Chance me for MIT/Caltech/Harvey Mudd?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hello all :)</p>

<p>I'm currently a ninth grader in BC, Canada, and hoping to pursue a career in science (probably physics or software engineering) - to this end I'm beginning to consider prospective colleges and how they will impact my future choice of careers. </p>

<p>I have a 95% average (which I believe is a 4.0 GPA, although the process confuses me - please correct if I am wrong), and in 8th grade I took the SAT I.</p>

<p>My scores were 690 for math (I know that's low, but I have improved significantly since then), 750 for writing and 760 for critical reading.</p>

<p>I've also participated in math contests. Since I've only started learning contest math seriously since last summer, my results have been, admittedly, less than stellar. In grade 8 my score on the AMC 10 was 85, and I'm all but certain my score this year was in the 90-110 range.</p>

<p>I am taking the AMC 10 B tomorrow though. I'm pretty confident that even if I don't qualify for AIME this year I probably will next year :)</p>

<p>My school only offers four AP's: calculus, computer science, English literature and studio art. I'm on track to take all four in either 11th or 12th grade, and also self-studying for Chemistry, Physics, French and Mandarin Chinese.</p>

<p>As for EC's: I'm Grade Rep on Student Council, and a member of the math club, kpop dance club and gallery art club. I'm also involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's program.</p>

<p>I've also been looking into volunteer programs: I've been accepted as a YWCA "mentor" for Grade 7's, but I really want to do something tech-related. If anyone has suggestions please let me know!</p>

<p>I'm really interested in doing a meaningful summer program related to math or computer science - suggestions will be greatly appreciated :)</p>

<p>Oh, and I'm in a specialized arts program at my high school, and I have a pretty impressive art portfolio in case I decide to attend art school. I don't know if that will have any value at a science school, haha!</p>

<p>About me: I'm a Chinese-Canadian girl, and my parents are first generation immigrants. I come from a middle class family, and won't be applying for financial aid.</p>

<p>What can I do to put myself on the right track for these schools?</p>

<p>Thank you^^</p>

2

<p>Take a look at the CC “summer programs” threads. Math Camp, Math Zoom, PROMYS, etc. are very good. AoPS has on-line classes. Check out the “getting ready for MIT” website, they also have many suggestions for summer math and science enrichment programs, and their online open courseware might be just the thing to grow your passion.</p>

<p>Try to find a local researcher who is willing to let you spend time in their lab. Find a mentor.</p>

<p>Also realize there are many wonderful math/science colleges - don’t just think about a few prestigious ones.</p>

3

<p>I think you are on the right track. Get really involved and make sure you keep your grades up and you will be fine. Good luck!</p>

4

<p>Wow-you’re starting early. Remember your plans could change… you’ll probably be more certain about what you want to pursue in college and beyond once you’ve taken some more classes.
Also, although you’re taking AMC/AIME stuff you might still want to take the math II subject test as well, preferably scoring 800.</p>

5

<p>I am wondering about being from a middle class family and NOT applying for financial aid. I don’t know any truly middle class families that can foot the bill for any of these colleges without financial aid. Please be sure you run the net price calculator with your parents (translating Canadian $ into US $ before doing so) to make sure this is the case.</p>

6

<p>Hi, thanks for replying^^
Well, my father’s annual income is in the 100000 - 150000 range, my mom stays at home.
I know it won’t be really easy since housing/living prices are extremely high where I live, but since my parents save for my education and I’m an only child I’d rather not apply for any aid. Besides, admissions are already tougher for international students, so I don’t want to lower my already minuscule chances :)</p>

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<p>I applied to Harvey Mudd via early decision ii and got in. I applied for financial aid, and was awarded full tuition and then some. I don’t think applying for financial aid will lower your chances of getting in. I somehow got in and I only took 5 AP classes: Calc AB, Econ, English, World & US History. I didn’t even take a math class in my senior year. My SAT scores were well below the average, with just a 730 M, 730 CR, and 640 W. Besides that, and being valedictorian of a class of 150 (in a very weak academic public school), I practically had nothing else of note. Well, I was also a recruited athlete. Other than that, my ECs were really weak- with almost nothing math or science related. On that note, I think you’ll get into this school as long as your essays are well written, well-researched, and you just thoroughly explain to them why you want to go to their school. I think that Harvey Mudd would be the best fit for you out of those three schools because not only does it have top notch math and comp sci programs that rival both MIT and Caltech, but it also allows you to pursue a concentration in the arts and humanities, which you seem to value very highly. One-third of your courseload at Harvey Mudd will be in the arts and humanities, and you are required to have a concentration in one of the over 30 fields of concentration that they offer. I hope this helps and good luck in your next 4 years or so of high school!</p>