<p>So I applied to extremely competitive schools, i.e. Olin college, MIT, Cornell, Columbia SEAS, etc.
Unfortunetly my gpa is low, a 3.6, and my rank is a comparatively modest 19 out of 384 or top 5%. Spanish ruined me, especially last year when I got a 79 for the year. Will my gpa and my C+ ruin my chances at all these schools even though I have very good ECs and SAT scores? I want the brutal truth.</p>
<p>You pretty much don't have any chance for Olins and MIT, sorry.</p>
<p>Your ECs and SATs are going to be average for Olins and MIT level at most, and since your GPA is waaaaaay below, you probably don't have much chance.</p>
<p>What are your SAT and SAT2 scores? And you say you have good ECs. Does that mean the usual run of the mill VP this and President that and volunteer stuff, or did you do something really superlative? Intel Science competition winner? National Merit Semifinalist? All State pole vaulter?</p>
<p>National Merit Simifinalist is not superlative at all. It's easily attainable, and I think you're humbling Presidency way too much.</p>
<p>President of a club > NM Semifinalist.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. I've got a 2290 on the new sats, 740V, 760M, and 780W. SAT2 Math IIC 800 and Physics 680 (bad day).
National merit semifinalist. I've also got a patent in the works, paid for by IBM, which is a recent development so I am planning on send in supplementary materials for this. Also founded a non-profit program which won statewide recognition for community service; donate refurbished computers. Black belt in Taekwondo which I've been doing for 8 years, won regional gold and bronze medals. I've got a lot more leadership roles but these are really the main ones.</p>
<p>Actually, here's a full list with hours for all 4 years:
These are all cumulative, hrs for all 4 years of hs
Computers4Children - Founder and current president,
community service program - 1200
Taekwondo - 8 years, Black belt, and instructor - 1450
Yearbook - Senior Technology editor - 300
Marching/Concert/Jazz Band/Wind Ensemble (Alto-
Saxophone - 3rd chair - 1300
National Honors Society - Head of Academic Tutoring -
200
Outdoor Track and Field - 2 years, JV last, Varsity this
year - 130
Local public library - Technical Assistance - 80 hrs
Webdesign - Began co-designing a website for a local
non-proft organization this summer - 60 hrs
Information Technology Leadership Academy - 130 hrs</p>
<p>MIT does not care as much about grades in humanities classes when compared to math and science classes. A C in Spanish doesn't mean you are not ready for college level physics, while a C in precalulus might. Obviously it is a reach, but it wasn't a waste of an application fee.</p>
<p>I disagree with whoever said your grades are low--your grades aren't low, you're top 5%. Olin and MIT are reaches, but there's a chance for sure, especially with your pretty good test scores (although that physics hurts)</p>
<p>Yea ik, I really wish I had retaken it;
Haha I got a 5 on the AP physics exam and a 680 on the sat 2</p>
<p>Anyone else?</p>
<p>Good luck on your applications! Your stats and ecs look good for Olin, the one school on your list that I have some family experience with. Your application essays and recommendations may be the deciding factors for an invitation to candidates weekend. You might also check on the Engineering majors discussion board for some more helpful posts.</p>