Jamie Said:

Can I get into: University of Pennsylvania, NYU, University of Chicago, University of Washington, Berkeley?

We Answered:

Maybe, considering these schools all get enough applicants with 2400 on the SAT to fill up all their openings. Do you have a good sob story to tell in the essay. Do you bring something special, more than this stuff which is pretty normal for a regular high achiever, to the school.

And are you prepared to be up for extremely intense competition where you will actually be somewhat below average.

We went through all this with my daughter. Even Harvard tried to recruit her. But we found out that as long as you have the degrees, it does not matter that much where you got your degree. Lifetime earnings do not vary much between grads of various schools. You just have to hustle more for good job interviews if you have not gone to an Ivy.

After one year in a big mega school, she ended up graduating with a degree in economics from a small private college in Pittsburgh where she was in classes with seldom more than 10 students. One class had 30. Where the classes, even freshmen classes, are taught by profs, not grad students. Where she was the one that skewed the curve instead of boing on the down side of the curve.

She is now at Marshall getting her MS in Technology Management a d has a free ride for the final 3 of the 4 semesters. And another school where she applied, UNLV, is now offering her a free ride with a bigger stipend after this semester as well as a free ride through a doctorate at the school of engineering.

My take on this is that it looks better to have done great in a small school than it is to be lost in the crowd at a big school. And at Chatham in Pittsburgh, she was still able to take classes at University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon.

And at a small private school, what you say you have will do very, very well.

Steven Said:

What are my chances of getting in to University of Washington?

We Answered:

I am also attempting to get into UW, and the pamphlet that I ordered from them says the middle 50% have a GPA of 3.60-3.91. SAT scores for the middle 50% are: 530-650 for reading, 570-680 for math, and 530-640 for writing. (or, all together, a SAT score of 1630-1970). The college also takes into consideration extra-curriculurs, so the fact that you have many of them will definitly help. I would definitly recommend you try to get a higher GPA and hope that you signed up for the fall SAT, as it is the latest score that UW will accept. Also, don't forget that you have to apply between Oct 1 and Dec 15. The least you can do is apply and see what happens. Good luck, hope that we both make it! =]

Bernard Said:

Do you think I can get into the University of Washington?

We Answered:

I think you have a great chance to get in. I attended UW, but my first 2 years were at a Community College. I went to UW (Tacoma Campus). Your accomplishments were superior to mine in high school. I basically had a 3.0 throughout high school, and even dropped out and got my GED. Although I did eventually get my diploma, they still accepted me. One good thing to try is to attend a community college for two years, and aim it for specifically transfering to a four year. I took a program called the degree option A, and they landed me right into UW. I graduated 9not with honors) with a bachelors degree. So, coming from a guy who was skating by in high school, I think you shouldn't have an issue at all! UW is a great university. Not only on the academic side, but the campus, location, people, its the absolute best. If you've never been to Seattle, you're gonna fall in love with this place. The football stadium, all of the sports facilities, and great atmosphere for students. Dont forget, a top notch education too. Good luck, and don't be discouraged, EVER! You will make it in, I have no doubt. If you ever have any questions, comments, concerns, feel free to email me anytime. I will absloutley try my best to assist you. Take Care