Advice Please?

I’m a highschool junior who probably will most likely have a 4.0 weighted GPA by the end of this year. 5 AP classes and taking 7 tests (self study for micro and macro). Pretty sure I will get 5s on all of them except Physics (lol). I am in multiple clubs in my school and a Science olympiad officer and vice pres of model congress. I feel like I’m well cultured/philosophical/self reflective enough to write good college essays and get teacher recommendations saying that I’m a good student but not exactly the best they ever had in their careers. I so far have a 1520 SAT and will retake it and the ACT. I play tennis but it’s just participation tbh. The huge problem that scares me is that I have no awards/recognitions and only have 200+ volunteer hours from freshmen year. I’m assuming that I will release an ios app or two before november which may look good on my college app, start investing in stocks to show my interest in economics, and find an internship for the summer (probably cs related). Another huge problem is that I’m Asian so I’m screwed when compared to other Asians and plus I’m look for double major in CS and Econ which many Asians probably are going for too, which has me depressed af. So what top schools would I be likely to get with my stated assumptions treated as fact? Should I consider the transfer option if I can’t get straight into a top 30-40 school? Sorry my question’s so long lol.

I know this seems cliche, but I’m going to say it anyway – relax. You are an amazing student who works really hard, and you will have great options. I hope you are enjoying high school and not just focused on getting into college. Life is too short for that!

Your are qualified to go to any college, but it’s impossible to know where you’ll get in.

Please know that your success in life will not be determined by your college admissions options. So, take a breath, do your thing, put your best foot forward and then the process will unfold.

You’re doing your best with the admissions factors that you control, but there are many parts of this you can’t control so it’s useless to fret over them. Read this sentence again and remind yourself of it often! :slight_smile:

Good luck!!

^ You not Your, lol

I agree with @AlmostThere2018 Relax and know that the college you attend will not define your life.

What is your unweighted GPA?

If you are serious about a major in econ, I would take the macro and micro classes. Self-studying for the AP tests does not impress admissions officers. I think your SAT is fine too.

I would focus on finding some likely and match schools where you’d be happy. Sure you can apply to some T40 schools - you have the stats - but the fastest way to reduce your stress is to make back-up plans that you are equally happy with and you know you can afford.

I agree with all of the above. Find the schools that are the best fit for you. Apply to reaches, matches and safeties. Safeties have to also be affordable----what can your family pay each year for college?

Please don’t start at any school with the intent of transferring…it will prevent you from becoming engaged in that community. Further, transfer acceptance rates at the top 40 are typically lower than freshman rates…and in CS, some schools regardless of ranking won’t take any transfers at all.

With your overall background, I think you have a very good shot at top 30-40. But for top 15-20, it’s a reach for anyone.

Freshman and sophomore combined should be 98-99 unweighted. But this year unweighted I project 95-97 unweighted since ap physics be killing me lol. But then again I feel like because I go to a public NY school with Regents based curriculums (very easy state tests) and watered down APs my GPA isn’t that good. I’m essentially just hoping to get 5s on AP exams and pretty sure I can since 5 on AP world wasn’t that hard for me during sophomore year.

Rock your essay, allow your personality and characteristics shine through. Tailor any supplemental essay to each college or university directly, mention specific programs, courses, clubs, etc. that you are aware of and would like to participate in. Show how you will fit in with the culture and contribute to the institution. Make certain that your LOR’s will be specific to you and relate to how you will succeed at the individual institution. Avoid applying to schools that use a holistic approach to admissions because of your lack of EC’s, leadership or volunteer positions.

I think your ‘overrepresented’ status is less likely to work against you at top public flagships so I would look closely at them – esp. UMichigan and UVA which have a lot of out of state students. As an OOS student, however, you won’t get much if any need aid from them, if that’s a factor for you.

Also, following up on @ECmotherx2 s advice, some colleges seem to be more stats driven than others – WashU, Vanderbilt, and UChicago come to mind. But, don’t choose them just b/c you might get in – pay attention to fit and program strengths.

I agree that ORM status will play better a public schools…OP what state do you live in?

But…as with anything the devil is in the details…UMich and UVA OOS acceptance rates will likely be below 20% this year, and a not insignificant proportion of those students are recruited athletes. Further UVA caps OOS at 33%. Depending on the state you live in, your state flagship may offer the highest odds of admission, but you will have to consider affordability as well.

At my son’s NY HS, the standard recommendation for STEM asian males with less than 1600’s and no major awards or ECs was Georgia Tech.

I am so sorry that you are so stressed. As a parent it just kills me that bright kids like you feel such pressure. Your grades are excellent and you have a wonderful future ahead. I suggest starting a thread in the college search section listing your stats, and what you are seeking in a college, give any financial constraints, geographic preferences, intended major, large vs. small etc. the more detail, the better. You’ll get some great suggestions for matches and safety schools which is where you need to focus.

Also, please keep in mind that many of highly successful people come from all kinds of schools – not just the top 30-40.