So I just got rejected from Penn ED and I’m feeling majorly bummed but not completely surprised. I’m more upset that I have like two weeks to get my other apps together. That being said, I’m starting to rethink myself. My highest composite ACT is 33, superscore is a 34 (taken twice, would prob just send both). I feel like my ECs are really good and my essays would be passionate. The only hook I have is that I’m a URM.
With my less that subpar GPA, does anyone have any suggestions on match colleges or safeties? Should I even waste my time applying to schools I love but are reaches like Yale and Northwestern
What is your unweighted GPA?
Your ACT is certainly competitive, URM or not. (and most of us think that URM status does help – the extent isn’t clear, but it is a plus at schools that admit holistically).
To answer your question: i imagine that if your gpa is above a 3.0, with that ACT and URM status you can get into plenty of desirable schools. Maybe not the 20ish most selective LACs and U’s, but again, that will likely depend on your GPA. But the list of quality schools does not stop at #11. The US is blessed to be home to so many outstanding schools.
It’s totally normal to be disappointed, but yes there are lots more great out there and it will all work out! Have you worked with your GC to pull together a list of realistic reaches, matches and safeties? You say to have a subpar GPA - will you share as that will be a factor in your academic profile?
Oops I thought I added my GPA sorry! It’s a 3.7 UW, 4.4 W and my course rigor the most extreme it could be for my school
3.7 and 33 would probably get you into some top-25 (in terms of selectivity…) LACs and U’s. Add URM to the equation and i really think, if you have identified schools you can afford that fit you well, you should be in decent shape. (obviously have matches and st least one true safety lined up too)
LACs especially crave diversity – they tend not to receive as many URM apps by percentage, but they tend to want to be just as diverse as the selective universities are. I’ll just toss some LAC names out there: Colby, Colgate, Bates, Hamilton, U of Richmond, Claremont McKenna, Haverford, Carleton, Wesleyan, Davidson, Grinnell, Oberlin…
Most are fairly rural, with small-town locations.But all are quality. If they offer majors that interest you, you might consider those that fit you best. (in addition to any universities you are considering).
I agree with @prezbucky that you might have a chance at one of the more northern LACs such as Colby or Bowdoin or Grinnell. These three are all great schools and there are many more great LACs. Personally I think that Brunswick (the home of Bowdoin) is a very nice small town.
For a safety, I am wondering about your in-state public schools, but I don’t know which state you are from. Obviously your budget and EFC might also matter.
I’m from California so I’ve applied to UCs as well as San Diego State and Cal Poly SLO
Try Vassar. It’s an excellent school and on the direct train line to NYC – 90 minutes in for a day trip. Gorgeous campus. FA is excellent.
Also try U of Rochester–again an excellent school, and provides great FA
Both have some of the Yale personality. Both are fairly free spirited in that way. Lots of arty smart kids, but also top sciences. Vassar was Yale’s sister school. It went co-ed in 1968 or something.
Alternately – Wesleyan U. Great school, excellent FA
The highly selective LAC’s in the Northeast, referred to as “NESCAC (the North East Small College Athletic Conference) schools or “Little Ivy” schools, have many great choices that are ranked in the top-20, including Amherst, Bowdoin, Colby, Hamilton and Williams; they all have lots of students from the West Coast - it’s usually the #3 or #4 state represented.
Our twin DD’s are both freshman at Hamilton and love it - one is a Poli Sci major and the other Neuroscience; they both profiled well - 35 ACT, 750-800 SAT2’s, 3.8 UW / 4.2 W GPA, AP Scholars with Distinction, but are ORM from the NE… this year 40% of the students accepted had a 34+ ACT/ 1500+ SAT so its got plenty of super smart students. And Hamilton has lots of West Coast, and beyond students, as one DD has a roommate from Portland, OR and other DD has a roommate from China.
Hamilton as Home https://youtu.be/7uEVIBgZR3Y
Hamilton: The Promise https://youtu.be/9MJ9PrxzNEU
Hamilton the First 200 Years https://youtu.be/OqpTWexocv4
Honestly, I think you should go for the reach schools you like–like Yale and Northwestern. Your ACT scores are pretty good, and your GPA isn’t that bad.
ECs and essays are mattering more and more. You say your essays are passionate–that’s definitely a plus. Do you consider yourself a good writer, too? Well-written, colorful, and passionate essays will immediately set you apart from everyone else. They can capture admission officers’ attention so that you’re not just another set of statistics. If you have an interesting topic to write about, that’s even better.
Also, have you written the essays for your reach schools yet? If not, consider how much time it’ll take you to write them well. Northwestern only has one writing supplement, so if you’re short on time that might be a good one to go for. I’m not sure how many essays Yale has though.