Hello, I’m a junior at a private school in New Jersey. I know that I shouldn’t feel pressure from college admissions yet but I just wanted to share my stats and see my chances at top tier school.
GPA: 4.25 weighted
SAT: 1550 (750 English, 800 Math)
SAT II: 760 Chem, 800 Math II
Extracurriculars: I am in the all state orchestra for clarinet, math club president, service leader, and president of computer sci club at my school. I volunteer as a homework tutor for underprivileged students.
APS: I am currently taking 4 APS and plan to take 3 more next year.
I know its hard to predict with limited info, but I just want to see if it will be worth the try.
Thank you!
If you are at a private school then you likely have a very strong guidance department who can give you the best information.
IMO it is impossible to chance for the top schools many of which have acceptance rates in the single digits. Your academics are strong and should get you past the first hurdle so pick a couple of top schools you really like as your reaches, apply, and see what happens. A lot will depend on things we can’t see here such as your essays, recommendations etc.
Be sure to work with your guidance counselor to create a balanced application list that includes match and safety schools that appear affordable and that you would be excited to attend.
IMO, your odds are similar to those of other kids applying to these schools, which is not great. The acceptance rates at ivys are low and it’s just totally unpredictable. However, I don’t think there is any information you’ve provided that would make me thing you shouldn’t bother applying. But like another person said, I would not count on admission at any highly competitive school, simply because no one can count on that. Have some other options on your list.
I agree you should talk to your counselor who will know how you stack up compared to other students from your school who have been accepted or denied.
I wouldn’t assume OP has negative traits. And adcoms don’t fuss over whether the Ferpa was waived. There are ways LoR writers convey full endorsement vs just niceties.
But if he’s a stem wannabe, aiming high, there are ways he could bump up those ECs. That includes service.
He or she needs to learn more about what top tier schools look for. It’s not all stats and number of AP.
An Ivy League or another top-tier school isn’t necessarily the best college for you, or anyone else. Find colleges that fit you the best, academically, financially and socially. And equally, and perhaps even more importantly, make sure they will also see you as a good fit for their schools.
Even more important, what do you want in a university? Do you want a big school or a small school? Do you want to be in a big city, small city, or small town? Do you have some idea what you might want to major in?
CAN you get into an Ivy? Yes, your stats put you into the pool, but it is a very deep pool.
WILL you get in? That we can’t answer. There are often ~40k applicants at an Ivy. About ~30k are qualified, fighting for about 2000 spots at any one school.