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i was wondering if there are any ivy leagues that empahasize more on the individual as a whole. For example, i don't have a great GPA (3.5/4.0), partially b/c of parents divorce and mom moving 1000 miles away from me, my ACT score isn't that good either (22), however i have been working since i was 14 (for 3 years now) to save up for my college education. if on toop of that i have leadership skills, great extracurricular activities, job relates to major, and creative essays. what are some ivy leagues that don't just emphasize on numbers and what are my chances of getting in?

By Coureur (Coureur) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 07:50 pm: Edit

There are many, perhaps hundreds, of fine schools that will be happy to admit you with your stats and where you can get an excellent education. You just may need to look beyond the Ivy League.

By Apacolypse (Apacolypse) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 08:11 pm: Edit

You know, perhaps you should look at other schools. If you want more personalized attention, check out some LAC's. In what state do you live? Perhaps there are great public schools in your state. The Ivy League is comprised of some fine universities, but there are plenty of other great colleges out there where you may be more happy. Great ACT/SAT scores do not necessarily equal success and happiness. Also, your grades aren't that bad. Just cast your net at a larger pool of schools. I'm sure the counselor at your high school could help you come up w/ a list of schools for you.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 10:25 pm: Edit

Coureur and Apacolypse now are giving you very good advice: There are 3500 colleges/universities in the U.S. --- Get a hold of the Fiske Guide or the Princeton Review Guide and read up on options beyond the Ivy league. There are many wonderful schools that would be thrilled to have a determined individual such as yourself where you can get an excellent education. Look at all options, not just a few. Best of luck in your search!

By Collegerocks (Collegerocks) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 12:25 am: Edit

thanks, i'm also a minority (i'm hispanic)
Here is my list to where I am applying (keep in mind that i am considered in-state in both Ohio and Florida):

University of Florida- Reach
Florida State University- Match
Ohio State University- Safety
Miami University (OH)- Safety/Match
Ohio University- Definate Safety
University of S. Carolina- Match
University of Michigan- Definate Reach
University of Pennsylvania- DEFINATE REACH!

By Baltodad (Baltodad) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 09:59 am: Edit

Forget U Mich and U Penn. They're both so far out of reach that you'd be wasting your time. Consider some smaller schools. Everything you list is huge. A smaller LAC will give you the kind of atmosphere that I think you envision when you asked about Ivy League.

If it's not too late, retake the ACT or the SAT. That score of 22 is a problem.

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 10:54 am: Edit

You need to get your applications in now for the rolling admissions universities, which, I think all of the state universities you're considering are. The later one gets into the senior year, the tougher it is to get into those universities because they have limited spaces and raise their admission criteria as the year progresses.

I agree with Blatodad about U Mich and Penn.

Also look at some of the other state schools in Fla. and Ohio to see how they match your interests.

Fla. has an excellent community college system that feeds into their 4-year colleges. While you can get into many 4-year colleges, including in Fla., you might find it advantageous to go to a community college. There, you'd get lots of personalized attention and might even come in with a merit scholaraship and an "honors scholar' label, which would open up some nice opportunities for you including being recruited by top Fla. universities when you were ready to move on.

By Collegerocks (Collegerocks) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 12:23 pm: Edit

thanks for the info, but i don't want to go to a LAC or community college. i want the college experiance at a fairly large university. i think i'll cross off Penn b/c i don't want to take SAT IIs. But, i think i'll keep UMich for the heck of it, if i waste my $50, so be it. if i don't apply i'll always be thinking "what if." so far i've already applied to Miami (OH), UF, and FSU. i still have 4 more to gooooo! =0

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 12:53 pm: Edit

Collegerocks,
I'm glad that you've gotten some apps in already. Great planning!

Have you checked with your parents to find out exactly what they're willing to pay each year for college? Make sure that the colleges that you're applying to definitely are what your parents can afford.

I mention this because each year on CC, we hear from some students who are very disappointed in April when their parents say that the students can't afford to attend their colleges of choice.

If you will need financial aid, realize that state schools probably do not guarantee that accepted students will receive aid up to their level of financial need. Check the schools' web sites about financial aid policies.

If you don't need financial aid, congrats on your good fortune.