Chances @ NWU, NYU. Do I have any?

sainclaire · 03-30-2008, 07:37 PM

Colleges: (listed in order of interest)
Northwestern University ED/RD (applying to Medill)
Columbia University (not really expecting anything here)
Carleton College
New York University
University of Virginia (oos)
Penn State University (safety)

Stats:
High School: Public, sends many grads to top schools (probably b/c our high school has 3000+ students)
Ethnicity: Korean-American
Gender: Male
Junior

GPA:
Class Rank: 36/1100
Unweighted: 3.8 ish
Weighted: 5.8 (don't bother with this, my school has a ridiculous ranking system)
Freshman Year: all honors classes (all A's with a B in algebra 2)
Sophomore Year: all honors classes (all A's with a B in precalculus)
Junior Year: all honors classes with 2 AP's (all A's so far but possible B in calculus by end of year)
Senior Year: Planning to take 4-5 AP courses next year

APs:
11th: AP US History, AP English
12th schedule: AP Gov, AP English, AP French 5, AP Stat, possibly AP Chem (cant decide if that or honors physics), possibly AP Econ (by cutting out 3 lunches)

SAT:
800 cr/720 m/700 w (may take again next year)
1520/2220 composite/total
No SAT IIs yet

ECs:
Projected National Merit Seminfinalist (219 PSAT in Pennsylvania)
Newspaper section editor (11, 12)
Key Club member (11, 12)
Church youth group webmaster, assorted leadership positions (9, 10, 11, 12)

Miscellanea:
AAUW Excellence in Writing winner

I realize I'm lacking a good bit of information but based on what I have right now, id appreciate if youd give me an idea if I have a chance of getting into these schools.

Also, I know that my EC's are definitely lacking. I know its probably too late but what can I do to improve my chances at getting in? Thanks for your comments.

flamingspirits00 · 03-30-2008, 08:43 PM

You look like ur on track....i dont really see the need for you to take ur SAT's again...but yeah. I think you should do other types of extra curricular activities. For example, i had a whole list of them, try to join student government or something, and look into fund raising and major organizations for fund raising such as Lupus, March of Dimes, AIDS etc...Participate in their walks. I'm POSITIVE those things gave me a huge boost.

As for schools i can only speak for NYU. It was really awkward this year kids with really high SATs scores got rejected and those with 1900's even 1800's accepted. Depending on where you apply i think you have a great shot.

sainclaire · 03-31-2008, 02:08 PM

Thanks for the input, student government in our school is pretty competitive with 3,500 people. I dont think many of those groups are active at my school, maybe starting a fund raiser might be an option?

NYU would be awesome but I've heard they really focus on ECs as well.

sainclaire · 04-01-2008, 06:16 AM

bump (10 char)

sainclaire · 04-02-2008, 11:46 AM

Lets try one more time...

gurico · 04-02-2008, 12:03 PM

Hello, if I have never been enrolled in any AP and my grades for 9th and 10th grade have been in the 70s but in 11th and 12th in the 80s and 90s what are my chances of entering a good college? I am Colombian.

nimattos · 04-02-2008, 12:04 PM

you should also consider doing some kind of sport, it helps a lot..

Nicolas Saenz · 04-02-2008, 12:15 PM

yes i agree with you nimattos, you could get a scolarship!!!! if i were to study in a college in the US, i woul apply in all the sports i do

drews · 04-02-2008, 12:20 PM

Yes i also agree with nimattos and Nicolas saenz, if you like to do sports, and you are good at it, why not try and apply in the sports you like and are good at?

flamingspirits00 · 04-02-2008, 01:42 PM

Well to be honest with you, just try. There are as well 3500 kids in my school, and i got a chance to be in it. Usually once ur in, your in. The next year even though you might have to write the essays and get the interviews there more likely to take you again for S.G. Also fund raisers are good but try something that relates to a walk. For example. Contact March of dimes, tell them to send you material. Help sell it, and attend the walk. This could potentially be something you start at the school which continues even til after you graduate.

sfkef2010 · 04-14-2008, 10:35 PM

I think that your Church youth group stuff is really going to make you stand out. Adding more ECs at this point is pointless. Rather, work on pumping up the ones you already have. Do something innovative that will be great essay fodder. Perhaps an independent study? Talk about your interests in relation to the college. Find info about campus religious activities, and demonstrate how you'll contribute, using examples from your life.

hpfanatic33 · 04-17-2008, 02:38 PM

you have a GREAT chance at both.