<p>hi im a junior male just starting to look at the college admissions process. I really dont know much at all about how all this works and am looking to see which type of school (Ivy caliber, or somewhere in the middle) i should being sending applications to. I realize im a good student but im not sure if im on par with applicants who are being accepted into top colleges. So here we go…</p>
<p>-Male
-White
-Class rank: tied for 1/586
-weighted GPA: 4.5 (highest possible)
-not sure about unweighted but have only had 2 B’s ever both in honors classes
-Will have taken 7 AP classes by the end of high school with good scores on all tests (4 or 5)
-ACT: 33 (taking again expecting a 34)
-EC’s: student council, math league, WYSE (engineering club), NHS, Varsity golf team, JV basketball, JR. PGA, dodgeball team, youth group
-no leadership roles except for Golf team captain
-300ish service hours</p>
<p>Im looking at SMU and TCU because my family is getting ready to move to Dallas, are these the type of schools i should be looking at?</p>
<p>You are a very intelligent person and have done well - but the lack of leadership will hurt. Most tier 1 schools (IE High end) will want leadership, and a lack will really shoot you. If you somehow managed to incorporate leadership quickly through clubs or more sports, any ivy would be in your reach.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response! Do you think that its to late to show leadership?? I will be a senior and all of the clubs I am a member of have already had elections. Also could anybody give me an idea of how SMU and TCU stack up against these top tier schools?</p>
<p>Not aware of SMu and TCU so I cant give any ideas there, but if that’s the case, see if you can make a club and show dedication to it, or volunteer. Volunteering is always the failsafe for leadership :)</p>
<p>Thanks again! im organizing a jr. golf program at my local course this summer… is that something that i should put on an application??</p>
<p>If it shows initiative, creativity, leadership, or ate a large portion of your time, I’d recommend it :)</p>
<p>Lots of kids with your stats apply to ivies and other top schools. Being a val at a good sized schools is a good thing, another point or two on the ACT will also be a good thing. It will be worth a try and essays and recs will be key.</p>