Will I get into the University of Virginia?

Can I Get into The University of Virginia, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, or Miami University (OH)?

• So these are my three favorite schools Here's my problem... -My cumulative GPA is a 3.38 -I'm terrible at math -I'm not really part of a minority group -UVA and OSU don't have early acceptance (Not sure about Vandy or MU) But I do have this going for me... -I'm in AP United States Government and have a B, which I can get up to an A if I get a 5 on the AP test (which is very possible, i've heard its not too hard) -I attended a Model UN conference at UVA, and my partner and I were named best delegates in our committee -I'll be a 3-year varsity golf letterman (did JV freshman year, so I'll have 4 years of golf) -I plan on taking the SAT subject tests in US and World History, and regardless of the fact that I wasn't in AP US History (which was stupid of me not to take), I got an A in regular and should be able to do well -I plan to major in Political Science & Government, so my strength in history can help me and the extracurriculars i'm involved in coincide with my academic strengths. -I'm a good writer, so my essay will hopefully be pretty good -I have 2 UVA alums that can write recs. for me (1 was my history teacher from last year and the other is a relative of a relative) -My high school is a very highly regarded public high school in Cleveland -I generally make a good impression on adults, so an interview would likely be good for me -My dad and grandpa both went to undergrad and grad school at Ohio State -I live in Ohio Do you think that I can still get in? Or should I look into another school? Jonathan

• Answer:

  Miami of Ohio -- yes Ohio State -- probably UVA -- no Vanderbilt -- probably not You don't mention your SAT scores or the strength of your high school courseload. High test scores and a rigorous courseload will help you get in at UVA and Vandy, but only if your grades are also high.