Hello! I am currently a junior considering applying to BU. Please chance me based on my tentative, far from complete profile below !
Asian Male, Korean Citizen residing in Long Island, NY, USA (soon-to-be permanent resident)
Transferred between High Schools before 11th grade (MD → NY)
GPA: Expecting 103-105 W (max is 108)
Expecting to have taken 14-15 APs by end of HS (MV Calc is given AP credit)
SAT: 1540, ACT: 35
SAT II: Math II 800, US History 740
ECs: Mediocre, wasn’t able to take any leadership positions due to my relocation before 11th grade
Summer Lab Shadowing/Internship at neurobiology lab in summer of 9th grade
~170 Volunteer Hours at Retirement Community and Hydrocephalus Association
HOSA, Math Team, Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl (No Leadership positions yet)
Student Gov’t (since I transferred)
Cross Country (10th grade Only)
More miscellaneous but relatively ‘insignificant’ activities not mentioned
I have also applied for several summer medical research programs but have yet to hear from any of them.
Awards: AIME qualifier 11th grade (AMC 12B: 100.5)
Many smaller local level STEM awards
AP Scholar with Honor (so far)
NMS Semifinalist Hopeful (PSAT: 1480, Index 221, NY cutoffs fluctuate between 220 and 221)
LOR/Essay: Not yet applicable
Major: Double major in Neuroscience and Applied Mathematics/Statistics
I think that a lot of this is going to depend upon whether or not you have your green card by the time that you apply. But if you can afford to pay the tuition in full, and don’t need to apply for fin aid, then I think that you will get into BU, and also that you have a decent shot at more competitive schools, too.
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Thanks for your advice! I am expecting to receive my green card no later than a month after, so my immigration status shouldn’t really hinder my chances. Also I probably won’t need financial aid.
No later than a month after what? When do you expect to have it? What matters is whether you can apply as a permanent resident, or only as an international student.
If you’re a permanent resident by application time, I suggest that you choose whichever of the SUNY universities best matches what you want, and make that your safety. Then, if money is truly no object, if your family can truly spend 300K on your college education without blinking an eye, you seriously have a chance at getting in anywhere. And if you make National Merit, you have a chance at full tuition scholarships, or even full rides, at lesser institutions. You don’t have a “spike” of extraordinarily high, internationally recognized achievement in any one area, but you have really great grades and standardized test scores, plus clearly serious rigor in your course selection. I have a feeling that there is some personal connection between your volunteer work in hydrocephalus and your interest in Neuroscience, so that might be something to use in your essay to show where that interest came from. It’s time to start thinking about whom you want to ask for letters.