Hello
I am interested in applying ED2, RD or even ED. however, the need-awareness scares the life out of me. I need significant aid. should I apply? if so, under which plan? currently, I have decided to SCEA princeton, because out of my early action/decision short list, it was the only need blind college.
also, will my age hurt me? I have skipped over two grades in Middle and Elementary schools. therefore, I am only 16.
Here are my stats:
Intended Major : Biochem/neuroscience/Molecular Bio
GPA: I double majored in Junior year so I have two gpa’s: 19.20 for my theoretical major , 19.40 for my Experimental , 19.06 Sophomore, 18.76 Freshman. according to https://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide/index.asp, all my GPA’s translate into 4 in the american system. will this upward trend be helpful?
Rank : 2/75. keep in mind that my school is extremely rigorous.
Course Load: Biology 3, Calculus, Physics 3, Advanced Algebra and Probability, Geometry 2, Geology 1, Chemistry 3, Persian Literature 3, Persian Linguistics 3, Islamic studies 3, Arabic 3, English 3, Contemporary History, Math for EXP majors.
ACT : 34 (34 34 33 34)
Sat ii : took it recently, predicting math 2 800, bio m 770+ and something good for Chem.
No AP or IB classes, as we all have the same curriculum in Iran. however, I was in a NODET (national organization for development of extraordinary talents) school, which means that our curriculum was tough as hell. however, I did have some advanced extra curricular classes in Math, Physics and Astronomy. I will probably write it as an academic EC.
EC:
English Teacher at a prestigious language college.
Arts and humanities club member.
Internship at a very prestigious Lens and Optics Lab.
part of high school National Computer Olympiad team, no medal though.
9th at Ferdowsi Univ. Programming contest.
5th at Team Math&Chem City Contest
Fluent in English and Persian, good at Arabic, Intermediate in French
c++, HTML, CSS, JS, PHP coder.
Web designer.
Swimmer, no awards though.
English,Geometry and Algebra tutor.
That is all, I believe.
Thank you for sparing the time to read my question.
I am adding my Subject scores : Chem 800, Math2 790, BioM: 770 , as well as subtly Bumping this thread
Need awareness is just another form of the various considerations that can affect an applicant’s chances. You should not be extremely concerned about it, and you can’t change your status anyway. You would be a perfect academic applicant if you had a subject test outside of math or science. This is saying a lot, since very few students can demonstrate proficiency up to the point you already have. No specific chance, but you appear qualified to do the work at every US college. Good luck.
@merc81 thank you for your kind response.
I am not sure about what you mean by that line about non-STEM subject tests. would they like to see a non science even if I am going to major in sciences? would a rec from a non-stem teacher compensate for that?
The observation was purely technical. I wasn’t going as far as to recommend any changes. You are essentially a perfect academic applicant as is. However, I would say that a math2, a science (in your case two) and a humanity would constitute the flat-out most impressive distribution of subject tests. But no one will expect this of you, and you have nothing to compensate for. Your consistent ACT scores are more than enough to demonstrate your competency outside of math and science.
@merc81 thank you for you answer.
I understand. thanks.
How about non-academics?
The elements are there. The key is in how you order them. I would place your language abilities well before Arts and Humanities club member, for example.
@merc81 thank you
If you have time, can you give me some tips on how you would order the list?
Considerations: your ECs 1) importance to you 2) effort you put into them and 3) rarity of the level you’ve achieved.
You need to contact your schools to see if they will accept minors. As a 16 year old, you are not considered an adult. In the US, the adult age is 18. You may not be able to sign documentation as an adult, so you need to check with your university choices.
You are a very strong applicant. Good luck!