Chance me for Carnegie Mellon SCS, Johns Hopkins (CS), other CS schools

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Asian male, competitive magnet program in public school, Maryland – my CS is a bit lacking. I’m currently looking to apply to the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, Caltech, Cornell, and UC schools for CS. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Hooks: For Johns Hopkins, graduate legacy? None otherwise

Stats:
3.98 Unweighted
4.76 Weighted
1580 SAT (790/790, no superscore)
800 SAT Math II
800 SAT Physics

AP’s (10 before senior):
AP Gov, Calc BC, Chinese, CS, Lang, Macro, Spanish, Physics mech, World history, Stats
Senior year
AP Lit, Physics EM, Chemistry

Other advanced classes include (magnet program):
Multivariable Calculus/Differential Equations (junior year)
Complex analysis, Linear algebra, Discrete math (senior)
Mathematical Physics (Basically advanced AP Physics Mech/EM, senior)

EC’s:
Math Team (7 years)

  • ARML participant/qualifier
  • AIME qualifier
  • Carnegie Mellon Informatics and Mathematics Competition (HMMT) finalist - some CS involved
  • Represented school (chosen) for Harvard-MIT Math Tournament

Clarinet (8 years)

  • Private lessons
  • Youth orchestra (unnamed here, but competitive)
  • All-County Band qualifier
  • Maryland All-State Band qualifier

Swimming (11 years)

  • Club swimming (unnamed for confidentiality)
  • Maryland state meet qualifier
  • High School Varsity Swimming
  • METROS qualifier for high school swimming

Computer Science team (7 years)

  • American Computer Science League (ACSL), 6th place team, top scorer
  • USACO Gold

Physics Team

  • Scored decent on USAPhO, did not qualify
  • F=ma exam high scorer

Tri-M Music Honors Society
Math Honors Society
Science National Honors Society

County Science Fair - 1st place

Professional Experience:
Internship for Johns Hopkins APL (CS)
CS Internship at UMD
Coach at local swim team
Counselor for summer recreation programs

There are a few other things, but these are what are most important to me. Thanks!

2

You’re pretty much a given to get into UMD which has a top-notched CS program. So that’s your safety. I would go after the other top 20 programs and go from there. You’ve got a good list already, to start. Unless you wanted to go for merit, then you might want to add some lower-ranked schools.

3

I’d say very high chances at all those schools except Caltech and CMU, which are hit or miss. You have extremely good stats and extracurriculars. Just don’t mess up the essay and you’re through.

4

Since you are OOS, are UCs affordable? Although they would be reaches even with your grades/scores.

5

Also Asian male STEM major is one of the worst demographics, meaning it’s highly likely that you will be rejected from all the top schools.

Apply to your reaches, but UMD is a good choice for CS.

6

South and East Asian male CS majors are in the worst demographic group, by far, even compared to other STEM majors.

7

I don’t believe this demographics stuff. I think the OP has as good of a chance as anyone who doesn’t have a string hook. He has his safety. As long as he can afford the schools, he’s on his way.

8

For the UCs, race and gender are not considered for admissions.

For the other schools, all other things being equal, yes it’s a bad demographic admissions-wise, but just put your best foot forward and hope for the best. Your stats and qualifications hopefully will be enough so that AOs see they that.