How high should I aim?

Applying to College
1

<p>I’ve just started researching colleges, but I keep getting mixed messages on how low or high I should aim.</p>

<p>GPA unweighted: 3.83
GPA weighted: 4.33
I’m in the top 15% of my class (not sure about the exact ranking).</p>

<p>ACT: 30
SAT: should be around 2200 (I have yet to take an official test, but this is what I got on a diagnostic)</p>

<p>SAT subject tests: US history - 780, Bio - 710 (I’m planning on taking either Math 2C or Literature in November)</p>

<p>AP classes: APUSH (5), AP Bio (5), AP Calc AB (5)</p>

<p>Extracurriculurs:
-school choir for four years
-voice lessons and dance for 8 years each
-classical piano for 7 years
-contemporary guitar for 3 years
-member of a few clubs (NHS, CSF, UN, Leo, Red Cross)</p>

<p>Leadership:
-Model UN chair
-Leo club officer
-Congressman Mike Honda’s Student Advisory Council (where teens’ voices can be heard and we hold a conference at the end of the year on a particular issue)</p>

<p>Volunteering:
-events through clubs (40 hours)
-West Valley Community Services for the summer (4 hours a week)
-Tech Museum volunteer starting September (5 hours per week)
-tutoring for an hour once a week for about two years (only during the school year, though)</p>

<p>I’d love to become an International Relations major, but I think schools like Georgetown, UChicago, and Tufts are out of my reach. So, I’m looking for good target schools! I’d truly appreciate any suggestions.</p>

<p>Thanks! :)</p>

2

<p>Maybe look into George Washington or American. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>i suggest looking for schools that have the academics/ co curriculars/ environment that you want, regardless of how “high” it is.</p>

4

<p>Take a look at University of Maryland in College Park if you like the big, state school vibe.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the suggestions! I really like the looks of George Washington University.</p>