How can I assess whether Wake Forest or Boston University is a realistic reach for me?

At both schools, being around the published middle academic range makes you plausible, not safe. Neither should be treated as a target solely because your GPA and scores look comparable to admitted-student profiles.

Start by comparing your transcript to successful applicants from your own high school, if your counselor can share anonymized outcomes. Look beyond unweighted GPA: ask whether you took one of the most demanding course loads available to you, performed strongly in core academic classes, and sustained or improved your grades through junior year.

For Wake Forest, evaluate whether your application shows intellectual curiosity, strong writing, and a clear sense of how you would contribute to a close campus community. A thoughtful, specific application matters more than trying to manufacture an impressive-sounding activity list.

For Boston University, assess your fit with the particular college or program you select. An applicant to a more capacity-constrained program may face a different level of competition than an applicant applying to a broader arts-and-sciences path. Your activities and essays should also make sense for both your academic interests and BU’s fast-paced urban setting, rather than reading as interchangeable material sent to every private university.