Chance me, CSE

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Minnesota
1

<p>I'm currently a junior in high school. I'm wondering what I can do the over the next few months to improve my chances of getting into the College of Science and Engineering, as I've heard it's pretty competitive.</p>

<p>Here are my current credentials:</p>

<p>GPA:
3.98</p>

<p>ACT score:
Overall- 31
English- 33
Math- 34
Reading- 29
Science- 29</p>

<p>AP classes:
9- Human Geography (5), US History (5), Calculus BC (pending), Physics C: Mechanics (pending), US Government (pending), Psychology, Chemistry, Stats, Music Theory (last four are scheduled for senior year)</p>

<p>Honors classes:
English 9, English 10, Algebra II, Biology </p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Math club, 4 years
French club, 2 years
Key club, 2 years
NHS, 1 year
Orchestra, signed up for next year. Plan on learning the bass (7 years of piano experience)
Computer programming (like a club, but not with school), 1 year
Volunteering at local library, 1 year (about 100 hrs)
Volunteering with special needs kids, 2 years (about 100 hrs)
State Math camp, 1 week this summer. One out of two representative from my school.
I've also done some math competitions (I.e. State math contest, AMC, and ones among local schools)</p>

<p>Is there anything I can do to improve my chances? Also, how competitive are scholarships? I'll be an OOS student, so I can use all the help I can get. :)</p>

<p>Btw, I plan on majoring in mechanical engineering. </p>

<p>Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>You’ll get in, my resume is like yours with you having better academics and I probably a little better EC’s. I got in to CSE with the Gold National scholarship which basically gives me in state tuition.</p>

3

<p>I agree that you will get in, subject to finishing your junior year with the same grades that got you here.</p>

<p>It’s also important to keep taking challenging classes through your senior year. Keep your pedal to the metal and don’t slack off next year. I think the enrollment application asks what courses you will be taking next year. </p>

<p>Any idea if you’re a possible National Merit Semifinalist at this point? If so, UMN will offer lots of scholarship money because they love enrolling undergrads with that designation. </p>

<p>An invitation to the University Honors Program is a possibility, too. </p>

4

<p>I’d be surprised if you aren’t accepted in the fall (if you submit your application right away). Your ACT is on par and your GPA is excellent. Your course rigor is difficult so just keep it up for senior year! Scholarships in CSE are very competitive though, so if you want a shot at lowering your costs below in-state level you’ll need to raise your ACT significantly. If you can get it to 34 or above, I think you could probably get at least $5000 more in merit money.</p>