@drwprz Thank you for your honest feedback. I have looked into what credentials students from my school who have gotten into these schools have; I went to a rather competitive school where many people (like 3/4 at least) apply to ivies but only a few get in so I’m not sure it is the most accurate method since I personally know many 4.0 GPA/1600 SAT score students who don’t get into their top school choices simply because of other circumstances. But thanks for the advice!
@CaliDad2020 Thank you for your feedback. I am definitely working on getting a headstart on my essays (I’ve already started on a few of them for the UCs), and I have already secured my rec letters (asked two teachers in the beginning of May). Also to clarify, I originally constructed a college list (not this one) full of colleges I wanted to go to because they were “brand-name colleges” but I eventually did a lot of revising and came up with this list which is based on my intended major of neuroscience or biology and the fact that I would like to pursue the pre-med track. The schools I have chosen are either state schools (like UT and UTD) or are schools that have excellent resources for pre-med students combined with good networking and internship opportunities (hence why I chose U Washington - Seattle). Thanks for your advice though.
Also, I did speak a bit with my parents about affordability, and they did tell me they would be willing to pay a good amount for my education provided I attend a “good school”, which I assume means one of my top choices. I am not too worried about this because I do think I will receive at least a little merit-based aid from my safety and match schools.
Thank you for your advice about applying earlier to a few schools such as USC. I have actually already researched the scholarship/merit aid deadlines for a lot of these schools and they are a bit earlier than the RD deadlines so I will definitely work on getting everything finished soon so I can apply to these schools before the scholarship deadline.
Just one question (which I have been asking a lot of people): How do you recommend I express my interest for a certain school through my essays (how do I show a school why I am particularly interested in them and how their resources will help me)? Once again, I really appreciate your feedback!
@tripledouble2000 that’s great that you have IDed schools based on your interests. I would say that is how you best express your interest in those schools. If you can convey why you would be passionately involved and contributing to a school - whether it’s genuine excitement about working/studying in a specific department or area or you would love to study with and learn from people who have a particular passion or interest specific to that school, that’s a great way to go. Just make sure you get yourself in there. Why you in that place.
It sounds to me like you’ve got the tools you need. If anything, make sure you keep it genuine. You seem like you’re not too likely to go way off the rails, so make sure you keep it “authentic” and not just “what you think they want to hear.” Everyone likes, or at least responds to, genuine passion well-directed. You obviously have quite a bit. Let the school know what excites you and why and how that makes attending that school a great fit for you.
Have fun too!
@tripledouble2000 additionally, don’t hesitate to contact the schools in appropriate ways. I doubt that many bother to track that interaction at all, seems like a waste of time, but you might learn of alumni events in your area, and getting to meet the local admissions rep or even local alumni won’t hurt (and more importantly will get you a better sense of some schools, esp ones you can’t visit.) You may also learn about cool programs you were unaware etc.
You can research which schools offer interviews and sign up for those early as some schools only have limited slots.
Again, a student with your stats will get some great options. If I were you I’d concentrate on doing a deep dive into best fit. Remember, you can only go to one college at a time and you only need one acceptance if it’s the school you want to go to!
@tripledouble2000 now is a good time to look at some of the prompts for the supplemental essays from the colleges that you are interested in. For most people, WashU is the easiest since they have no supplemental essays. However, to show your interest, you will need to complete the scholarship applications. The UC essay prompts are available for review online as well.
Once you write a few essays, I would suggest having a favorite English teacher look over them and see what he/she thinks. Some English teachers will make them into homework assignments. My sons’s AP Literature teacher actually made the class work on UC application essays as graded homework and took the time to look over the essays-not an easy task for 30 students.
Since it is the summer, try touring some of the campuses that you have an interest in and take a tour. If there are on-campus interview opportunities sign up for them. IIRC my son interviewed for WashU, Brandeis, and I think Tufts during his campus visits.
For the college interview, I would advise that the first one be for a school that is not your absolute favorite (or as highly ranked). The rule of thumb is that the first interview won’t be as good since you may not be as prepared. Once you understand how the interview process goes and what questions are asked, you will find a certain comfort level.
@CaliDad2020 has some excellent advice about the process as well. As long as you are well informed and proactive, I don’t anticipate any issues with your application.
@CaliDad2020 @Hamurtle Thanks so much for the additional advice!
I personally believe you have a shot at it! :-bd
@HopefulHoya1103 thanks for the encouragement!
I’m pretty much new to this so I wouldn’t know how much of a help I would be but I think your stats are amazing, especially that SAT and subject test. Your GPA mights be a bit unequal to your SAT but it has been ascending and you. have been super involved outside of school as well! Good luck with your applications!
@troky0627 thanks so much for your feedback!
I’m not too familiar with the schools you’re looking to apply to, but don’t beat yourself up so much over your GPA! There isn’t much you can do about it at this point, and your ECs are really strong. Best of luck!!! 
For the schools that you listed as matches or safeties, I would say you have almost a 100% chance of admission. For the other schools, it’s gonna come down to your essays. Colleges value gpa more than anything (standardized tests, coursework, ec’s, hooks), and yours is average/slightly below average for your reaches. You’re gonna have to convince your schools that your outstanding ec’s make you worthy of admission. However, remember not to write some generic essay just so one extracurricular looks good. Good luck and don’t stress too much. Remember that it matters more what you do in college than where you go to college.
@taylorc7 thank you for your feedback; @drwprz Thank you for the advice on essays, and I will try to write about something unique to make myself stand out! Also, I agree with your last sentence; what I do in college is definitely more important than where I go.
Yeah, I think in terms of subjective activities you are fantastic and the majority of your academics are stellar. I really don’t think you should fret about your GPA because other areas of your application will more than make up for it.
@ZeroKelvin thanks for your feedback!
I think everything is good except for GPA. I think you are a qualified applicant
@Ellemay0 thanks for your feedback
I honestly believe that you have a very high chance for all of the schools on your list. Your SAT and extracurriculars are extraordinary, but your GPA is just a little low. You will have an above average chance for almost all schools you will apply too.
@Matthewbeast2018 Thank you very much for your feedback.
I’m only echoing the other comments. I think a 3.75 gpa combined with almost perfect SAT and ACT scores won’t hurt terribly much. If you think you can bring it up higher, go for it, but I wouldn’t pull my hair out. I think your ECs are excellent and focused- they definitely show your dedication to science/pre-med track. Not an expert, but I’d say you’ll be right in the mix for these schools. Good luck!