The Official Chances Thread!

mathboy98 · May 22, 2009, 4:15pm

Ditto on what KitKatz said about you Metal – I’ll add that Math II is a very, very easy 800 if you just study – use the book by Rusen Meylani or whatever. I actually skipped precalculus and went straight from algebra II to calculus back in the day, and had to review some topics for the Math IIC.

A low SAT is definitely not great. The SAT is a monumentally idiotic test, but unfortunately, while it probably won’t get you into schools, it can keep you out of very stats-based admissions processes. I’d say with your heavy coursework and all, managing to beat 2200 on the SAT would probably make things start talking. Sorry, I hate that the SAT is still used, but it unfortunately is. Can you not take it ANY more times? And just work very hard at mastering the stupid testing strategies? I’d be sad if an otherwise talented student didn’t make it solely because of the SAT, but I’ll bet it happens many times.

Shizzle_1 · May 22, 2009, 9:41pm

KitKatz: Well I took APUSH and AP Bio last year so I really have the next two weeks to try to refresh my Bio memory. I don’t know if I’ll remember enough for the US subject test. But the Barron’s Math 2 book looks so hard!! I only finished Pre-calc and my teacher 2nd semester wasn’t that great. So I’m not sure if US or Math 2 would be the better option… How is the US subject test anyway? In terms of material? Would reviewing my APUSH books be enough for it?

KitKatz · May 22, 2009, 10:06pm

APUSH is more than enough. The general rule is AP tests are significantly more difficult than SAT IIs. Math 2 isn’t as hard as it looks, really. Now would be the ideal time for you to take it since you’ve just had pre-calc (it’s all about precalc as Mathboy pointed out). I thought it looked hard when I took the test (which is also the first time I ever saw a math II test–don’t do what I did…seriously), But that’s cuz I didn’t remember some of the materials–if you take sometime to study, you should be fine.

I took US history before I took the AP test. It’s very doable–if you remember majority of the topics like WWI &II, Constitution, Civil War & reconstruction, Imperialism, civil rights movement, Western expansion and Cold War. It’s really not that bad. Yes, do study from APUSH study guide. it’s more than enough.

Maybe bio is a better option for you at this point. If you can do better on the bio practice test and remember the material. I personally dislike bio, but I will not push my opinion on you. Take which ever test that will get you the highest score, doesn’t matter which one.

laklak900 · May 22, 2009, 10:49pm

Hi! I just has a quick question. Due to my schools strict policy, I was unable to get into the honors program for my freshman and sophomore year, and I only had math honors. This year, as a junior, I was accepted into English honors, with math honors, and I took 2 APs ( In my school, you can only start taking AP’s as a junior). I have good SAT’s scores and very strong EC’s. Will my lack of honors in sophomore year hurt my chances? On a side note, I’m taking 4 APs as a senior.

Shizzle_1 · May 22, 2009, 10:55pm

I’ll keep that in mind as I frantically try to make a decision before next week. Thanks a lot for all of your help!!

KitKatz · May 22, 2009, 11:20pm

Shizzle: Good luck! don’t sweat it too much cuz you can always take 'em again!

Laklak: it depends entirely on your rank–it will place your GPA into context, and that is sometimes more important due to situations like yours. It will also tell them something about the rigor of your class–colleges want to see if you have taken full advantage of what your school offers. I need to see more of your stats before I can give you a proper assessment. Please give a full account of what you have (ECs, SAT I & II, rank, GPA).

Metalpots · May 23, 2009, 1:36am

Thank you, mathboy98, I agree with you completely. If I don’t get into a good school, I think I may dedicate my life to running the college board out of business… actually, they’re so powerful that the statement I just made is probably going to keep me out of top colleges
The reason why I can’t take the SAT later than June is because I’m applying early decisions to Cornell and I want to be sure to have my best SATs sent to them- October may make it difficult to get scores in by Nov 1… But, I can take the ACT again in September, so I think it’s a better bet for studying this summer. UC-B doesn’t have a preference for the SAT over the ACT, right?
That Math II was a fluke. I took my 3 subj tests on one day and only studied the week before for all of them- plus I zoned out for a good 10 minutes on the Math II… I can most likely make a 750 or over with some studying.
Thanks for all your input everyone!

