Any specific schools I should apply to?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hey everyone, I'm a junior in high school, and have had a sub-par GPA my last freshman and sophomore years, around 2.7 unweighted. This year I have brought it up to ~2.9 unweighted/ ~3.1 weighted. However, the school I go to is considered to be an elite high school, so I'm sure that helps a bit. I have taken the PSAT and some practice SATs, and I am at least expecting a 2000+, and am really trying to push for an 800 on the math section, which I think I can do it I am careful.</p>

<p>The problem is, I really suck at non-science/math subjects. If it weren't for english, history, and maybe spanish, I would have a significantly higher GPA, although that has changed for spanish recently as I have been doing better. I love the sciences, specifically physics, and math, and have always done well in those classes. Over the summer, I want to take a small online course, or something, so I can get into BC Calc and Physics C my senior year. I also am going to drop history for AP Computer Science, and possibly drop Spanish (I would be taking Spanish 5 next year) for AP Chemistry, along with taking the AB Calc and Physics C. I really do enjoy those science classes, and I have an interest in computers with some good experience (I am a PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript expert, and am currently learning C).</p>

<p>Also, hopefully this year, I can be the one in my class to receive an award for excelling in the science/math field, because I am going to do some independent "research"/experiments in the lab with a senior and my physics teacher.</p>

<p>I'm sure there are some at least decent schools out there that are good for me. Does anyone have any suggestions to where I should apply? I would like a place on the east coast, California, or Minnesota if that helps, but I'm pretty flexible. I want to double-major in Computer Science and physics, and am interested in quantum mechanics, theoretical physics, and such. My goal in life is to be a theoretical physicist, and mess around with computers on the side, and although that's a stretch, I'm still pursuing it hoping it will lead to something good.</p>

<p>Also, for 6 weeks out of this summer I plan on biking from Georgia to California. I will probably end up talking about this in my college essay. But the essay aside, will colleges be impressed by this? I'm on the varsity skiing and tennis teams, so I'm not super athletic if that matters.</p>

<p>Just looking for any help, thanks a lot!</p>

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<p>What state are you from? How much can your family afford to spend on college?</p>

<p>When you say elite school, is it private, a magnet, regular public? What percent go to top colleges? Do you have a rank?</p>

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<p>I’m from Massachusetts. Price isn’t too big of a factor right now.</p>

<p>It’s a private school. I may have emphasized too much when I said “elite”, but it is a good school. I’m not sure on the figures of who gets into top colleges (sorry), but I do know our school has a 30% acceptance rate if that helps. And no, I do not have a class rank, but I’d say I’m ranked maybe 35th-40th in my class of 65 or so.</p>

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<p>Also, does anyone have any recommendations as to what I should try to double (or normal) major in? I know I want to do physics, and I would prefer the most fundamental of physics, such as quantum, or a theoretical class if one is taught. What computer oriented major should I take to accompany that? I read up on both Computer Science and Computer Engineering classes, and CompE sounds like the better of the two as far as overlaps go with a physics major. But, is there another option I am not seeing?</p>

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<p>If you can get the math scores up well enough, then Rose Hulman, Case Western, Rochester Inst of Tech, Rennselaer, Colo School of Mines, SD school of Mines, etc. Otherwise State U. There are lots and lots of schools you could get into and major in Physics and/or CS. The bigger schools will have more options for specific flavors of physics. The engineering schools, in many cases, will have far fewer humanities requirements.</p>

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<p>You should also take the ACT if you have not already done so. It has a Science section that may give you a better overall composite score than the SAT. You will really need to have strong standardized test scores to offset your GPA. Good luck with your search</p>

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<p>* I would like a place on the east coast, California, or Minnesota if that helps, but I’m pretty flexible. I want to double-major in Computer Science and physics, and am interested in quantum mechanics, theoretical physics, and such. My goal in life is to be a theoretical physicist, and mess around with computers on the side, and although that’s a stretch, I’m still pursuing it hoping it will lead to something good.</p>

<p>I’m from Massachusetts. Price isn’t too big of a factor right now.</p>

<p>around 2.7 unweighted. This year I have brought it up to ~2.9 unweighted/ ~3.1 weighted.</p>

<p>*</p>

<p>Your GPA is going to hurt you at many schools. </p>

<p>Take both the ACT and SAT because you’ll need the best score you can get.</p>

<p>You mention that money may not be an issue. Please ask your parents how much they will spend. Private colleges and out of state publics are costing $35k - 55k per year. Your parents may not realize that.</p>

<p>It’s best to know now what your budget is. If they’re fine spending $55k per year, then great!!!</p>

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<p>^ I agree with mom2collegekids usual, yet slightly off-topic response. Assuming that you will be able to afford most schools, I would keep the new england publics on your list. Also take a look at schools like Bentley, Northeastern, Wentworth, Clark, Worcester, Sacred Heart. If your GPA/SAT scores fall within the 25% and 75% area, you have a good shot coming from a prep school in the northeast.</p>

<p>Also, use your connections as well as you can. Most prep schools will help you meet the right people. If you are having trouble, don’t be shy with friends and family.</p>

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<p>[Clarkson</a> University: Programs of Study A - Z](<a href=“http://www.clarkson.edu/programs_of_study/index.html]Clarkson”>http://www.clarkson.edu/programs_of_study/index.html)</p>

<p>Check out Clarkson University (NY) Must like snow & frozen tundra of Northern New York.</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone. What about Purdue? I have heard the school is easy to get into, but difficult to graduate. I feel like I would do well in that type of environment. But, would it be difficult to double major with Physics and Computer classes there? In college in general, what two Physics/Computer majors would I take that would have the most overlapping classes with each other? I would be interested in taking a nuclear engineering course or major. Is there a good school for that that I could get into?</p>

<p>Would going to one of these top private schools in Massachusetts boost my chances a decent amount of getting into a school?</p>

<p>Also, could someone please provide an answer to my bike trip question in the first post?</p>

<p>Thanks so much for the help, and sorry for the excessive amount of questions :p.</p>

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<p>Purdue can be easier than some other schools. Your GPA is still very low for that school (only 6% admitted below 3.0) but your scores would help. And Physics and Comp Sci would be a difficult double major because of little overlap. As far as the bike trip, if you write it well that will be good but the bike trip in itself is not impressive.</p>

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<p>H3XH3X, which school do you go to. I have known students who attend elite private schools such as Deerfield or Hotchkiss who got into Michigan with 3.0 GPAs and 2100 SATs. Assuming you attend such a school, universities such as Michigan, Wisconsin and UIUC are certainly plausible.</p>

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<p>The OP recanted on the elite label.

</p>

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<p>I do attend a school just as good (I think) as those you mentioned. In fact, I had a debate tournament against them recently :p. I go to St. Sebastian’s. I just didn’t want it to sound like I went to a super-good school.</p>