Here are my stats:
Unweighted GPA: 3.56
SAT: 1250
My grade 12 Quarter 1 GPA: 4.2 (Weighted); 3.94(Unweighted)
SAT Math Level 2: 720
SAT Chemistry: 680
I’ve represented my club (Saudi Arabia) in Czech, Republic as part of an international soccer tournament. I’ve also won many soccer-related awards.
I want to major in computer engineering. I’ve built many projects through high school. Examples: A phone that can be charged through light (Photovoltaic effect), Door that unlocks and opens through sound, a shoe pedometer, and a robot that can play a video game {STACK} better than a human. {These are all solo projects, btw. My school hasn’t had a science fair since 2014 and I won the last one xD}
I’ve also created Math club at our school.
So, here’s my question:
Though my GPA and SAT are extremely low, what prestigious universities (in computer engineering) can I get accepted to, if any?
Thanks.
Not any of the ones you listed. Unless you are a recruited athlete.
I don’t know what you consider “prestigious,” but you can look into Stevens Institute of Technology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute.
You have 3 things working against you. 1, your GPA/test scores. 2, you are an international applicant. 3, you are applying to a very competitive major. Do you require financial aid? If not, there may be some other very high quality programs that you may be able to get into.
Unfortunately not without some outstanding hook (setting up Syrian refugee camps for instance). Otherwise, these schools have no shortage of great candidates to choose from.
I agree with @Eeyore123. As an international applicant it’s even harder to get into top schools along with computer science applicants usually being very competitive. Your GPA, SAT and SAT II scores are very average along with your ECs. To be honest, your chances for all of the schools in the title are pretty much non-existent.
You’re below (well below) the 25th percentile at all 3 schools. That gives you a zero chance. It’s not even a slim chance. It’s no chance at all. That’s not a criticism of you or your talents, by the way. Your GPA and scores are very good and you should be proud of them. They’re just not what gets you into the schools you’ve noted.
You have nothing to lose by applying, but you likely won’t get in. You might have a good shot at Texas A&M, which is a nationally ranked engineering school. UT Dallas is also a nationally ranked engineering school.
Apply! If you get accepted at at least one, I’m sure you’d enjoy attending. But, if you do not get accepted at one of the colleges you’ve listed, be happy you applied! Later, you’ll never think ‘What if… Just what if’. Give it a try and have fun :-). Good luck!
I do think you have a realistic shot at Purdue. It’s a really fantastic (and very highly rated) engineering school. It’s also a great university overall. Check out their common data set for specifics. Good luck!
I do not know enough about Purdue to give you a detailed evaluation, but it’s worth applying for sure, just like with the other univerisities. However, based on what I do know, I think your GPA and SAT will work against you, but if your essays, letters of recommendation, ECs etc are all stellar, I think you do stand a chance :-). Good luck!
You weakest statistic is the SAT scores. Your weighted GPA is strong, Your soccer skills are evident and you appear to have a genuine science project interest:
“I want to major in computer engineering. I’ve built many projects through high school. Examples: A phone that can be charged through light (Photovoltaic effect), Door that unlocks and opens through sound, a shoe pedometer, and a robot that can play a video game {STACK} better than a human. {These are all solo projects, btw. My school hasn’t had a science fair since 2014 and I won the last one xD}
I’ve also created Math club at our school.”
You selection of majors and your project interests caught my attention because of your pride in project activities. WPI is the third oldest college of Science and Engineering is the US and has won the highest award granted by the National Academy of Engineering for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education in 2016 (see https://www.nae.edu/Activities/Projects/Awards/GordonPrize/GordonWinners.aspx#tabs).
They are quit competitive for admission, but they are particularly interested in project directed students. They are also more interested in grades and projects than SAT/ACT scores.
Florida Institute of Technology (warmer weather) and Clarkson University (colder) have solid programs and are less competitive for admission. RPI is very well regarded, but seems to emphasize SAT/ACT scores.