Music Uchicago
What are my chances?
What are my chances of going to Northwestern or Uchicago?. I’m a sophomore now. I go to a rigorous private school in New Jersey. I have an A- in honors Spanish, an A- in honors English, a B+ in AP Euro History (extraordinarily difficult), a B bordering B+ in Physics, and a B- in math. I also have a B+ in my arts class.
I am the president of my grade, I run for varsity cross country and am in line to be the captain senior year, I am the leader of an improvisational music club on campus, I play the guitar in many different capacities (musical, guitar ensemble). I write extensively for the school newspaper, and may end up editing soon. I have a steady summer job at a camp, and I am planning to do some volunteer work in the presidential campaign this fall. I’ll be able to get some killer recommendation letters.
What can I do to get up my grades? What level do they need be at for these two places I really like? What sort of SAT scores do I need to put me out ahead of the pack?
If each of your courses is worth 1 credit, then you have a 3.34 gpa; that’s solid, especially considering they are honors courses. Plus, your extracurricular activities weigh in your favor.
If you want to raise your grades, you will have to probably trim out an extracurricular activity or two – or learn to manage your time as efficiently as possible. Also, do you review material regularly? A weekly review can boost grades/memory.
Overall your grades look good, although you could raise that math score a bit.
Too, focus on pulling a good SAT score. The SAT is more about aptitude and reasoning than book smarts. Buy a few Barron’s SAT books and learn the test. Focus on the areas you feel least confident in – such as math. Take the practice tests in the book – that’ll help build confidence.
Average SAT/ACT scores for Northwest: (scroll down)
http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/intl/applying/
Those are the middle test scores, which means that kids above and below those gained entry.
From the Northwest website: (on the 6th – 9th grade page)
“You should take the most challenging classes available at your school and earn the best possible grades. Your academic record is the foundation of your college application. The better it is, the more options you will have when it comes to choosing a college.
But grades aren’t everything. If you have a talent for the arts or athletics, science or math, or even if you just like to help people through volunteer work, then you should pursue those interests. A well-balanced application consists of both strong academic work and involvement in extra-curricular activities.”
You can always call admissions and talk to them:
https://ugadm.northwestern.edu/request/
Make a list:
1. Decrease or eliminate a non-essential activity if possible.
2. Spend that time increasing math & studying for SAT
3. Contact university to discuss how they feel about your current status and set goals to meet their criteria.
4. Consider forming a study group (since it seems like you are social.)
Good luck! You sound like a well-rounded individual with a bright future.
The University of Chicago Folk Festival – 50th Anniversary