Am I screwed or do I have a chance..?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi, I’m new to CC but I was getting pretty anxious over choosing colleges and whatnot, and would love advice!

First off, I’m Asian, so I feel like I have a LOT of disadvantages in my way.

I don’t have that great of an SAT score (Best scores: 800 math and 740 reading/writing)… I’m planning to take the ACT either in June or after summer is over. Do you think it’ll be worth it?

I took several SAT IIs: Korean with Listening (800), Math II (780… should I retake…?), Chem (790), Bio (750)
The scores are pretty depressing for an Asian, I would say.

My ECs are pretty weird as well.
I played piano for about 10 years, and I’ve gotten 3rd in state and whatnot, but I don’t think that means anything (reason below).
I created a volunteer organization to perform for Alzheimer’s patients to help aid their healing.
I did Science Olympiad in Junior High but tried out for Debate instead in HS and quit in my junior year (this year) because of the team atmosphere. I did pretty well in SO but since it’s JH doesn’t really matter… and I did well in my novice year for debate but had partner troubles as a varsity.
I volunteer at my church as well.
I’ve taken Bio Olympiad and Chem olympiad tests but haven’t qualified beyond the local exams…
I have applied to several research programs but I’m pretty sure I’m not getting into any of them haha

Schoolwise,
I took/am taking several AP classes and have taken/will take tests for them: AP CS I (5), WHAP (5), APUSH, AP Chem, AP Physics I, AP Calc BC, AP Stats, AP Lang; I’ll be taking AP Eco, AP Gov, AP French, AP Bio, etc. etc. next year.
I did have a study hall in my freshman year and this year, but that was mainly bc I took summer courses and my school didn’t really have any 5.0 classes to offer… Will that harm my app…?

My GPA got a bit ruined with my summer APUSH teacher (bad luck on my part T.T): 4.6 weighted, 3.9 unweighted (I don’t remember all the decimal places)
My school is really competitive with GPA so I’m sitting at about 48/840 (I think? something in the 40s); I’m in the top 7%, though.

I’m trying to think of essay ideas but I’m not that great of a writer per se, and I can’t think of anything particularly interesting about me. But I shall think more and hopefully will get a few ideas and drafts by summer.

I want to major in the maths/sciences (heh typical Asian), but my parents and I are worried that I seem more like a music major than STEM. I’m really interested in the neurosciences since my Anatomy studies from JH SO, and my grandmother has Alzheimer’s so I am passionate about finding cures for such disorders and diseases. Also, many people recently have been suggesting med school (which I was never really thinking about) because of my apparently “bubbly” personality when dealing with people haha (but I am very pessimistic about my future at the moment…).

I heard admissions were extremely hard this year, and will be getting harder every year. I thought UT Austin was a somewhat of a safety school, but now I’m actually worried about having to attend CC. I also am not very literate in college-ese, so I would greatly appreciate it if someone could tell me which colleges within UT Austin is more/less competitive than others.

What do you think are some reasonable safety, match, reach schools? Do I even have a shot at some of the more prestigious colleges?

Thank you so much!!!

2

Okay, first off, breathe! As an another Asian person, I understand your stress. But your grades and SAT are fine, I noticed you kept saying they were bad or “terrible for an Asian”. If you feel like you should retake SAT, then do it. Or try ACT. Of course you have a chance at top tier schools, just have confidence. I think you are worrying over nothing. Try your hardest and find schools you KNOW areally safeties, then choose some matches and reaches. You will strive no matter where you go. I would emphasize on your interest in alzheimer’s. Stem & piano are pretty standard for any Asian applicant. If you look at my stats I’m no where near the perfect Asian applicant, so you have no reason to stress. In the end, I ended at a good college even if people thought I had no chance. Don’t stress yourself too much. Things will work out. I promise.

3

Thank you so much!!! It’s such a relief to hear such an encourgaing comment. I will try my best to stay optimistic and strive through!

4

@vn4526 you have great stats, you will be fine. Be more confident in yourself. Your SAT scores are amazing and I wouldn’t retake them, nor do you need another test. Just make sure you have a well balanced list of colleges to apply to. In addition to a couple of reaches, you need some strong matches/safeties that you would be happy attending. Also, be very clear about how much your family is willing to pay per year prior to applying anywhere! Don’t let them be vague, confirm a number. Are you in state for Texas? If not, what state do you live in?

5

Hi! Your scores are fantastic and you definitely have a chance at UT Austin, as well as other high-tier schools. I do think you should consider taking the ACT (personally, I found it much more straightforward than the SAT) and focus on developing your volunteer organization, which sounds super interesting. Best of luck!

Chance me back? http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1968508-chance-me-for-selective-top-schools-ill-chance-back.html#latest

6

Thank you so much to everyone!!! I live in Texas, so A&M and UT is a default for me and my friends. XD I think I’ll take the ACT. Thanks again!