Shizzle_1 · May 25, 2009, 8:11pm

So my unweighted GPA isn’t going to bring be down too much??

I rechecked after this year it will actually be more like

UW: 3.60
W: 4.31

I mean they were all honors courses after freshman year, does that have any merit?

And for the UC GPA, I don’t get what they mean by 8 semesters of honors points…

wenger402 · May 25, 2009, 11:19pm

chance me for cal (CA Resident)

Bioengineering Major

Rank: 1/499
GPA W: 4.21 UW: 3.97
Taken most challenging courses availible

Junior year GPA W: 4.83 UW: 4.00 (AP Calc, APUSH, AP Psych, Hon Chem, Hon Eng, French III)
Senior Year Classes: AcDec, Journaliss, AP Econ, AP Gov, AP Calc BC, AP Physics (Eng 1A at community college) Possibly French IV AP

SAT: 2080
770 M
690 CR
620 W

Retaking in fall, projecting 2200+

Taking subject tests in June

Extracurricular

Academic Achievement

Member of National Honor Society (Grades 9, 10, & 11)
Member of California Scholarship Federation (Grades 9, 10, & 11)
Member of School Honor Society (Grades 9, 10, & 11)
North Coast Section, CIF Scholar Athelete (Grades 9,10, & 11)
Community Achievement Award: Top Ten Sophomore/Junior Class (Grade 10,11)
Journalism: Page Editor of Award Winning School Newspaper (12—will happen)
Member of State Recognized, Award Winning Academic Decathalon Team: Division I Honors Competitor, (12—will happen))

Athletic Achievement

School Badminton Team (Grade 9) JV (Grade 10) Varsity (Grade 11)

Civic Involvement

Volunteer at Regional Library 2 Hours Every Week (September 2007 – Present) (around 150 hours)
Founding Member of the Library Teen Advisory Council, Meeting 1 Hour Every Month (September 2007 - Present)
Only Youth Member of Library Advisory Board, Meeting 1 Hour Every 3 Months (June 2008 – Present)

Work/Job Experience

Paid Internship at Biotech Startup (a Biotechnology Company Located In Silicon Valley That Develops the Latest Software and Hardware for Skin Analysis) 4 Hours Every Week (June 2007-Present) Duties Include Assembling Systems, Setting Up Computers, and Research
Interned as a Reasearch and Development Analyst, published a White Paper (formal research for the company on their products) availible on company’s website
Possible of Letter of Rec from CEO!

Leadership positions

President and Founder of Students For Global Awareness, A School Club That Educates Students and Conducts Fundraisers For Humanitarian Efforts, 3 Hours Every Week (September 2008 – Present)
Attended California Legion Boy’s State for Summer 2009
United States Air Force Academy Leadership Summer Program

Will that taking Eng 1A at community college instead of AP Eng hurt me?
Should I take French IV AP?
Will i get in?

soadquake981 · May 26, 2009, 12:39pm

Hello,

Here is some information about me:

Graduation Year: 2010
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Asian (Indian)
State: Oregon

School: Small international school
GPA: 4.0 (unweighted)
Class rank: 1 out of 20
SAT: 2400, 12 essay
ACT: 35 composite, 8 essay (I think most schools will disregard this in favor of the SAT score?)
SAT Subject Tests: Math 2, Chemistry, Biology (I plan to take these soon)
Courses: IB diploma candidate

<ul>
<li>IB English HL</li>
<li>IB History HL</li>
<li>IB Biology HL</li>
<li>IB Math HL</li>
<li>IB Chemistry SL</li>
<li>IB Mandarin SL (I’ve heard that this makes my application unique… does it?)</li>
<li>(IB) Theory of Knowledge</li>
</ul>

Recommendations: At least good, probably pretty good.

