| What are my chances for getting into Harvard, Princeton, and Yale?So, I don't want to actually ask if I'll actutually get into Harvard, Princeton or Yale because no one can really answer that, but I want to know what my chances are. I just finished my junior year.
I would also like to know if my being Hispanic somehow offsets my low SAT scores.
Math: 660, Critical Reading: 730, Writing: 710, Total SAT I: 2100
I do plan to retake my SAT's in october.
SAT II Chem: 790
SAT II US History: 750
I'm taking the SAT II Spanish and SAT II Literature exams in November.
I rank second in a class of about 650 students at a magnet school in Brooklyn, and my GPA is above a 4.0. I know I'll get great recommendations from my English and History teachers. By the end of senior year, I will have taken 9 AP classes. So far, I have received 5's in AP European History, AP Chemistry, AP English Language, AP AB Calculus, and AP American History. I received a 4 in AP BC Calculus. I plan on taking AP English Literature, AP Government & Politics, AP Biology, and AP Statistics senior year. I have decent extracurriculars and community service, and I come from an extremely low-income background (like below 20 grand a year). So, the real question is, will my being hispanic help with my low SAT I scores?
Be realistic, please. Thanks!
Oh, I forgot to mention that my GPA is a 4.0 unweighted and higher than that weighted. And I haven't taken the ACT because I didn't do very well on the practice test.
Thank you MM. I do plan on picking up my math scores. That's the main reason why I'm retaking!
To IvoryTower:
Thanks for the advice. I will definitely be taking all those things into consideration as I want to put my best foot foward so that I have a good shot at getting in. As for my economic background, I really don't have much of an issue with working hard and maintaining grades; I'm used to it. Of course, I'm aware that ivy league work is far more demanding, but I'm sure I could figure it out. I am talking to other people like me and will definitely be speaking to students at these schools. Also, because the three schools that I mentioned have generous financial aid programs that are both need-blind and full-need for all applicants, I know that, if I get in, and that's a big if, my need will be met. I've looked closely into it and I'll only end up paying around 2 grand a year for expected summer earnings, in addition to a round the year campus job. I think I can handle it. Thanks again!
To Adrian, thanks also! But trust me, the ACT is just NOT for me. And, I also know someone who got into Harvard this year. She has almost exactly what I have, except she's not hispanic and has a few more extracurriculars. I don't think there's a specific formula (I've learned that from enough admissions books) but I do want to look better. I think your friend looked particularly well because of what you said about the really high ACT score. Especially in Kansas. But that wouldn't work with me, because I live in NY. So, I will do my best retaking the SAT. :)
Asked By: ermd4eva - 7/1/2009 |
Your scores are fine. Your math score could be a bit better, but slight improvement there and you stand a decent shot. The main thing is a great essay and some phone calling from your high school administrators to the admission office couldn't hurt. Make sure that your application materials reflect careful consideration and attention to detail.
Work the alumni networks, if any of your high school teachers are alumni a letter from them would probably help. Emphasize your extra curriculars and community service. The hispanic heritage might help, but you have to ask yourself if you really want to be an an elite ivy league school given your socioeconomic background. You're going to have to work to make the ends meet and it may be a pretty tall order to finish up with good grades, have a job, and enjoy being there. A closer to home option where you don't feel so different might be easier. You should talk to some similarily situation recent attendees and see if you still really feel like it is a good fit before you drop the coin on the application packets.
good luck,
Answered By: ivorytower - 7/1/2009 |