My Chances?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

<p>Basic Info:
Caucasian female from a suburb in Texas
I’m a Junior at an extremely competitive public school, and my graduating class includes a science/technology magnet school.</p>

<p>Rankings:
I’m currently 51/622
I have a 4.51 GPA weighted, a 3.97 unweighted.</p>

<p>Classes:
Senior Year I’m taking:
AP Calc BC
AP Literature/Comp
AP Macroeconomics (1 semester)
AP US Government (1 semester)
AP Computer Science II (AB)
Honors Molecular Genetics
Pre-AP Latin III
Varsity Mixed Choir
Show Choir (8th period, after everyone else goes home…)</p>

<p>Last year, I took AP World History, and all my other core classes were Pre-AP/Honors. This year, I’m taking AP Computer Science I (A), AP Language/Comp, and AP US History, and all my other core classes are Pre-AP.</p>

<p>Testing:
SAT:
CR: 800
Writing: 800 (12 on the essay)
Math: 730
Composite: 2330
I’ve only taken these once, haven’t taken the ACT, and I have yet to take the SAT II’s. I plan to take the Latin, Math II, and US History Subject Tests.</p>

<p>I received a 5 on the AP World History exam sophomore year.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
I’m not in a bunch this year, because Show Choir is a class that takes place when most clubs are going on, so I had to quit a bunch of activities when I made it through the Show Choir audition.</p>

<p>Choir – I’m in our Varsity Mixed Choir, the highest choir at our school, and I’m on the Student Leadership Board. I’ve made Region Choir every year, and have made a “Superior” Rating at UIL’s Solo and Ensemble competition every year. This year, I’m going to the S&E state competition, because I made a “Superior” on a Class One solo.</p>

<p>Show Choir – This is a huge commitment, including participation in the musical, a show each semester, tons of practices, an extra 8th class period, competitions (we’re going to Festival Disney next month!), and community performances (i.e., at lunches, breakfasts, awards ceremonies, etc.).</p>

<p>Church – In addition to being in the youth group, which meets on Sundays and Thursdays, and volunteering with the group in the community, I do a lot of volunteer work for the church. For example, I’m in the church choir, I work nursery and Children’s Church, and I design/assemble the church newsletter. I’m also a paid employee; Sunday nights, I lead the Preschool-Kindergarten Group in my church’s “Kids’ Club.”</p>

<p>Before I had to make some hard choices because of Show Choir, I was Debate Club Secretary for two years (this club is now defunct, because half the team transferred to the other high school in our area due to various issues), Writer’s Club President for two years, and a member of the Literary Club and Mu Alpha Theta.</p>

<p>Other:
I already know I’ll get good recommendations from my AP Computer Science teacher – she’s already asked me to let her write them. Both my AP English teacher and my Pre-Calculus teacher have written me recommendations for other things, and I know I could count on either one for a very positive letter.</p>

<p>I’m also pretty confident about my essays. I’ve already tried a few out while getting a feel for the application process, and I’m fairly comfortable. I think those will help my application</p>

<p>Schools I’m Looking at Applying To:
Texas Christian University
Rice University
Trinity University
University of Southern California
University of Texas-Austin
Duke University</p>

2

<p>TCU- low match
Rice- high match
Trinity- match
USC- high match/reach
UTA- match
Duke- high match/reach</p>

3

<p>Thanks a lot! :)</p>

<p>What exactly is the distinction between a “high match” and a “high match/reach”? Is there a huge difference?</p>

4

<p>You’re a little pessimistic, Jakor.</p>

<p>To the OP:</p>

<p>You’re in UTA automatically since you’re in the top 10%
Trinity and Texas Christian are Safeties
USC is a safe match
Rice is a match
You have a great chance at Duke</p>

5

<p>Thanks for your reply! :D</p>

<p>That’s really reassuring. I’ve been worried because my EC’s aren’t that great, and I don’t have a stellar class rank.</p>

6

<p>Er, I don’t know where Jakor and HeavenWood get their info, but…</p>

<p>USC: match (your stats are on target, not above it, so not a safe match)
Rice: match
Duke: possible</p>

7

<p>On target? Average weighted GPA is what…about a 4.3? 75th %ile SAT is 2180. Yes, ECs are a little weak, and that will most likely hurt at Duke, but I see no problems as USC.</p>

8

<p>In any case, thanks so much for the input, guys! I really appreciate it!</p>

9

<p>So I visited all the colleges I hadn’t yet over Spring Break, and I’ve pretty much narrowed my list to four schools: TCU, UT, Rice, and USC.</p>

<p>The main thing I’m worried about now is scholarship chances, because I’m part of the “middle class poor” that doesn’t qualify for substantial financial aid but can’t afford to go to expensive private schools…gah.</p>

<p>At TCU, I was told that “to qualify for scholarships,” you need to have around an 1800 on the SAT and to be in the top 15% at your school. So I think I’m fine there. I really like the campus, too, so I’d be happy there.</p>

<p>At Rice, I might get in, but on the scholarship front, my only chance is that I’m hoping to major in Computer Science, and as a female, that’s pretty rare. The only merit-based scholarship (which is all I’m gonna qualify for) that covers full tuition is in the Engineering department, and CS is in that category…so I dunno. There’s a chance, but it’s slight. I hate having to base this whole process on money…but what can you do?</p>

<p>UT’s a state school, so I’m guaranteed admission unless I fail miserably Senior year and drop down 12 spots in my class, and it’s affordable. No worries there; it’s my safety.</p>

<p>USC is just…there. Honestly, I might be able to get in, because I’m right in the middle of median scores, etc, for the most part. But I’m only above that median in a few areas, and I’m not sure if I’m scholarship material at USC. So I’m just gonna apply, interview, and see what happens.</p>

<p>Honestly, if it comes down to money, I think I’ll end up at TCU. Anyone have any thoughts in that respect? My scholarship chances?</p>