What are my chances?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

I’ve been looking at some colleges, most notably, Columbia, UChicago, UPenn, and Harvard. I plan to do a double major (thinking about political sci. and econ) and go to law school. I want to know how I fare against other people applying to the same schools, similar schools I should apply to, and whether or not I should stick with something less competitive. Also considering foreign schools as I’ve heard the GPA competition is a bit more lax.

Before we get into my portfolio, here’s some background info:
I suffered from crippling depression and anxiety for the first 2 years of high school. As a result, my grades suffered. Like, really suffered. It was at the end of sophomore year when I finally realized I needed help and pulled my life around. Since then, I’ve shown drastic growth in my GPA, but it isn’t as high as it could’ve been.

Without further ado:

Personal: Low income family, Asian male, 2nd generation immigrant, 1st generation college student

GPA (unweighted): 3.5
GPA (weighted): 3.79
SAT: 1580 (800 Reading & Writing, 780 math)
SAT Subject: Math II 800, Bio (M) 780, Chem 780
ACT: 33 (may retake)
Class rigor: Mostly honors + AP, Some college math (MV Calc, Linear Algebra, and Diff. Equations)
AP Classes and Scores: Calc BC, Bio, Chem, Physics B, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, Physics C: Mechanics, Econ (micro/macro), Gov, Lit, Spanish
Additional notes: 5s on all my AP tests, got only As after sophomore year, took a gap year to do an internship at a law firm,

Extracurriculars/Activities
-ISEF: Runner-up for my category (Biochem)
-Debate: 2-time state runner up
-Clubs: NSHS, Debate, Spanish Club, StuCo, Model UN
-Volunteer Work: Teen Court, local museum, United Way, 10 Million Trees

2

@jbiscuit GPA is low for all of these schools but our SAT combined with your first gen low income status, might just might make up for it.

I can speak for Penn and say that it makes it very easy for people to double major and is known for its intense focus on interdisciplinary education. Also there is the opportunity as a Penn undergrad to take classes at Penn Law and even sub matriculate into Penn Law (i.e. do a BA/JD).

all that said i would advise you to apply to 3-4 schools like the ones you mention above but the bulk of your apps should be less competitive schools.

3

I agree, all of these schools are certainly good choices regarding your academic interests. Uchicago has great economics and political science programs and the quarter system makes it a bit easier to double major. In addition, Uchicago makes it easy for undergrads to take courses in its graduate schools as well, which is very beneficial considering that they have both a top 4 business and top 4 law school. You definitely have a shot at all four schools on your list, but don’t forget to also apply to safeties.

4

Don’t retake your ACT. Just send out only your SAT scores without the ACT. It would be a waste of money to do it otherwise. I got a 36 on the ACT and a 1540 on my SAT, and I’m just leaving my SAT alone, and just sending my ACT.

5

Responding to @ConcernedRabbit I also got a 36 with an 8 essay but got a 1500 SAT with 22/24 essay, and 1560 no essay. I will probably submit my 36 and all SAT. OP didn’t say what your essay score was for either test, so I can’t really help you out there. But I would agree that you shouldn’t retake ACT; your SAT is great and if your essay is fine I wouldn’t worry too much