Admissions Review: What are my chances at “Upenn (ED), Princeton, USC, UNC, Cornell, UMich, NYU, Notre Dame, Duke, Johns Hopkins. Really any t20 in one of my possible chosen majors?” (Reddit Post)
Each week, The Ivy Institute selects a student’s profile and questions posted publicly online to provide a detailed admissions review and answer that we believe will be helpful and beneficial to all students.
Demographics: White, Male, Arizona, 250k+ household income. Graduated c/o 23. Didn't get into the single school I applied to last year because I got lazy and I wanna up my game before settling on my state school.
No hooks, probably will need some financial aid and student loans but I can always join the army if I need some tuition money.
Intended Major(s): mostly undecided but I've narrowed it down to either business related (econ, finance, etc), computer science, or statistics. (lowkey love math)
ACT: test optional - Got mono before I tested and it took me out.
UW GPA/Rank: 3.83 GPA. 160/760. Lots of grade inflation for easy classes at my school... Is it okay not to include my rank on common app?
Coursework:
APs (7)- Human Geo , World hist, US Hist, US gov,Comp Gov, Stats, Lang
Concurrent (7)- Psychology 1010, Economics 1010, Art 1010, Criminal Justice 1010, Personal Finance 1010, Marketing 1030, Music 1010
Honors (2) - advanced honors math 9th and 10th grade.
Awards (very weak lol): Deca state finalist, Golf state tournament, honor roll most quarters, ap scholar
Extracurriculars: -Varsity Golf team captain (Junior and senior year)
-I co-own and run a clothing business that does 80k-100k in profit a year
-Business and marketing club officer (DECA and FBLA) (Senior year)
-Women Inspiring Strength and Empowerment Club officer (Senior Year)
-lighting job (Senior and junior year) - Janitorial Job (Freshman and sophomore year)
-NHS (senior year)
-Church leadership position (junior year)
-Band (freshman and sophomore year)
Essays/LORs/Other:
Hopefully decent essays... I'll have my brother who is going to med school and former ap lang teacher review for me.
LORS also should be decent, gonna have some former teachers and my current boss write them.
Schools: Upenn (ED), Princeton, USC, UNC, Cornell, UMich, NYU, Notre Dame, Duke, Johns Hopkins. Really any t20 in one of my possible chosen majors.
thank you
The Ivy Institute’s Predictive Admissions Modeling:
After analyzing the student’s profile using our Predictive Admissions model, The Ivy Institute is pleased to present the insightful results.
Brown: Denied
Columbia: Denied
Cornell: Waitlisted
Dartmouth: Denied
Harvard: Denied
Princeton: Denied
UPenn: Denied
Yale: Denied
USC: Denied
UNC: Accepted
UMich: Accepted
NYU: Waitlisted
Notre Dame: Accepted
Duke: Denied
Johns Hopkins: Denied
Please be aware that the results generated by our Predictive Admissions model are based on the information provided. The actual results may vary if additional profile information is taken into consideration. Moreover, the results presented are specific to the student’s current application strategy, as listed above. It is essential to recognize that different application strategies, such as the one we recommend below, could yield different results.
The Ivy Institute’s Review:
In reviewing this student's profile, it's evident that they possess a commendable academic record and have actively engaged in various extracurricular activities. Their achievements reflect dedication and potential, which is undoubtedly a positive foundation to build upon. However, it's essential to address several concerns that have surfaced within the profile. The Ivy Institute has selected this profile this week because it presents an excellent opportunity to shed light on these crucial points.
Overall, this profile serves as an illustration of a student who potentially stands in their way due to confidence, motivation, and clarity issues. While they undeniably possess the academic and extracurricular abilities for success, there appears to be an underlying factor causing self-doubt or hesitation. It's imperative to identify and address this barrier, as it could be the key to unlocking their full potential and securing a spot at their desired colleges. Through introspection, self-improvement, and crafting a compelling narrative, this student has the opportunity to transform their application and present a more confident, motivated, and clear vision of their future academic journey.
A student in this situation should reflect on their strengths and uniqueness, not compare themselves to others, and identify what strengths and unique qualities they possess to add to a college environment. With some time reflecting on what a student cares most about and what has most shaped them, a clarity in focus and application strategy may emerge!
Positive Aspects:
Academic Achievement: The student has maintained a respectable GPA of 3.83, indicating a solid grasp of their coursework and a commitment to their studies.
Diverse Extracurricular Engagement: Their involvement in a range of activities, from varsity sports to entrepreneurship, demonstrates a well-roundedness that many colleges value.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: The ownership and operation of a successful clothing business underline not only their business acumen but also their capacity to take initiative.
