<p>I am having a lot of trouble decoding this whole "acceptance rate" thing? So how am I supposed to compare myself? I have extremely average test scores and grades, but I am pretty confident about my EC's. I'm looking for a great safety school for me that isn't too easy to get into, but somewhere where I still have a strong chance of getting in.</p>
<p>So my question is, is 30% acceptance rate a reach for me or too generous for my qualifications?</p>
<p>Here is what my application would look like:</p>
<p>The Facts:</p>
<p>Gender: Female
From: Small California town
Potential Majors: Architecture, Environmental Studies</p>
<p>SAT I: 1950
ACT: 28
SAT II: Japanese 750, U.S. History 670, Chemistry 650
AP: Japanese 5, World H 3, Chem 3
GPA: 4.12</p>
<p>EC's</p>
<p>Clubs: Created Peru Project club and organized 2 week service trip to Peru, bringing together 15 other high school girls to build greenhouses in an impoverished village; Synchronized Swimming Club, head coach and president; Environmental Club, treasurer; Youth Rotary Club; Red Cross Club</p>
<p>Sports: Synchronized Swimming (5 years) competitive team; Water Polo (varsity all 4 years) Captain, Coach's Award 2011, Best Defender 2008, 3rd in league 2008; Swimming (varsity all 4 years) Captain, MVP 2011, 2nd in league 2009; Basketball (played only FR/SO years, made Varsity FR year), league champs 2010</p>
<p>Arts: Dance Company (3 years) treasurer, choreographer and performer; Orchestra (3 years) first chair viola, Honors Orchestra; Photography; Art; Lead Vocalist in a Band</p>
<p>Volunteer: The Peru Project (explained under Clubs above), Big Sur International Marathon, green volunteer (i.e. habitat restoration)</p>
<p>Work Experience: Lifeguard (3 years); Swim Instructor (3 years)</p>
<p>So how do I compare against this "30% acceptance rate?"</p>
<p>Thank you!!! :)</p>