GOOD colleges?

Question

I have a 3.1 GPA average. Despite that, i have alot of community service that I do and I'm also really involved in a non-profit organization helping children in 3rd world countries. I also go to a really good high school that I know has a lot of weight when applying to colleges. My grades the past two years (I'm a junior right now) have not been the greatest (around a B- average), however I know i can do well on my SAT and SAT II and the rest of school years.

What colleges would you say are in my range (I would prefer the Northeast/California)





what would you say are my chances of getting into a place like.. lets say BU?

Answer 1

I'm a Junior too, in the college process and all that. I just had a SAT class, where the guys explained what colleges look for. There are two phases in the college process
Phase 1 is your scores: GPA + SAT + SATII subject tests
Most colleges will weight the SAT + SATII as 50-75% of the evaluation, and then your GPA from 25-50%. The largest colleges, like the colleges in the UC system (public colleges) put a lot more weight on the SAT because its a standard bearing comparing everyone in the country. The smaller colleges will tend to give more weight to GPA.
Phase 2 of the college process is where they consider your:
Comm. Service
Extracurricular activities
Interview
ESSAY (most important part)
This is basically the part where you get to show who you really are; the smaller colleges and the private colleges will take the facets of Phase 2 into greater account.

I would definately suggest working hard to imrove your overall average to a B+ or A- if possible (at least get some classes in this range), but definately, the thing that can probably put you over the top is if you do really well on the SAT (take a SAT prep. class or get a tutor if possible). And yes, the things you do outside of school will help you, but the degree that it helps you depends on the type of college.

Answer 2

I would imagine that BU is within your range, by the way, particularly if you do well on the SAT/SAT Subject Tests (which BU may not even require, by the way...) and can show positive movement in your GPA. Ideally you are taking challenging courses (honors, AP.)