<p>I am a junior in the same situation. I am an absolute UC fanatic and have been following these threads like crazy for the past few months (yes… it worries me as well). I have gleaned the following information:</p>
<ol>
<li>Your essays will make or break you</li>
<li>Make sure your SATs break at least 2100 (the approximate of a 1400)… It is better to look like a slacker than an idiot… thankfully we have time</li>
<li>There better be an upward trend in your GPA or else you are screwed (not for everyone but if your transcript has any “ifs”…)</li>
<li>Hard course load… but obviously you are already doing that</li>
<li>Most importantly: MAKE SURE THEY KNOW YOU CARE</li>
</ol>
<p>The rest is luck and good fortune.</p>