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My grandfather worked at NYU for 15+ years, and my uncle graduated from there. NYU is my first (pretty much only) choice, what are my chances?

Junior at a very well-funded public school in affluent neighborhood (w/ high percentage of kids applying to NYU), Asian, female, applying early decision

94-95 GPA (weighted)
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidate
AP Bio- 5
AP Chem- 3
Chamber Orchestra, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society (running for treasurer), Math Team, Level 6 Piano NYYSMA 98/100
School Magazine
FUlfilled CAS requirement (75 hours/year of school participation or community service)
120-150 hours of just Community Service over the summer
Qualified and participated in CTY John Hopkins Summer Programs for 5 years in a row
stellar essay and teacher recs ;)
National Art Honor Society (running for treasurer)
I'm also an extremely talented artist (art was my first love, even though my Asian parents never encouraged me to take art courses in HS) and can whip up a couple impressive pieces over the summer, in addition to my portfolio
Track and some other "extras"

here's the clincher. I'm taking the SATs in about 2 weeks. From my timed, practice exams, I'm *shooting* for 1600, at the very worst I'll get a 1400. But judging by my scores, I am pretty sure that I will get over 1500. Can anyone give me an estimate of my chances at 1450, 1500 and 1600?

No SAT II's yet, but they shouldn't be too bad (math, writing & bio). I skipped 2 grades of math, but then dropped down (IB program kinda forces you to, as it doesn't allow sophomores or juniors to take the Higher Level exam)

Personality-wise, I'm introspective and read ALOT.

I lose sleep over this almost nightly. I keep hearing horror stories, and my EC's and GPA are rather sub-par. I'm banking on my high SAT score to pull me through, although that's probably not a good idea. Please give me an (honest) idea of my chances, my life seriously revolves around this. Thanks.

By Dsh (Dsh) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 08:37 am: Edit

Don't let your life revolve around this. I'd say your chances are excellent, but there's absolutely no guarantee, as NYU admissions are very competitive, and I'm sure NYU has to turn away a lot of qualified candidates. You're starting early enough that you can explore lots of other schools. If your grandfather has any influential contacts in the school who would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation, get him to ask for you. If his experience is from too long ago, at least mention it in your app. If you don't care about financial aid, you might try applying early decision, if you're really, really sure NYU is where you want to be above all other schools. You won't have an interview, so being introspective won't hurt your chances.

By Eskimo (Eskimo) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 01:35 pm: Edit

I believe that a critical factor with NYU ADCOM is making sure that they know that you are really interested in going there.
I suggest that you apply ED and that you convey your sincere desire to go there in your application. If your essay is good you should not have any problem getting admitted.

By The_Nightboy (The_Nightboy) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 09:16 pm: Edit

you'll get in. a kid from my school had an 85 overall average, 1 ec, and he got in...however, this kid did have his parents donate a HEFTY sum of money to the school, was in a band that played in nyc clubs, and was the 2nd best actor in his class (the first got in too, but he was smart).

even if nyu is your only choice, make a contingency plan just in case...cause they dont defer you - only admission or outright rejection.

By Miumiu016 (Miumiu016) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 10:18 pm: Edit

Thanks guys, I know its suicide to let my livelihood be based on something like college admissions, but thanks to my parents its something that hangs over my head, every minute of every hour of every day...

I am definitely applying early decision, unless I'm extremely lucky and get a 1580+ on the SATs, in which case I might opt to shoot higher.

This is so stressful, I can't imagine what life will be like if I don't get in (terrible right?)