT or USMLE or GMAT would BE SOOOOOOOOOOOO much harder to achieve.

I seriously think that a 2200 is necessary simply for a reasonable shot at a top 10 university.

schrizto · 11-04-2009, 12:32 AM

I heard the GMAT is a joke.

InvisibleMan023 · 11-04-2009, 01:18 AM

Well, i'm happy you understand how hard it is to get into these schools. Most people, especially from places like Nebraska (no offense) where they don't send too many applicants, do not know that an unhooked acceptance under 2300 is very rare. But you forget that you do have a hook,as i have implied earlier: you are from NEBRASKA. And do not worry about the "val" status, it is what it says it is: a status. Just focus on essays and college apps and its ok if you drop one rank. Dont worry and Good Luck