Hello, I’m currently a high school junior nearing the end of my second semester, and I am looking for an idea of how strong my current application would be for schools I’m considering applying to below. Any advice that you could suggest to improve it?
Application:
Basic Stats:
SAT I: 1600 (New 2016 SAT, could still retake, 3rd try)
SAT II: Math 2 (800), Physics (800)
GPA(UW/W): 3.82/4.29( a few B’s in the humanities, all As in advanced math and science)
Rank: 7th percentile
APs: World History (4), U.S. History (5), Calculus BC (5), Computer Science A (5), Physics 1 (5)
IBs: Not provided at my school.
Planned Senior Course Load: A.P. Macroeconomics/A.P. Government, Multi-variable Calculus (taking at a nearby university), H Spanish 4, A.P. Biology, Data Structures, A.P. English Literature, A.P. Statistics
Major Awards: None, as far as I can tell.
Minor Awards: Meritorious ranking in High School Mathematical Modeling Contest, 7th in Regional Programming Contest, Sentinel Award Every Year (High School Recognition awards)
Extracurricular Activities:
-Eagle Scout (also Senior Patrol Leader in troop; highest leadership ranking possible, 9-12)
-Mu Alpha Theta (11-12, elected President for 12)
-Science Bowl Team Club(10-12)
-Physics Olympiad Team Club(11-12)
-Computer Science Club (11-12, Vice President for both years)
-Developed 3 Games
-Created organization to help promote computer programming education in my city for less affluent kids.
- Participated in numerous competitions( I won’t list every single one for brevity, but about 12 different math and science competitions in total, including several regional programming and math competitions and two mathematical modeling, as well as AMC 10/12 and Log 1. I have done these competitions annually since 10th grade).
-Learned a number of programming languages (examples: Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, C++/C, HTML/CSS, Haskell)
-Studied a variety of comp-sci related courses (primarily on coursers): (Machine Learning, Mathematical Thinking, Model Designing, Algorithms)
-Active member of a global online community(Brilliant.org) that promotes higher level math and science education (think of a heavily STEM oriented Khan Academy)
*Note that 12th means I plan to participate in that activity in 12th, not that I already have done it.
Additional Info: Have been programming for 5-6 years (started around 12ish), started studying advanced math in 6th grade, got into Rubik’s cubes in 4th. (Not really sure how to use this additional info, but I feel it has its place somewhere).
Job/Work Experience: Working as a cashier at a local grocery store on the weekends.
Volunteer/Community service: ~100 hours, mostly for a local food bank.
Summer Activities: Course study, work.
Recommendation Letters (so far): 11th Grade A.P. Calculus B/C (10/10), 11th Grade A.P. U.S. History (8/10), 11th Grade A.P. Comp Sci teacher (9/10), 11th Grade A.P. Physics Teacher (8/10) (I will probably not use all of these); My Scoutmaster for the past 5 years (10/10) (if applicable), Counselor (5/10)(way too general).
Other Info:
Applying for Financial Aid? Yes (out of all factors, least concerned)
Intended Major: Computer Science
State: California
School Type: Public, large (~2500 students)
Ethnicity/Race: European White
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: Not exactly sure, but my family makes about 90k a year.
Hooks: Loose Legacy at Carnegie Mellon (Grandfather).
Schools I’m considering: Stanford, Princeton, Cornell, Caltech, Carnegie Mellon, MIT, UC Berkely, UCLA, Duke, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, Georgia Tech,
Current Thoughts:
Strengths: Focused ECs (not overly general and mostly focused around Math, Science, and Comp Science, all having a Comp Sci Theme), Decent Recommendations, a few leadership roles.
Weaknesses: Stats seem somewhat low for some places (Stanford, Princeton, MIT, Caltech) No major awards. Out of everything, major awards and UW GPA are the most concerning. In addition, while I think I illustrate passion in applied mathematics (mathematical modeling) and comp sci, I don’t think I have some grand award to show for it.
Overall, given that I still have several months before I end up submitting most of my applications, what suggestions do you have in how I can improve my app? Constructive feedback welcomed (Don’t say “oh you’re doomed it’s over” or “you’re such a great applicant”).