Assessing Your Chances for UCLA and Northwestern: Academic Profile and Extracurriculars
If you’re aiming for top-tier institutions like UCLA and Northwestern, it’s natural to wonder whether your current academic record and extracurricular involvement are strong enough. Here’s a detailed look at your profile to help you gauge your competitiveness and identify potential areas for refinement.
Academic Record Overview
Sophomore Year:
– Honors Algebra 2 (B+), Honors Spanish 3 (B+)
– Honors English 10 (A), Religion (A)
– Biology (A+), AP World History (A)
– Theatre (A)
Junior Year:
– AP Language (A), Religion (A)
– Honors Chemistry (A-), Honors Pre-Calculus (A-)
– AP Spanish (A), AP U.S. History (A)
– Advanced Theatre (A)
Senior Year:
– AP Macroeconomics/Microeconomics (semester each)
– AP Calculus AB
– AP Literature
– AP Government
– AP Environmental Science (independent study with a friend)
– Roles as Instructional Assistant for Theater
– Advanced coursework in Religion
Extracurricular Highlights
- Long-term volunteer work assisting immigrants with citizenship applications
- Four years as a theatre performer
- Varsity participation in Cross Country and Track & Field
- 11 years of martial arts training, including teaching experience
- Student tutor for two years
- Student ambassador involved in outreach and admissions
- Leadership role in GSA
- Potential founder of Model UN
- Musical pursuits: Six years of piano, managing live sound and instruments for a local band for two years
Your Question:
You’re concerned whether your grades, coursework, and extracurriculars align with those of successful applicants to UCLA and Northwestern. You’re also working on your SAT scores and application essays but want to know if your overall profile is competitive.
Professional Assessment:
Your academic record demonstrates a rigorous course load with many honors and AP classes, which is essential for highly selective schools. Your extracurriculars show impressive dedication across leadership, service, arts, athletics, and technical skills, making your application well-rounded.
While your grades are strong—particularly with multiple AP and honors courses—the competition at these universities is intense. Many applicants have similar or slightly more advanced coursework and equally diverse extracurricular portfolios. Admissions committees value not only academic excellence but also meaningful contributions, leadership, and genuine passion.
Tips for Strengthening Your Application:
- Continue exc