What will it ultimately take to get in?

howdoipayforthis
Fri, 09 Oct 2015 17:17:48 +0000

Your exuberance is fun. And I do have an affinity for people who are driven to achieve their goals.

However - a little bit of reality might help you along the way.

No one can tell you what it will take 3 years from now to get into a particular school. For that matter it is very difficult for anyone to tell you what it will take to get in somewhere TODAY.

I have a child at JHU which is why I visit this board from time to time. Top 10 in HS class, multiple AP courses and extracurriculars. Waitlisted at first and second choice schools (non-Ivy), but obviously got into JHU which most would say is more competitive than the other two. There is no blueprint for getting into the college of your choice. None. Can you make yourself a better candidate with all of the things you mention? Sure. But if the year you apply the applicants are all outstanding, or many are full pay and you need FA (you didn’t say one way or another), or you aren’t part of some group targeted by the school’s diversity strategy, etc. you still may not get in. The factors that influence admissions decisions are too numerous to list.

So I know this is an over used expression on CC, but you need to “cast a wide net.” You need to look into as many colleges as you can, and apply to as many as is financially feasible (application fees add up!) that you would consider attending. DO NOT set your heart on two schools because you are setting yourself up for the possibility of huge disappointment.

As I said I like your enthusiasm. But you’re a freshman in high school - enjoy it! Don’t wish your youth away. You have the rest of your life to be an adult. Best of luck to you.