I’m likely going to attend UW Madison because of cheap in-state tuition, but was wondering if it’d be worth applying to some of the higher-end private schools that provide financial aid (Vanderbilt, Duke, Stanford, Ivies). I feel like my resume is weak (not enough extracurricular) and it might be a long shot to get in, but I would hate to think I missed an opportunity. Do you think its worth time/money to apply to these elite schools?
Junior
White male with 3 siblings, parent income 90-100K.
4.00 GPA and Class Rank 1 (might be 3.99 after this year)
6 Honors Classes (all that were available)
5 AP courses (will take 3 more senior yr)
ACT Score: 34 (8 on writing)
*not planning on taking SAT
Extracurricular:
3 yrs Fall Sport (1 Varsity)
2 yrs Spring Sport
Nation Honors Society
National Business Honors Society
2 yr Deca Member
Ski and Snowboard Club
I’m hoping to get a leadership position in one or both of the Honors Societies and possibly co-found a religious club. Maybe this will help a little, but I think its too large of a weakness for these top schools. What do you think my chances are? Thanks for the help, and be honest.
Your stats are great, but like everyone else who applies (unless you are a recruited athlete, your parents built a building on campus etc.) then your chances are small. There are just a ton of well qualified applicants for every spot. But you are definitely in the ballpark so take a shot at a few schools that you think will be affordable. Also you are fortunate to have such a good in-state option.
I’d be more than content with attending Madison and could care less about the “elite” status. But if you told me I had a chance to attend a higher quality university that would cost me less money (like Stanford), I would like to know.
Before you set your heart on applying to what you consider an elite U run the Net Price Calculator on the school’s web site. You may not be eligible for as much FA as you think.
After going through the admissions process this year, I can truly say that elite schools are a crapshoot. The more you apply to, the better chance you have of getting in (however, don’t apply to a presitgious school that you would hate attending). You have fine test scores, grades, and extracurriculars. If you want to increase your chances, find a way to make yourself stand out. It doesn’t have to be winning a national science fair, curing cancer, creating a business, or anything of that magnitude. Also, write your essays as if you were directly speaking to the member of the admissions reading your app. Don’t play it safe.
I thought applying to “elite” schools was a waste of my time as well, until on the last day of decisions one came through for me. Make sure you have targets and safeties that you’d want to attend. It sounds like stereotypical advice, but I wish I took it more seriously six months ago. Good luck!
If you are happy with UW and can afford it and can really see yourself there (and whatever other safety you pick), then go ahead. You have a verry verrrrry small chance, much like 20,000 other students.