My chances of going Ivy League?

Question

My dream colleges would be UPenn, Columbia, Cornell, or Georgetown. I make all A's and am in the top 6 percent of my school, but I only take two APs a year and I feel like thats not enough at all? Is it? I didn't take any AP sciences or maths because I'm not interested in them, I'm going to pursue languages (concentration on Arabic, hopefully) and linguistics in college, so I'm taking French AP, Spanish, and German. I haven't done any extra curriculars but this summer I'm going to try to volunteer to work at the Houston zoo or maybe the Pound.
Could I go to one of my top choice schools? Answer honestly, my feelings aren't going to be hurt at alllllll.

I haven't taken my SAT yet, but my PSAT scores got me into a National Merit study program.

Answer 1

It's tough to get into any of these schools. Everyone who applies has your credentials or better, so the more interesting you can make yourself, the more likely you will catch their attention. Think about trying to get an internship in some field related to your interest in language, or do volunteer work as a translater at a shelter or something like that. Working at the zoo or the pound is nice, but I think it would be good to do something that shows how you are using your passion for language. Good luck!

Answer 2

I disagree with stopspucks88 about the importance of APs. Although the elite schools do not accept APs, it is virtually impossible to be accepted without them. Your intensive study of languages is commended, but I doubt that you can get into an Ivy without taking AP sciences or maths, even though you are not going to major in the science field. Making all A's or being in the top 6 percent is not going to give you a huge chance in making such a high caliber school. There are students in the top 1% of my school who are not accepted into the Ivy Leagues, and my school is one of the highest ranked in the nation. However, the Ivy League schools are more hype than they really are. There are many schools that will fit your planned major better than or just as well as UPenn, Columbia, Cornell, or Georgetown (this is not an Ivy League). Research, and perhaps you can save some money from not going to such an elite school while receiving the same degree of education. However, SAT scores are very important too. You could just pull off an acceptance with a perfect (or near-perfect) score.

Answer 3

I'm in college. I didn't go Ivy because I wanted a bigger school for undergrad, but plan on Ivy for grad school. I was recruited by Cornell and Penn, so it's not as if there was no chance for me.

First: make sure that's what you want. The most important thing is knowing what you want out of a school. Perhaps Columbia doesn't have your major, or no to Georgetown because you aren't into politics (and that school is full of poli-sci and future lawyers, trust me). VISIT THE SCHOOL BEFORE YOU APPLY.

Next: AP's are over-rated. Last year, MIT started requiring their students to take the courses that they had AP's in anyway, because taking the course in college does make a difference. As usual, Harvard and Yale have been quick to follow, with less stress on needing APs to get in. So don't sweat the AP factor too much. Also, I didn't have any AP's (I was homeschooled) and I had a friend who had 12 AP classes, plus Harvard's pre-college program, and he still didn't get in. So it's hard to judge based on that.

Science/Math: If you didn't do AP, that's cool, but be in advanced or honours classes. Regular or college prep probably won't cut it. Also, be sure to have at least 3 years of science and math, though 4 looks better. (If you did algebra in 8th grade instead of 9th, it's fine to only have the 2 or 3 years for high school.) Make sure you have at least 2 science labs completed! Preferably chemistry and bio if you only did 2, adding physics lab looks really good.

Languages: This will look AWESOME on applications. I'd recommend writing one of your college app essays on why you are pursuing the languages, because there aren't a lot as talented as you with so many languages. If you are in a club like French Club, try for an officer position. Colleges eat that up!

Extracurriculars: You seem a little bit lacking here. Play any sports? If not, try and pick something up. Even if it's just playing baseball in a dirt lot with friends, mention that. For me, I played ice hockey and was good at it. That worked to my advantage and worked for what I was lacking. You may be just fine without sports. Into music? Maybe you sing or dance. Keep with that, or start it. Volunteer work looks great too. Zoos are great experiences, pounds can be very depressing. I highly recommend trying to volunteer at the zoo.

How big is your school? How close are you to getting to that top 5%? A little extra edge doesn't hurt. Practice writing essays NOW, that way when the real ones come you'll be ready. Also, be sure to fill out your financial aid forms on time (the FAFSA can take a while) and get everything in early. Don't be afraid to ask random questions on campus. Want to be in the middle of the city or country? Penn is in Philly and fun. Cornell is in the middle of no where -- pretty, but boring. Hence the all important visit to the school.

I hope I could help! I think you have an excellent chance at these schools. Just be sure to take the SAT early so you can take it again if needed. Study for the SAT II's (you might need 2 or more). But seriously...you should stand out and look good to the admissions commitee.

Answer 4

You should try and get into West Point I think . Study Languages especially Arabic and get a job with the CIA or NSA as a translator or spy. Make big bucks and have awesome job security. Also you could not ask for anything better on a resume when you are wanting to go into private sector work. Do all that and you'll be making 100's of thousands by your 30's !

Ok now to the point . Start at JUNIOR college . A lot of people don't know this but if you do really well your first 2 years at a junior college you can get into ANY college in the US ! Also you will save 50-70,000 for the first 2 years an IVY league school would cost you . Im being serious there is NOTHING wrong with going to a junior college . it does not mean your a failure just that your economically smart ! A high precentage of freshman drop out of those schools because they cannot handle the pressure .

Answer 5

I go to an ivy league caliber school, so maybe I can give you some insight into the kind of people who go here.

All of them graduated in the top 10% of their class, many many many were in the top 5%, and half of my friends were their class valedictorians. I took 4 APs throughout my entire high school career, but many of my friends took upwards of 10. You really need to do some extracurriculars as they are what can make or break your application. My SATs were so-so (above average nationally, but below the median for my school).

It sounds like the only thing holding you back is your extracurriculars - something you really need to work on. If you write a really kick *** application and score high enough on your SATs or ACTs, you should do well.

Answer 6

Honestly, you need to do a sport or something. And try to take as many AP classes as possible.

I'm in IB, and they still advise us to take as many AP tests as we can.

Answer 7

i think very slim, im ranked 1 and i still feel like im going to be turned down

Answer 8

You sound well rounded and intelligent.. an school woudld be lucky to have you...