I am a junior and am interested in studying computer science.
My projected GPA pending this year’s final grade is 3.76/5.28 (Unweighted/Weighted), ACT Composite 34 (Math 36), SAT Math IIC 780, SAT II Chem 750.
My major concern is my GPA which I am afraid is a kind of low. I had 3Bs in 9th grade, 1B in 10th grade, and am looking to have straight As this junior year. I think my GPA has an upward trend, but, overall, I am ranked in the top 15% but not 10% in the class. My course work is the most challenging one offered by my school. Except PE and Band, all my classes since 9th grade have been honors or AP (1, 4 and 5 AP for 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, respectively).
I have won 1st places in in state Chemistry Olympics (on chemical engineering projects not tests). I am not sure whether the awards help for computer science which, I assume, is more about physics than chemistry.
To explore and demonstrate my interest in computer science, I will be going to UPenn this summer for a computer science camp as well as Purdue for an engineering camp.
I’d really appreciate your advises as I am trying to narrow down my college list. Thank
I had similar stats to you when I was applying almost three years ago. I think you have a shot as long as you have a strong essay.
If you want to study bioinformatics, chemistry and biology are both important. its a field of computer science that works on understanding large biological data sets, like cancer data. Some computer scientists minor or major in bioinformatics so don’t discount your chemistry awards. Read more about the computer science threads at Georgia Tech and see if you find one that sounds interesting to you. Computer science is mostly about mathematics and your math score is very high. If your math grades are also high that will help too. Also, having a 5 on the AP math exam may help some.
Thank you Coloradomama for the insights. I just got my 3rd ACT test score back. Now, I have 3 ACT tests all with 34 composite, and a 35 superscore (Eng 35, Math 36, Reading 35 and Science 34). I did well in this soon-to-be finished junior year with 4 APs and 1 Honors classes with all As, finishing with an estimated 3.77 UW/5.23W GPA, and moving to the top 10% of my class (our school doesn’t rank officially, but ranking can be estimated from the class profile). I am flying to GT for a campus tour and an interview next Monday. I really hope that I can be accepted into GT which I think is a very very good place. I am more interested in programming robotics than biology though.
If you are out of state, apply by Oct 15 for the best chance. Its nonbinding early decision date for GT. Very early date but your stats seem strong so its a good idea to move ahead on it. We know out of state girls and boys who got rejected regular decision, at GT, with ACT of 36. Their essays and ECs may be weaker than yours. Good luck. apply to Rutgers or other safety schools too.