<p>Hah, just kidding, I think I can spell it. In any case, what do you think my chances are?</p>
<p>Rising Senior in FL
GPA: 4.0 unweighted, ~4.6 weighted (recalc for academic only etc)
Rank: top 5%
SAT Is: 2120 (690CR, 770M, 660WR)
SAT IIs: haven't taken yet, however I plan to take Math II, and Physics.</p>
<p>APs:
Computer Science A (5)
English Language/Comp (4)</p>
<p>Senior schedule:
AP Lit
AP Calc BC
AP Statistics
AP Computer Science AB
AP Micro/macroeconomics
Cisco classes
Yearbook (journalism II)</p>
<p>ECs: (I feel this is my weakest spot)
-Principal's Honor Roll for every semester.
-NHS 11-12
-NTHS 11-12
-Mu Alpha Theta 11-12
-Member of SkillsUSA Chapter (2nd place in regional computer programming, 3rd place in state level computer programming) (I also might hold an officer position next year)
-Volunteer hours at USF working on the R&R website.
-Ice hockey all years (not affiliated with school, think i should still put it?)</p>
<p>Prospective major: Computer Science or Computer Engineering (yes i realize they're totally different, I am still torn between them)
Also do you think I have a shot at any merit scholarships? I cannot afford to attend otherwise :(</p>
<p>You definitely fit the profile and a few years ago would have been a shoe-in. Chances are very good still, but recommendations, etc make a difference. We've known several people with great merit and financial aid offers that made RPI quite affordable. A huge percentage of the student body are RPI medalists (24%?) which is $15K a year right there. That's awarded by your high school in the Junior year if they sign up for the program.</p>
<p>I hope that my recs and essays will be top notch. </p>
<p>It sounds like RPI gives out a good amount of merit aid. I don't quite understand the medalist thing though. How does it work? I live in FL so I doubt that my high school does it, but if they do, would it be too late now that i'm about to be a senior? I don't think my HS has ever sent anyone to RPI before.</p>
<p>I agree with sandpit, you have fairly good chances. It is getting more competitive every year though.. (acceptance rate is now down to around %35). </p>
<p>The medal is awarded in the Junior year, so I suppose you can't get it now. I'm not sure how the schools are chosen.. maybe they apply for it.. At schools that offer the medal, teachers are supposed to give it to the top science/math student in the school. There are no applications, it is completely the teacher's decision. </p>
<p>But don't worry.. a lot.. almost certainly more than %50 of students get aid equivalent to or more than the medal.</p>
<p>Hmm I see. I'm certain it was not given out at my school, so I guess that we don't participate in it. It's good to hear about the aid, thanks for the reply.</p>