Chance me -> Be critical please!

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hello all,

I’m currently a junior in high school and am thinking about starting the college application process within the next month. I’d like you guys to give me an idea of what schools I can get in/have a shot at so that I don’t waste time doing 20 applications lol. Thanks!!

Intended major: Pre-med
Intended colleges: Harvard, Columbia, UPenn, John Hopkins, Duke, Stanford, Chapel Hill, WashU, etc.
Race: Asian rip
Gender: male rip

GPA: ~3.95
APs: Statistics (5), Calculus BC (5), Euro (5), Comp Sci (5), currently taking APUSH, Bio, Physics 1, and Composition
Courseload: Very rigorous this year (Multivariable Calc, Science Research, etc.)
Projected Senior Courseload: AP Lit, AP Physics C, AP Chem, AP Gov, AP Economics (includes Micro/Macro), Health, Science Research

PSAT: 1510 (should be good for National Merit)
SAT: 1580

ECs (not gonna list activites, just the positions):
-Peer Tutoring (Co-Pres)
-Mathletes (hopeful VP)
-Quiz Bowl (Co-Pres)
-Science Olympiad (Secretary)
-Student Council (Treasurer)
-JV/Club Soccer
-Running website (unblocked games lol) as business (2.5M page views, prob 1M visitors, top 150K websites in world)
-Volunteer at oriental medical clinic, senior day care center, tutoring
Prob forgetting some more

Awards:

  • AIME qualifier x2 (still waiting on this year’s cutoff), ARML qualifier x2 (idk for this year) a lot of regional/county math stuff, team awards at NYSML
  • USABO semifinalist (projected; took the test and felt it was okay)
  • Science Olympiad medals (all regional rn, but hopefully a few at states next month)
  • National Merit Semi (projected)
    -National AP Scholar (projected)
    I still have a few competitions I’m working towards that may help a lot (Siemens, Regeneron, etc.), but those are hard af so I’m not going to list those.

So yeah, that’s my situation now. Any criticism/advice on a pre-med path would be appreciated.
Thanks!

2

Find a safety school that is affordable and you are willing to attend no matter what, then you can work on your list of Reach schools.
You look like a competitive applicant and a lot of great things going for you, but as you know so many of the schools you have listed have low acceptance rates with no guarantees. Cast a wide net and include several Reach schools but also focus on more Match schools so you will have options next year.

3

Yea, I will apply to Stony Brook as a safety.

4

You seem to be a pretty cookie-cutter, high achieveing Asian applicant. Nothing really makes you stand out. You have great stats and awards, but you have to give schools a reason to accept you (aside from numbers or awards). Frankly, I just don’t see that. Your best chance to make your case is in your essays, so write them well.

But, tbh, your stats alone will probably get you into some colleges. Johns Hopkins, Duke, and WashU seem reasonable for you, but just make sure to show lots of interest for WashU. Duke is pretty score-obsessed, which is good for you. I’m not too familiar with the priorities of JHU, but I still think you can get in (I mean, you have a chance at all of your schools but some less than others). Good luck!

5

Thank you!

6

I think you are a very competitive candidate at Top 20s. Everyone will tell you that Ivies + are very selective, but your academic achievements put you right into the mix. You do need to distinguish yourself from the other very accomplished candidates you will be competing with, so spend more time on showing your passion for ECs (these schools can see right through phony engagement), dedicated leadership, and how you would make a difference on campus (through your essays). A strong set of recommendations can also put you over the edge, so choose teachers that can say why you would be an excellent addition to a particular university’s community. Good luck!

7

Thank you!

8

Have you done any major service projects? What kind of volunteering do you do to better your community?

9

I mostly tutor others in various subjects, whether it’s seniors with technology problems or special-ed kids with math/english. At my oriental medical clinic, I’ve helped seniors undergo physical therapy and stuff. What do you propose as a “major service” project?

10

:frowning:

Literally me also