<p>I am a Junior male living in New York City (and I would prefer to stay here). I am hoping to apply to NYU and Columbia, possibly Adelphi as well. I want to major in physics, then major in astrophysics in grad school, and minor in bio. I am having trouble finding schools like that, so I would like recommendations. Anyway, here are my statistics:</p>
<p>GPA: 3.6, although it seems to be rising now that I'm done with stupid classes like art and italian</p>
<p>Extracurriculars: about 80 hours in total. Worked in an aquarium, library and now I'm a peer tutor in my school for math. </p>
<p>rigor of workload: I took AP world in 10th grade (got a 4), I am currently taking AP US with AP Calculus. Plan to take AP physics, stat and Euro or Economics next year. My electives were law and psychology.</p>
<p>personal information: American born, Russian-Jewish ethnicity. Mother is sick with cancer so much of the housework falls on me because my parents are divorced. My financial status can be classified as needy. My cousin went to Columbia (not sure if that counts as legacy). </p>
<p>So, please help me see where I stand, and if I missed any info, don't hesitate to ask.</p>
<p>make sure you explain your mother’s situation. Otherwise you have slim chances.
also go for a few more reaches—maybe UPenn or Cornell, that aren’t way too far
+Rutgers, BC, Northeastern…schools like that.</p>
<p>Sorry about your mother, but schools don’t need to know that. Everyone has a story. Your SAT is good, and of course, can improve. Also take the ACT. </p>
<p>In terms of “other”, I suggest you build up your ECs and stick with them. Colleges like to see you’re involved long term. *about 80 hours in total. Worked in an aquarium, library and now I’m a peer tutor in my school for math. *</p>
<p>About schools: there’s plenty to consider…Hunter, NYU, Fordham, St John’s, not likely to get into Columbia (not enough “other stuff, including leadership”)</p>
<p>Give U Chicago and Cornell a chance – they are great physics schools. And U Chicago gives you a huge chance to describe yourself in the essays.</p>
<p>I’d also recommend berkeley, but your stats make it quite the reach.</p>
<p>You will need to …create… some extracurriculars to show off your passion for physics. But you’re a junior. I’d dedicate summer to doing some crazy physics program. Also… up your GPA so that you can apply to schools like Berkeley, and the holy trinity of Physics (Harvard, Princeton, MIT).</p>
<p>Regarding what limabeans said, I disagree. I think that a student overcoming adversities and barriers and ending up with academic excellence is exactly the type of student lots of selective schools want. However, its effect on your chances of getting into a school like Columbia really depends on how well you write your essay (and, if applicable, how well your interview goes) because that’s the only opportunity you’ll have to communicate your personality and your personal struggle.</p>
<p>If your apply to Adelphi then In guessing your black so NYU is not for you to many happy people if you know what I mean. I would go for something in DC maybe GTown.</p>