<p>Obviously these would be reaches for me, but I'm not sure if I should bother applying (ED or otherwise) or not (both schools I think I could like, esp. Olin and I think they each meet need). I'm guessing I shouldn't but my ego is prompting this post. I'm currently a junior at a decent high school (1-2 accepted to Cornell each year past few years). I'm a lower middle class white male.
3.9 UW GPA (weighted NGA is 100-101)
8 Honors classes, 2 engineering classes with honors weight, will take one honors class next year
5 AP classes - World History (only test I've taken, 4), BC Calc, Physics B US History, English, next year: Physics B2/C, Chem, Stats, Gov
SAT: 800 CR, 790 M, 750 W (8 E), will take Math II and Physics subject tests and assume at least 750
I can't count on good recommendations because I'm pretty quiet in class and teachers don't really know me outside of grading my work, but I think I can write a good essay.
EC: very weak, main reason I doubt I should bother applying to highly selective schools
-Concert band (freshman/sophomore), marching band (all HS) - possible leadership next year
-potential NMF - 222 on PSAT
-volunteer stuff - mostly with church, I do computer stuff (probably average about an hour/week or 2 weeks for around 2 years), I worked at a organization for disabled people several times one summer, maybe 20 hours
-active in church youth group
-I'm teaching myself programming and occasionally build electronics (probably not worth anything)</p>
<p>I doubt I would have much of a chance, but part of me is still hopeful haha. </p>