Chance for Tufts, JHU, Cornell? Thanks.

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey guys college apps are up and coming and I, a rising senior, just wanted to see where I stand for some of my more reach choices here. I might be thinking to ED Tufts or Cornell but most likely Tufts. I've been really lost as to where I am with my stats so any kind of help from you guys would be greatly appreciated. It's just that nowadays you see these monsters on CC with accomplishments (own companies, cured cancer, etc) that many people would die for and it's a bit nerve-wracking to see that they are told that match schools are actually reaches for them. This whole college app process has left me a bit lost so I come to you benevolent gods in search of salvation. I know my scores and accomplishments may not be up to the schools' standards but with all the uncertainty of a holistic selection process, there might be a slight chance. Thank you for any input.

WEIGHTED GPA (out of 5): 4.88

CLASS RANK (new rank will be out beginning senior year but I expect this to either stay or move up 1 or 2): 14/363

AP (Soph): APUSH [4]
AP (Junior): Chemistry [5], World History [5], English Language and Composition [5]
AP (Senior): Physics C, English Literature, Microeconomics, Spanish, Psychology, BC Calculus

Course load included a variety of all honors classes as well

SAT (Will be retaking in Oct and ACT this Sept): 2190 (670 CR/780 M/740 W)

SAT II: Math II [780], Chem [800], US History [720 will not send], Biology [730 will not send], Physics [690 will retake with math ii (maybe) for dat 800]

VOLUNTEER 300 hr+
-Peer Tutor
-Chinese School Badminton Teacher Assistant
-NHS/other clubs Service Opportunities
-Assistant Badminton Coach for my local club’s training program
-Translator for Asian Senior Citizens

-Raised Awareness/Funds for Colony Collapse Disorder of Bees

SUMMERS
-Boston Leadership Institute Green Chemistry Research Program 2015
-Badminton Training Camps/Assistant Coach for the younger players

-Annual Trips to China to connect with family/culture/visit an orphanage and donate

AWARDS
-AP Scholar with Honor
-Science Olympiad Scrambler Event Second Place
-Multiple Regional Badminton Tournaments 1st 2nd 3rd place
-Principal’s List

-National Honors Society

WORK
-Currently work at my local badminton club as the receptionist/desk manager
-Summer around 22 hrs/wk
-School around 12 hrs/wk

-Clean courts, manage sales, offer recommendations, handle transactions, enter data, check up on sign ins and memberships, etc

ECs
-our high school Badminton Club [Founder/Co-president]
-Captain of our high school’s Badminton Team (I take the team to an annual regional high school tournament)
-our HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) chapter [Co-President]
-National Honors Society
-Global Learning Initiative (Awareness Club)
-Red Cross
-Gives Back (Volunteer Club)
-Freshman/Varsity Math Team
-Spanish Honors Society
-Science National Honors Society (Lab-focused club)
-Science Olympiad
-Peer Tutoring
-Senior Citizen Translation (Meet once a week with some others to help teach necessary English phrases/concepts)
-Asian Culture Club (Discussion about cultures)

Outside of School:
-Art Studio (3 years)
-Chinese School (Have been going for 11 years)
-Competitive Badminton (Regularly train under coach and play tournaments. Went to Lake Placid Olympic Center once for a week training)

-Work

RECs/Essay
Counselor: Idk have to make an appointment but probably 7/10 at best
Honors Physics Teacher: 8.5/10 Would usually talk to him about science stuff after class/he is one of SciOly coaches
AP Chemistry Teacher: 9/10 Knows me/admires my character a lot
AP English Teacher: 7.5/10 at best idk but he really liked me as a student in his class

Essay: My writing is decent but I feel like it may be cliche/boring to write about my experiences in badminton and how it molded me to think/act the way I do. Perhaps something about taking care of aging family might be better.

OTHER
Gender: Male
Race: 1st Generation Asian
Income Bracket: ~200,000
Intended Major: Engineering (Possibly Chemical)
Weaknesses: Being Asian Middle Class male, SAT, No “research internships” or major awards
Hooks: sorry

2

bump bump bump

3

Hey! I’ll just prompt my comments by saying that I was admitted into JHU recently so I’d like to think I know a little about that specific process. First of all, try not to get psyched out by various stats you see on CC. I did that once and it can get pretty discouraging if you dwell on comparing yourself to others so much. Anyways, on to your chances of getting into JHU I think you definitely have a shot. First and foremost, GPA and course load is the most important because they want proof that you could handle their school. Your weighted GPA is great but I believe Hopkins looks more at the unweighted just so the comparison is a little more even among applicants. I also think your senior year course load is very good since you are considering chemical engineering. Your ECs are great as well and they do have a common thread (Math/science, culture, volunteering, sports) that colleges appreciate. I think the essay is always the most important part because it shows who you are as a person. If you write about badminton I think you would have to focus on making it unique by focusing on describing the sensory aspect and then linking it to how you think/act (as you said). But since it is such a prevalent part of your application it would be good to talk about another topic (like taking care of your aging parents). Whatever you choose make sure they get a feel of your character and prove that you can contribute to their school. If you feel your essay won’t be strong, focus on getting an interview too. Good luck man I hope I offered some salvation :slight_smile:

4

Hey hopeamity thanks for your input. You definitely provided some relief and good advice to this hectic process and I’ll be sure to focus on the essay parts :slight_smile: I’m just trying to see where I stand with my stats and I thank you for helping.

5

Your stats are honestly very solid and you have a great shot at any of these schools. If you apply ED to Tufts, I think you have a good chance, especially because of ED. Your profile seems very established, and once you retake that SAT score to maybe get it up to 2250+ or 2200+, your chances will be even better. Good luck! Chance me back?: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1798745-what-are-my-chances-with-these-stats-full-details-will-chance-back.html#latest

6

In my opinion if you apply ED to Tufts you will definitely get in. Just my opinion.