To chance, or not to chance? Chance (me).

[HONORLIONS]

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Duke, Vanderbilt, and WUSTL are not “lower Ivies.” They are excellent schools that are not Ivies at all.

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<p>Didn’t mean to demean them or anything; was just using the standard terminology.</p>

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Your chances would appear to be the same as those of any reasonably qualified candidate. I think that you would have been better off spending your time doing something more interesting that self-studying APs–and not only from an admissions perspective–but that’s water under the bridge. Your best chance of getting into D or any other highly competitive school probably rests on your internship. You were wise to get a rec from your boss there.

Well the self-studying AP thing served two purposes. One, I come from a not very renowned school. When I self-studied those APs (sophomore year, back when the opportunity cost wasn’t as high), my intent was to try and academically distinguish myself above my peers. Considering a couple of my LoRs laud me well for doing something no one in my school ever has before, I think it’s served its purpose of making me a standout well. The other purpose was just the fact that self-studying 4 APs, 3 of which (well, even psych has to do with behavioral economics) having to do with my general social studies strength, would indeed look impressive, especially having done 4 as a mere sophomore.</p>

<p>Your point about the internship was actually what led me to start a chance me thread. I feel like my app wouldn’t cut it had it not been for the obvious outlier effect of that one internship. I guess it goes along with my general economics/political theme (IvyScholars, my courseload, ‘political focus’ of my religion, along with specific achievements in some of my ECs that I haven’t listed here). But I mean, balanced or imbalanced app, if the shoe fits, wear it.</p>