Kay Said:

Can I get into Michigan State?

We Answered:

Definentally. Whose your dad by the way?

Cynthia Said:

Can I get into Michigan State University, want lots of responses plz?

We Answered:

yes on a scale from 1-10 i would rate you a 7

Eduardo Said:

Can't even find a job with a chemical engineering degree! This is insane! Nobody responds to applications!!

We Answered:

All I can tell you is that my friend has an engineering degree. After college he became a Naval Officer. He is getting out when his 5 years are later this year and has all kinds of job offers.

Adrian Said:

Will I get into the University of Miami (Florida), Boston College, and University of Michigan--Ann Arbour?

We Answered:

You need to tell us your raw GPA, not weighted. That is what college's want anyway. When you tell us that, please indicate your year and AP/IB classes you have been/will take.

Your activities are either not outstanding or not school related. Varsity teams matter in school because it means you were better than your immediate peers. A varsity roller hockey team is not the same thing, and one wonders if it means you are just older instead of better. School teams matter because then you play against other schools, etc. They are more competitive in a measurable regard. And, involvement is not what people want to know about in regards to seeing if you stand out, awards matter. You mention you are on a roller hockey team, and mock trial, but you have not indicated if you have been successful in anything. Anybody can enlist in 20 activities, being good at them and devoting a lot of time to a few of them is what counts more. Where your work put into them would be reflective of any accolades.

I think we both know that DECA is pretty easy, and being in the finals at the "international" competition is not really something that distinguishes you (or even that special). Universities know this as well. Technically it is international because it includes one or two schools from Canada or Guam or something. At least that was the word when I was in high school (2000-2003). DECA is a competitive event where nubs, like we were at my school, who had no training or practices, or even knew exactly how things went are able to go to the international conferences and place in the finals. That is not competitive, that speaks volumes about how it really weighs against other activities like debate, forensics, or even just sports.

the reason I was being candid about DECA is because it is pretty much the only activity you have that is meaningful.

Your community service is great, 150 hours is a good target for schools like Michigan. No problems here. Although NHS requires some kind of community service, so I imagine you did a lot of this for that, but nonetheless, what can you do? Two birds with one stone.

Your SAT score is fine, just on the average. For Michigan, a 1400 is a better guideline to be competitive as an applicant.

What state are you from?

You can get into a great school, I am not sure about Michigan though (and cannot comment on the others). Getting into Michigan is harder than a lot of Y!A people seem to think it is.

Perry Said:

Advice: What are my chances at these colleges?

We Answered:

*Is Catholic*

That is a fairly substantial jump from 2.86 to 3.1 in only one semester.

Your scores are low, both GPA and SAT. They are on the low end of average college entrance scores. Work very hard to graduate High School with at least a 3.0 especially a 3.0 by the time you apply for the colleges. Combined ACT score, you really want to be looking for at least a 24.

Your involvement in activities beyond school is commendable and these will help you get in.

It is also good that you have a part-time job as the likely hood of you getting a scholarship/grant to help is low. BUT STILL DO APPLY FOR THEM!!!

Because your grades are not strong, my suggestion to you is that you apply early, make multiple visits to the campus that you want to go to, talk to, call, and esquire about things at the universities, especially with people in the academic departments. Be very interested with the school and what you want to learn from them. What you want to be doing is to get your name out there and from being just another application.

Consider this. If you are worried about your grades, at the school that you really want to go to, find the undergraduate advisor for the program that you would study. Talk with the person, ask questions such as what should I be studying during this year of HS to make going to your university better? When you take a tour of the university, have a private meeting setup with the advisor, talk with them about stuff, make a good impression, and then say you really want to go but are worried about your grades and ask them if there is anything that they can do. (NOTE: if you do this make sure your application for the university is already turned in so that if the advisor goes to check on things in the Admissions office your name is on file.)

Mark this on your calendar. January 1st I want you to do the FAFSA and get the numbers to the schools that you have applied to. It gets your name on another data base at the university.

Anyway your activities are very strong and they will help. Just make sure to be interested in the university and not simply just submit a form and hope, get your name known.