Hi I just finished junior year and am applying to colleges right now. I go to one of the most prestigious boarding schools where the average SAT score is over 2000. I have a fairly low gpa because I really screwed around Freshman Year. My GPA was 2.5 Freshman Year, 3.35 Sophomore Year, and 3.97 Junior Year. My ACT score was 35 and my SAT subject test scores were 750 on Chemistry and 780 on Math II. I am on the board of a Political Club, the board of an organization that helps raise money for charity, and Captain of the Varsity Tennis team. I volunteer teaching tennis to inner city kids and helping them with homework 3 times a week.
I am half Korean/half Irish. I am a male who comes from a very wealthy family. My dad went to Brown and is a big donor.
I know I screwed up Freshman Year, but I am looking to get a 4.0 GPA for the 1st Semester of Senior Year.
Do I have a shot at any of these schools?
Thanks
Columbia/Brown/Stanford are reaches for anyone - it’s hard to predict chances at these schools. Lots of valedictorians/36 ACT scores get rejected from these schools every year.
However, you’re a legacy for Brown because your dad went there - this is a hook and will likely increase your chances. You should consider applying ED to Brown if it’s your first choice. ED + a hook (legacy) = highest chance of getting in.
Colleges like these like to see improvement throughout high school. Your freshman year GPA is fairly low, but you did improve in sophomore and jr year. You should include in your application any reasons why your freshman GPA was so low, because it will likely be a red flag for these schools.
You have good ACT + SAT II scores, but it’s not all about the scores - colleges look at your application "holistically’. Work hard in senior year and on your essays, and ask the teachers who know you the best to write your letters.
Your GPA is lower than the average for Georgetown and NYU, but your ACT is above average. Definitely make sure you explain your GPA. Georgetown also recommends 3 SAT IIs, so you should take another. Good luck!