Chance me Please!
GPA 3.99/4 UW 5.41/6 W (school uses a wired system)
Rank 25/530
AP: will have 12 when graduate
5 in AP Calc AB and AP Physics 2
4 in AP Physics 1, APUSH, AP English, AP Seminar
SAT: 1560 superscore, 1550 no superscore
ACT: 35
EC:
Chamber Orchestra 4 years (won the national orchestra cup this year)
Math Honor Society 4 years, officer 11th and 12th grade
National Honor Society 11th and 12th
Region Orchestra Cellist 9th and 11th
Awards:
AP Scholar With Distinction 11th
7th regioinal mu alpha theta contest
Volunteering:
Houston Space Center, taught kids at summer camp about basic science and astronomy for 2 weeks every year.
Frequent volunteer at local library
Oh yeah forgot to mention, I intend to major in ECE or EECS
I think that you have a decent chance, but there is no way that anyone can know whether you will get into any school on this list. You probably should have the attitude of “this reach list is solid, now let’s focus on putting together a very good match and safety list”.
As always, you should also run the NPC and figure out with help of parents whether you can afford these schools (as well as whether you can afford your match and safety schools).
I’m the only child, so finance is no problem
And I am auto admitt to UT Austin so I’m just focusing on reaches right now, thanks!
With auto admit to UT Austin you’re in a great position. Essays will be key as will your early application strategy. Have you thought about where to apply early?
Visiting CMU Wednesday, that’s probably my favorite university on the list. If I end up liking it after the visit, that would be my ed
Hopefully you have scheduled an interview while you’re there. If not, try to make that happen. Expressed interest is a CMU plus.
They won’t have interviews till September 
But I got into session and a tour. Maybe I can make the hometown interview in San Antonio later
They must have changed their interview opportunities as my son interviewed in July of 2015. Consider taking a bold move and call the admissions office and ask if there is anyone that could interview you. If not perhaps they could assist you in talking to someone in the department you are interested in. Be Bold.
I’ll try do that, thanks! Just wondering, what’s the interview like? What should I be preparing?
Here’s a few interviewing tips:
- Always be prepared for the "Tell me about yourself" question. Give a short description for yourself and try to end by connecting something about yourself to the university and department.
- Have some questions about the university: culture, traditions, and the surrounding community.
- Always have a few questions for the interviewer reserved for the end.
The rest is just free form. Be yourself.
CMU has great traditions and culture. Have you seen Randy Pausch’s “Last Lecture”? If not google it and see the type of people drawn to CMU. Then when you tour the campus, walk over the Pausch bridge and remember his Last Lecture.
keep in mind your applying to one of the most competitive majors at each school