Extracurricular activities:

<ul>
<li>Model United Nations - 4 years - Founder, President/Ambassador all four years</li>
<li>Student Government - 3 years - Founder, Public Relations Officer</li>
<li>Boy Scouts - 7 years - Eagle Scout</li>
<li>Jazz Band - 3 years</li>
<li>School Newspaper - 2 years - Founder, Editor-in-Chief</li>
<li>Interact Club - 1 year - Founder, President</li>
</ul>

Awards:

<ul>
<li>National Honor Society</li>
<li>Eagle Scout</li>
<li>AMC 10/12 school winner - 3 years running</li>
<li>National Merit Semifinalist (projected - PSAT 223)</li>
</ul>

This summer, I will be working at a renewable energy company. I will also be working as an intern at Portland State University, researching solar energy.

Please give me your honest appraisal for my chances for admission at Berkeley. Thank you!

Shizzle_1 · May 26, 2009, 2:05pm

soadquake: Do you even need to ask?? I’m pretty sure you’re like guaranteed in. You’re good enough for the ivies as well.

KitKatz · May 26, 2009, 5:40pm

Shizzle: Definitely better.

Wenger: Get your SAT up to the projected score, 750+ SAT IIs and insightful/well-written essays, then you should be good to go. ECs, rank, and GPA look great for a CA resident.

Soadquake: Madarin SL is not really unique, although maybe for an Indian. But still, it’s unique only if you use Madarin for an EC…testing…um. not so much.

mathboy98 · May 26, 2009, 9:59pm

Soadquake – guaranteed for Berkeley, Ivies are a tossup as always, see if your luck holds out ;)

soadquake981 · May 27, 2009, 9:20am

Thanks for your input! Anyone else?

Shizzle_1 · May 27, 2009, 10:59am

Definitely better what??

Soadquake- I’m pretty sure everyone will say the same thing. lol.

Hey- speaking of Mandarin. I took 3 years of German, but ended up not continuing because I wasn’t a fan of my teacher. Plus I’m not sure if there really is a German department at this school. Would taking Mandarin via Dual Enrollment look good?

Rny2 · May 28, 2009, 8:44pm

Here are my stats: Any thoughts?

36/12 ACT
5/490 Rank
4.27 UC GPA
4.43 Unweighted GPA
3.9~ Weighted GPA

Out of State (Illinois) Applying to LS, Econ major

Extracurriculars:

Class President (9,10,11)
Debate Team (9,10 Captain 11)
Academic Team (Captain 9,10,11)
Band (9,10,11) First Chair Trombone, Band President
Thespians, NHS member (11)

Ron Paul Presidential Campaign Precinct Leader

AMC 10/12 School Winner (9,10,11)
NMSQT Semifinalist

Shizzle_1 · May 28, 2009, 9:58pm

I’m pretty sure you’re in.

eusc · May 31, 2009, 6:05pm

Academic GPA: 3.6 (got 2Cs in Chem honors)
UC UW: 3.64
UC Weighted GPA: 4.0

SAT I: M780 CR660 WR730 – 2170

SAT II Scores
-Math IIC: 800
-Physics: 800
-U.S. History: 700
-Chinese: 800

AP’s(didn’t take classes at school)
-Stats 5
-Calc AB 5
-Psychology 5
-Chinese 5

AP’s(senior year)
-AP Physics B
-APCS
-AP Econ
-AP Cal BC

9th Grade:
-District Speech Contest Finalist
-District Art Show Honorable Mention
11th Grade:
-research awards
-math
-school physics department award

-Volunteer Work(just activities from school clubs)
-Working at a Design Company for 2yrs
-First generation college student

I joined a few clubs.

My GPA is horrible, especially 9/10th grade, but got straight A in junior year. =)
Will colleges consider my improvement?

Thanks!! and what should i do to improve myself? =) thank you!

mathboy98 · June 1, 2009, 3:01pm

One thing would be to raise your SAT a ton. Your SAT and GPA are two numbers that virtually get punched into some formula which should be high. If your GPA is lacking, well first off 9th grade doesn’t matter for Cal, so your straight A’s junior year help a lot. I think the main thing now is to get a very high SAT because you have good SAT II’s. Aim for 2250+ on the SAT, 2300+ being even better.

Shizzle_1 · June 3, 2009, 6:31pm

I wander this thread a lot.

Hey mathboy- how come the person above has similar stats to mine and you told me I’m likely in if I raise get a good SAT?? I mean my GPA is even worse than eusc’s.

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