Academics:
GPA (Unweighted): 4.0
SAT: 1540 (740 / 800)
SAT Biology: 730
SAT Chemistry: 780
SAT Math 2: 800
AP Tests: Physics 1, Statistics, Microeconomics, Computer Science, Calculus BC, American Lit, Psychology: All 5s
Extracurriculars:
Software Development Business - make apps and websites for businesses
Nonprofit - Created a nonprofit to teach CS to underprivileged youth
2 time Hackathon Winner
1st and 5th place at DECA Internationals
Top 10 at MIT Launch Clubs
Finalist for the Conrad Challenge
Top 10 Software Development TSA
President of School Club
My Colleges List:
Harvard
Stanford
MIT
UPenn
UIUC
UC Berkley
UCLA
UCSB
Georgia Tech
Yale
UMich
I’m applying for CS for all of them - thanks for replying.
I was hoping that my ECs would be relevant enough to my major, even though a lot of them are business related.
Note that UCB offers CS as both EECS in the College of Engineering and CS in the College of Letters and Science (L&S CS).
For frosh admission, UCB EECS should be considered reach for everyone. UCB L&S is probably a high match for you; intended major does not matter, since all L&S admits enter as undeclared. But you then need to earn a 3.3 college GPA in the L&S CS prerequisites in order to enter the L&S CS major.
Assuming you are not an over represented minority, your chances should be good except for the Ivies. I would say OK also for Penn. The top Ivies and MIT are probably reaches. I would apply to more like to 30 schools or low Ivies and similar.
You look in good shape, but remember the cutting room floor is full of applicants with perfect GPA and test scores. Hopefully, you have a hook or fantastic essays.
I don’t think your overindulgence in Physics and Calc BC will help your chances with colleges like Caltech, where all students complete these religiously. You should have taken AP Chem and AP Bio as well, like most students do. However, Stanford has always wanted well-rounded students and from your physique, I think you will be a great fit. Congratulations and I hope the best in your journey!
Interesting perspective. However, I was thinking that because I’m applying for CS, I should take classes that relate to engineering majors (such as a focus on math classes and Physics). I didn’t think it was possible for me to take AP Chem and Bio, but do you guys think I should self-study and take the test?
@traditionalwaffl HYPSM are reaches for anyone. Penn is also a reach for anyone that is not a prodigy who also has top scores. The rest seem like high matches -low reaches to me. I think you are very qualified but you probably need some real matches and safeties on your list. Also if you have a top choice you could apply early there.