Concerns and Red Flags:
Negative Language & Attitude: The student's self-assessment that they "got lazy" raises concerns. Negative language surrounding work ethic and performance may lead admissions committees to question their readiness for the rigor of college life.
Test Scores: While going test-optional due to contracting mono is a valid choice, it's essential to provide a clear, concise explanation that focuses on the health issue and emphasizes that it doesn't reflect their true academic potential.
Financial Considerations: Expressing possible reliance on financial aid and student loans without articulating a plan for covering tuition expenses might be viewed unfavorably.
Application Strategy:
It's worth noting that the student's previous application outcomes—being denied from all colleges—indicate a need for a strategic reevaluation.
Colleges value resilience and a positive outlook in the face of setbacks. Crafting a narrative that emphasizes personal growth and lessons learned from past experiences can significantly enhance their application.
In conclusion, this student's profile, while promising, contains red flags that need careful attention. Addressing these concerns and focusing on crafting a compelling narrative for their application is essential for improving their chances of acceptance. The Ivy Institute recognizes the challenges this student may face during the application process but believes that with the right approach, including identifying a unique "hook" and crafting a compelling personal story, they can overcome these challenges and present a stronger, more positive image to admissions committees.
The Ivy Institute’s App Identity Strategy
The Ivy Institute's App Identity process is designed to help students uncover not only their application "hook" but also a distinctive identity that is entirely unique to them throughout the admissions journey. In reviewing this student's profile, several aspects stand out prominently, including their experience in a janitorial position, their entrepreneurial venture with a clothing business, and their active involvement in DECA and the Women Inspiring Strength and Empowerment Club.
Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that there is a powerful narrative waiting to be crafted from these experiences. This student's journey can be articulated as a progression from their janitorial work and clothing business, where they gained profound insights into the financial and employment challenges faced by many in their community. This may include issues such as job skills, access to professional attire for interviews, and resume building.
These experiences could be framed as a transformative journey, where the student not only recognized these challenges but actively sought solutions. Their involvement in the Empowerment Club signifies a dedication to empowering individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their available resources, by providing them with the essential tools and support needed to achieve success. This narrative could serve as a compelling App Identity, showcasing the student's commitment to making a positive impact in their community and beyond. It highlights their unique perspective, resilience, and desire to effect meaningful change, making them a strong candidate for college admissions committees seeking individuals with a genuine passion for empowerment and social betterment.
With a love of math and business, perhaps the student could focus their applications in finance and economics, and state a goal of empowering others with financial and business tools for personal and community success. For colleges that offer it, a major in Urban Studies may be most fitting with a profile, like this one!
How The Ivy Institute Can Help:
The Ivy Institute specializes in assisting students who may lack clarity, a distinctive "hook," or confidence throughout the college admissions process. Here are some ways The Ivy Institute can provide invaluable support to such students:
The Ivy Institute begins by assigning a dedicated admissions consultant to work one-on-one with the student. This consultant acts as a mentor, guiding the student through every step of the admissions journey. They take the time to understand the student's unique background, strengths, and interests.
For students struggling to identify their application "hook" or distinctive qualities, The Ivy Institute employs its innovative App Identity process. This involves deep introspection and guided exploration to uncover the student's unique narrative and strengths. The goal is to identify what sets them apart from other applicants.
Lack of confidence can be a significant hurdle in the admissions process. The Ivy Institute's experienced consultants offer continuous support and encouragement. They help students recognize their accomplishments, strengths, and potential. Through constructive feedback and mentorship, students can build their self-assurance.
Writing effective application essays can be daunting. The Ivy Institute provides expert guidance on essay writing, helping students convey their stories, aspirations, and unique qualities. Consultants offer feedback to ensure essays are compelling and genuine.
The Ivy Institute assists in creating a strategic admissions plan. This plan outlines key milestones, deadlines, and goals, ensuring that students stay organized and on track.
For students who lack confidence in interviews, The Ivy Institute offers interview coaching. This includes mock interviews, feedback, and guidance on presenting oneself confidently and authentically.
The Ivy Institute understands that financial concerns can be a barrier for many students. They provide guidance on navigating financial aid options, scholarships, and grants, helping students explore opportunities to make college more affordable.
The Ivy Institute has a wealth of resources, including successful application examples and insights into the admissions process. These resources can help demystify the process and provide students with the information they need to succeed.
Throughout the application process, The Ivy Institute offers ongoing support. Consultants are available to address questions, provide guidance, and offer reassurance, helping students navigate any challenges that may arise.
The Ivy Institute emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. Consultants work with students to overcome setbacks and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
The Ivy Institute's comprehensive approach aims to empower students who may lack clarity, confidence, or a distinctive "hook." Through personalized guidance, self-discovery, and continuous support, students can navigate the college admissions process with confidence and increase their chances of gaining acceptance to their desired colleges and universities.
