Major: Computer engineering
Schools: Stanford, CalTech, MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley, UCSD, UCSB, and Cal Poly SLO. I honestly don’t expect to have any chance for those first three but what the heck.
GPA: 3.63 UW (9-11), 3.7 UW 10-11. Definitely my weakest aspect. Strong upward trend, straight A’s junior year. Very rigorous schedule
Tests:ACT: 35. SAT II: Math-800, Physics-760
ECs:
- Intern at highly respected and well known software company
- Attended MIT launch summer program (this is officially affiliated with MIT and is selective)
- Apple WWDC Scholar
- App in the app store with 1000+ downloads
- Went to somewhat selective summer camp pertaining to engineering
- President of robotics club, done all 4 years
- President of physics club, done all 4 years
- President of math club, done 10-12
- Selected by school administration to by on a team to help introduce new tech to schools student body
Great LoR and essays
Post a link and I’ll chance you back!
You do have great ACT score, but your GPA is low. For UCs, figure out your UC wGPA.
That would be too low for upper and perhaps middle UCs.
@billcsho would my ECs be able to make up for it? As I understand the UCs especially Berkeley are holistic?
It should help, but the GPA gap is not small.
UCSD-Low Reach
UCB/UCLA-Reach
SLO-Match
@MathFan21 Thanks!
@billcsho What about the schools that weigh more heavily on ECs like the top-tier ones?
You have really good EC. IMO you have a shot at Stanford, MIT, and Caltech (the gpa will hurt you but if you have a good interview and essay, and show what they are looking for, then you have a really good chance, especially at MIT).
The UCs are a bit trickier since they are numerically based but not completely out of the question for Cal and LA
Depends on your essays. Your ECs and ACT is quite good. I think you’ve got a good shot at UCSB and UCSD.
Don’t know about the rest.
All the best!
Chance me? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1843923-please-chance-me-for-purdue-texas-a-m-virginia-tech-ut-austin.html#latest
@elysium305 thanks! chanced you back
Curious, what is your weighted GPA? I would say that the UCs will be trickier,as they truly do rely more on numerical values than anything else. However, given your ACT score (excellent by the way), I am sure that they will have a double look. I would put you as a border applicant for UCLA and UCB, but a definite match for SLO.
Now for the other schools mentioned, I think you still have a chance. However, they will be reaches- most applicants have perfect scores and grades and then great ECs distinguish. Given that you fulfill two for the three above categories, you will have to give them some special quality or some great essays and letters of recommendation to show them that they need you. Good luck!
Can you chance me? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1838238-ucla-berkeley-cornell-will-chance-back.html#latest
@jackisawesome Thanksor the detailed reply! My weighted is a 4.1ish, and I’m around the top quarter in my class.
IMO (I could be completely wrong) I think it’s worth applying to all three big ones (MIT Stanford Caltech) because my ECs really show focus and drive, that they will outweigh by academics at hopefully at least one of the schools. The MIT launch program is officially affiliated with MIT (and is quite selective) so I’m hoping for some brownie points there.
What are you thoughts on this?
I think it could help a little, as it shows some commitment and initiative- you chose to go there for a program out of thousands of other schools, so they know you like them and fit well. You probably also have some insight into the school that is specialized, so you will be at some advantage. For your ECs, make sure to showcase your drive and focus on your major in a way that also hopefully alludes to some personality traits (charisma can persuade anyone). I wish you good luck! 
Match for UCSB SLO and maybe even UCSD depending on your UC gpa. The rest are reaches but I think you have a shot at Berkeley but not so much at Caltech CMU and Stanford. If you have the time http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1846229-physics-major-at-ucb-ucla-and-ucsd.html#latest