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What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How can I find colleges I can get into?

I'm starting my college search, and it's overwhelming. I'm trying to find colleges that match my academic profile and goals. Are there tools or methods you recommend for figuring out which schools are a good fit for me?

3 months ago

Absolutely, finding colleges that fit your academic profile and aspirations is a key part of the application process. Here are a few methods I'd recommend:

Firstly, consider using college search engines. Most search engines let you filter by factors like location, size, majors offered, sports, and more. CollegeVine's College Search tool is a great resource you can use. You not only get information about each college but also get a chancing profile that shows how likely you are to get into specific colleges based on your academic profile.

Secondly, assess your academic profile. You can do this by comparing your GPA, SAT/ACT scores (if you have them and for colleges that require them), class rank, and the rigor of your coursework to the average profile of students accepted into the colleges you're interested in. This will give you an idea about where you stand in the applicant pool. You can usually find this information on a college's admissions website or on college data websites.

Your extracurricular profile also plays an important role. Colleges are typically interested in students who have developed a strong expertise, usually demonstrated by holding leadership roles, carrying out impactful projects, winning awards, or gaining recognition in fields related to their interests. This concept is commonly referred to as the “spike”.

Another method is to start researching colleges individually, beginning with their websites. Look up the programs and majors they offer, research opportunities, student organizations, internship programs, and anything else that matters to you. It's also helpful to read up on the school's mission statement and values to see if they align with your own.

Lastly, consider talking to current students or alumni. They can offer a unique perspective on the school's academic environment, resources, social atmosphere, and other factors that you may not find on a website or pamphlet.

Remember, it's not always about finding colleges that you can get into, but about finding colleges where you would thrive academically and personally. So, take the time to really research and reflect on what you want in a college.

3 months ago

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.