Hello, I am a part of the class of 2018 and I know this is fairly early to be ‘chancing’ but I want to get honest feedback on ways I could improve my chances! (:
So I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA, I took 2 AP classes sophomore year ( got a 3 on APWH and a 4 on CalcAB). This year I am taking 6 AP classes. I have been in robotics for 8 years now, became president this year, interested in software programming and virtual reality. Other stuff that I am not honestly passionate about: about 30+ volunteer hours, treasurer in 2 clubs.
So I have basically less than a year to really buff up my application. These are things that I can spend my time on: ACT, studying for the AP tests, programming a VR app or just a VR program, volunteer more, extensively focus on my robotics team success, or taking college courses.
The two activities I plan to spend a majority of time on is programming VR and ACT. Then after that, study for AP tests, make sure to get straight A’s, and keep teachers who could recommend me in mind.
What is my chance now? Best activities I could do to buff up my application? My dream schools are Stanford or MIT not only for their education but for their stellar community!
Best activities now are getting your scores in for your ACT/SAT. Without those scores, it would be really hard to chance you. AP scores are not used for admissions to the colleges.
The first test (SAT), to qualify for National Merit Status, is usually taken in early fall of the Junior year. Your scores from that test are used and compared to other kids in your state. If you do well, you may be eligible for significant funding from a number of schools. If you don’t do well, then you have other opportunities to take the tests but those tests wont qualify for National Merit.
The UC’s use 10th and 11th grade GPA to admit. The universities look first at test scores and GPA. EC’s are secondary. Without scores, you won’t get a good response to your question about chances.
If you are focusing on your EC’s and not your tests, you may be disappointed.
Are you instate for California? The UC’s do not give any funding to OOS students. So anyone from out of the state pays full fees of $55K per year.
Thank you for the feedback! I did not get a high enough score on the PSAT to qualify for National Merit. The reason why I really want to focus on VR and show achievement in it is because I have read that colleges want to see that you’ve developed a ‘spike’ in something you’re passionate about. Regardless, I have realized that ACT/SAT scores are crazy important (basically on the same caliber of ur GPA) and I plan to focus solely on getting a 33+ score before extensively focusing on EC’s. Also, yes I live in Cal.
Don’t set your sights just on Stanford or MIT, because those are very much out of reach schools, but definitely still do apply. Can’t hurt! And as for UCLA, it depends on what major you select as well- compsci is definitely a highly impacted major. There are people I personally know being rejected from UCLA for CS that are accepted to Stanford for CS.
Not at the expense of your test scores.
Also, they want students who are socially conscious about their community.