I am going to be a junior and over the summer I took 3 extra classes. They were completely optional to take. I took the classes to give me more time in my schedule to stay in band and Spanish as well as pursue more science classes. On a college app, would this be helpful?
Also, if you want, what are my chances for BU, Tufts, UNC Chapel Hill, Northwestern, and possibly Washington University in St. Louis.
Long shot at any of the Ivies
UW GPA 3.86
W GPA 3.93…my school doesn’t weight AP and dual enrollment like most schools, they aren’t weighted as high.
ACT
32…first time, took with no studying…planning on taking again this fall and spring
English 31
Math 29…I don’t know why, math is usually my highest
Reading 34
Science 34
SAT
Haven’t taken it yet…planning to in November shooting for a 2000-2200
APs
APUSH (brand new test this past year)-4…10th
APLAC- projecting a 5…11th
AP Calc AB- projecting a 5…11th
AP Chemistry-projecting a 5…11th
AP Calc BC-projecting a 5…12th
AP Lit projecting a 4/5…12th
AP Micro/Macro-projecting a 4/5 on both…12th
AP Stats-projecting 4/5…12th
College in the School-through the University of MN
Spanish IV…A- (10th)
Spanish V…A or A- (11th)
Anatomy and Physiology…A (11th)
Physics…A (12th)
ECs
Basketball and Softball all through elementary and middle. Didn’t play 9th due to ACL tear and Surgery, back at it 10th-12th
Interact Club Started in 10th- 50+ hours of service throughout that year
Student Ambassadors, helping new students and families- 10th-12th
School Band- Played clarinet since 6th grade, self-taught saxophone in 7th grade
Jazz Band
Currently working with my counselor to find more academic, science-focused ECs
My Evaluation Form for Student’s on College Confidential:
GPA: 9/10 (Great)
SAT/ACT Scores: 8/10 (Good)
SAT II Scores: N/A
Rigorous Courses?: Yes
AP’s: If your “projections” are correct then that’s really good! (AP scores have little effect on admissions)
EC’s: Good. You’re EC’s show determination and consistency. Try to participate in leadership positions.
Volunteer/Work: On the small side, however you’re still young.
Recommendations: N/A
Awards: N/A (I do not usually expect students to have any unique awards)
Essays: N/A
Other Comments:
Taking extra classes might help you a little bit. However, I do not believe they will necessarily make or break an application. I believe you have a decent chance of being accepted to the above schools you listed. However, I think that your application could benefit and you can secure a better chance at being accepted if you were to participate in an activity or just do something really unique. Colleges really like it when you demonstrate your passions and apply yourself.
While you should always strive to do your best, I do not believe improving your ACT/SAT scores or your GPA will improve your chances. Your academic stats are already really good!
I evaluate people brutally. However, I also try to be accurate and answer your questions as best as I can! Feel free to ask me anything! Questions and comments are always welcome! Good luck and have a great day!
WhiteGhost26… Thank you very much for your input. You mention to get involved in a unique activity, what activities do you suggest I participate in. Right now my school really doesn’t offer many ECs but as I mentioned I am trying to find some through my counselor or science teacher. It would be nice to know what kind of activities I should be looking for. I love science (I want to major in Biology/Biochemistry and become a Orthopedic Surgeon).
Do you think it would be pointless to retake the ACT or take the SAT. I hear college respect the SAT more, but the ACT is more common in my area. I go to a school that consistently ranks near the top of schools for my state, MN.
Thanks in advance for your reply.
A lot of individuals get involved in activities because they think that colleges will like them for it. In reality, you should participate in something that you WANT to participate in and are passionate about. And when I say to get involved in something unique, I don’t mean you should join something like the bowling team or such things. Rather, I believe you should take/do something you find meaningful and make it a part of your life.
For example, I plan to be a computer science major. I have a passion for programming and working with technology. Thus, I obtained a job as a web designer (where I designed and encoded a website) and an IT worker. This demonstrates my passion for computers and it is unique (not many people do this).
Overall, I cannot tell you what to do. Just follow your heart and do what you love. Colleges cannot scold you for that.
Colleges weigh the SAT and ACT the same. They both demonstrate your abilities.
A 32 on the ACT is a rough equivalent to a 2120 on the SAT. So unless you feel that you can get above a 32/2120 AND that it will benefit you, I wouldn’t feel the need to do it again.
