Expert: Bruce - 8/12/2008

Question
Dear Mr. Bruce
I have rcently begun rethinking my college search. I had been looking at four particular Ivy League institutions since I've been able to wlk it seems, but I've broadened my search. Yet, I'm becoming increasinlgy unnerved by it all.I have a cumlative GPA of 4.1 (3.28 unweihted) and an average SAT score of 1600 (I've taken the test twice, bad I know). I'm currently studying for the ACT and a third SAT this Fall but I'm unsure if this will be enough. I am hoping to go to either UPenn, Emory & Henry, Duke, Wake Forest, Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley, Brown, Columbia/ Boston,  Princeton, or Stanford-the latter two being apart of my original list, (I've crossed of Harvard and Yale), and my long shots- all of which aren't apart of the three I've already to, minus Emory&Henry. I am really hoping to boost my GPA this fall, but I'm unsure that what I'm doing will be enough. I feel that I should mention that I am an avid athlete and had played on both my schools tennis, and soccer teams, I recently sat out the past soccer season due to injury, since my freshmen and sophomore years. I also golf and play Volleyball when I have the time, I have just completed my second year Research internship at UNCC, and I also participate in various community service projects in and around my area. Finally, I offer my services in tutoring in math, science, up to Physics, English, and Spanish. I have, however, slacked off some in the past year due to injuries, illness, and being over stressed. Do you think I have a fighting chance at these school, or am I simply aspiring for too much?

Answer
Hi Mandy,

You have a fighting chance at many excellent schools. I'm afraid, though, that you are allowing the college search to have to much sway in your life and it seems like it's causing you too much worry and stress. The college decision is important, but it's not so important as to let it drag you down. You have the ability to do very well wherever you go to school - and successful professionals have come from the full range of colleges in this country.

You have some good schools on your list, so which one sounds like the most fun to you? Which is in the area you like the most? Which seems to possess the sense of "fit."  Are you trying to get in to the most selective school you can - is that your aim? What are you looking for in a school In Addition To academics?  

Srry for so many questions. You seem like a very bright student and a great school citizen. You WILL have a terrific college experience, but be sure to enjoy high school, too.

I'm glad to offer more input if that would help.

Bruce