Chance me for: U-Wisconsin, Colgate, Reed, NYU, U of Vermont, Boulder, U Michigan

Chance Me / Match Me
1

Hi! I’m a current senior in high school and have submitted all of my applications (thank goodness :-). I would love to hear your advice and predictions on college admissions. I was recently deferred by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which is one of my top choices, and would greatly appreciate input on how I can help my chances of acceptance in the spring. I am an OOS, California applicant to all of these schools. I apologize for the long post and thank you so much to whoever takes the time :slight_smile:

AP/Honors Courses + Exam Scores:

  1. AP European History - 3 (Sophomore)
  2. AP French Language - 4 (Sophomore)
  3. AP Psychology - 4 (Junior)
  4. AP English Language - 4 (Junior)
  5. AP US History - 4 (Junior)
  6. AP English Literature - (Senior class N/A)
  7. AP US Government - (Senior class N/A)
  8. AP Environmental Science - (Senior Class N/A)
  9. English 2 Honors
  10. French 5 Honors

My GPA and grades have significantly increased in the past two years. (Sophomore year & 1st semester junior year I had to deal with some serious family, outside, and mental health issues). I understand they are low and I take full responsibility for them. However, I do work hard and genuinely LOVE to learn.

cumulative uw: 3.22
cumulative weighted: 3.60

2nd semester junior year: weighted - 3.9; uw - 3.3
1st semester senior year: weighted - 3.9; uw - 3.38

ACT: 30, super score 31
English: 35
Reading: 32
Science: 31
Math: 24

Outside Extracurriculars:
- Research Assistant at Stanford University (I study & write about terrorist groups in Sub-Saharan Africa)
- Co-Founder of website/organizations (we research and document systemic problems across the world + have a
discussion panel to discuss the articles/questions relating to them + a competition where people engineer policies to
solve specific issues & the money they win goes to a charity of their choice)
- Leadership & Social Justice Training (An immersion in Arizona to learn about US/Mexican border issues and immigrant
rights. I created an action plan to spread social awareness in schools.)
- Marketing Intern at Chegg (Wrote and published articles for Chegg Play focusing on students’ mental health. Utilized
numerous social media platforms to promote brand content)
- Sales Rep @ local pet store

  • School Clubs:
    • Model United Nations Captain
    • Board Member, Stand Up! Speak Up! (Worked with other students to spread awareness on specific issues each month,
      such as water rights in India and child labor in North Korea)
    • JV Lacrosse Captain & MVP + Varsity Lacrosse
    • Robotics Club (I had to quit early b/c of lacrosse)
  • Volunteering:
    • Assistant Director for Zimbabwe Orphans Run & Fair (I manage and direct a 1 mile run/fair to raise money for work
      grants for an AIDS orphanage in Zimbabwe)

Latest results: Accepted EA Boulder (legacy); Deferred EA Wisconsin-Madison

2

I intend to double major in international relations and environmental science

3

Your course rigor is good, but UMich is out of your reach due to low GPA and below mid 50 test score.

4

I’d say you have a good shot at Boulder and Vermont, but the rest seem unlikely to me based on grades and test scores. You get a sense yourself by looking at the Common Data Set that each school publishes. Just google CDS and school name. It will show you a good amount of data on typical accepted student profiles and also what the schools consider as very important, important, considered or not important.

5

CDS suggests Reed could be a match, 50/50.

6

Your unweighted is unfortunately way too low for Madison

7

Your app seems like it would get a better reception at a LAC, where they would put more emphasis on your ECs (which are fantastic!). I imagine you will do better at Colgate or Reed.

8

Do you think NYU-Gallatin would pay attention to my ECs like Colgate and Reed? It’s a much smaller program that’s based on individualized study

9

UW Madison is out of reach due to your low gpa. Your above average ACT is not enough to carry you