How hard is it to get into an Ivy League school (Berkeley)?

Question

My GPA is as follows:

3.25 this year (10th)

3.00 last year (9th)

I have figured the solution to my main GPA issue and i'm likely to get 3.75 to 4 in the next two years.

I am going into the IB Diploma program, with my HLs being Biology, English, and European History, SLs are Music, Jazz Band, Pre-Calc/Calc, and ToK.

I regularly do community service as required by MYP/DP guidelines

I have started an NGO which plans to begin operations in June 2010 (we are officially recognized by the US govt). It focuses on holding a science fair-type event annually for high-school and college kids to enter, in which they present an idea to better the global society. The winner receives $500 towards their plan.

I am considered a great speechwriter and speaker, as well as a good essay writer, if that matters towards acceptance.

I would need scholarships for anything surpassing $10-12K USD per year.

My dream job is to work for an auto maker or a plane manufacturer, engineering solutions to the fuel crisis, by means of alternative energies, and making engines more efficient.

Based on these criteria, what do you think my major should be, and what colleges do you think I can get into? Berkeley has been suggested, but I doubt I could get in.

Answer 1

I would have to agree that an ivy school will be difficult with what you present here. Berkeley, which others have pointed out is a state U and not an ivy, will be much easier. At Berkeley only 10th and 11th grade grades are counted, so it sound like you still have 50% to go. If you can blow it out of the water in 11th grade in all 5.0 classes and get a 4.5, you have a chance. Especially if you can put a high SAT or ACT score with that. Really work and shoot for a 33 or 34 and you'll have a real chance, or a 1450 SAT (CR plus math). Don't give up!

Unfortunately Berkeley isn't the greatest with scholarships, the ivies win by a mile there. It's not scholarships really at the ivies, they don't give any, but most give incredibly good need based aid. If you're family is low income you'd come out of most ivies with not even a cent of loans, at Berkeley, far from the case. But there's always a chance of transferring to an ivy after a great first year at Berkeley so get to work!

EDIT: A reread tells me you're not America. If so, absolutely forget Berkeley. It will cost you over $40,000USD per year with no chance of any scholarships. For a scholarship as an international, you will be facing the worst possible competition for the few there are for internationals from all over the world. You will need to look at schools where your grades and scores put you at the very top unfortunately. Try posting your stats and interests on the international forum at Collegeconfidential.com where you'll get very good suggestions.

Answer 2

Based on your performance in the first two years, my guess is that your prediction of test scores and future GPA is optimistic.

Even if it is not, I think the Ivy League and the top public universities like Berkeley will be a stretch.  If you can improve your grades and get those SAT scores, you will certainly get into some good colleges, though.

Princeton Review has a tool where you can enter information about your background and interests.  It then suggests schools that will be right for you.  The link is below.

Answer 3

First off, Berkeley isn't an Ivy League school. Harvard, Yale, Columbia, U. Penn, Brown, Cornell, Darthmouth, and Princeton are Ivy Leagues. You need to be in the top 1-2% of your class to have a good chance to get into an Ivy League school. The same goes for scholarships of $10-12k or more, you need a high GPA and SAT score.

If you wish to be a serious contender for a Top 20 school, then work harder and bring your grades up.