What do you think my chances are of getting top schools like Stanford and Cornell?

Question

I am a senior in a public high school with a SAT score of 1690. Math-610, Reading- 510, Writing-570.

I took it again and focused mainly on the reading (stupid) and got a 1700. Math-600, Critical Reading-570, Writing-530.

My subject tests are: Biology-680, US History-690, Math II- 650

I have taken most of the AP classes offered at my school (I will graduate with 10) and out of the 6 AP tests I've taken, I have an average score of 4.

I have a decent amount of extracurriculars: GEAR UP mentoring (1yr), Marching/Pep/Concert Band (4yrs), Key Club (2yrs), CSF (2 yrs), Jazz Band (1yr), Private lessons bc scholarship (2yrs). I have a 4.3 GPA, and am #1 of 500. If it matters, I am first generation and Chinese.

Choice colleges: UC Berkely, UCLA, UCSD, USC, Stanford, Pomona, CMC, Amherst, UPenn, Brown, Cornell, Darthmouth, Williams

I am worried that with my low SAT I scores I won't be able to get into any of them. I am planning on taking the ACT because I hear it's easier.

Answer 1

Here is the reality check: Your SAT scores are pretty good and will get you into a lot of very good colleges -- but for nearly every school that you list, 80-90% of the admitted students have higher SAT scores than you do.

But there is also some good news. Everything else you are doing is good enough.

You need to apply to a few schools that are ranked just below these. I think it is a waste of money to apply to all of the schools on this list -- but you should definitely apply to a couple. Stanford & the Ivy League schools are going to be tough to get into. Brown and Cornell are your best shots there.

You have to remember that these schools all reject more qualified students than they accept. That means that you need to do something to stand out. Extracurriculars sound like a great way to do this -- but the fact is that they are easy to pad and hard to verify. You are going to need a killer essay.

Answer 2

When I was in high school I wanted to apply to Cornell but wasn't sure if I would get in. My guidance counselor told me that I shouldn't waste my time, and that I was not the type of student they were looking for. He also said i should "lower my sights" and look into state colleges. It was then that I noticed that he was wearing a Cornell ring. I decided to not listen to this jerk and apply. The greatest day of my life was when I barged into his office a few months latter and slammed my acceptance letter onto his desk.

GO FOR IT!!!!!!!

No matter what you or anybody thinks, go for it and apply.
You never know.
And even if you don't get in, at least you know you tried.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Your ambitions may be too high. Try to get at least, let me say it again, at least a 1950 if you want to consider UC Berkeley. 2200 if you want a foothold in Stanford. Try taking the ACT, people do tend to perform better on that. Good luck!

Answer 4

yeah, your chance are not that great.you either have to really and i MEAN REALLY stand out or be down low and did something amazing,(that could anything such as a really good recommendation from the president). you do know why when i MEAN REALLY stand out right??? cuz million of people are doing the same things as you are or even better. anyways, hope you getting no matter what. don't lose hope you can still transfer(that might be better since its cheaper and you are moving at the same pace as everyone else). that is just my opinion. talk to you counselor.

Hope that help

Answer 5

"hey" should recieve best answer on this one. I completely agree! Apply!!!!!

Answer 6

The only way you can get into "Darthmouth" is by accepting that Lord Vader truly is your father.

Noooooooooooooooooooooo.........!!!!!!

.

Answer 7

Not great if you're wasting time here.