Chance me please! decent stats but unimpresive extracurriculars

Colleges and Universities A-Z Johns Hopkins University
1

Hey guys! I want to know how realistic my shot to JHU is, considering my ECs are super weak.

GPA: 4.0 uw, 4.45 weighted
SAT: 1530- 800 math 730 reading (first sitting - retaking august)
SAT subject: Bio 800 MathII 800 Chem 800
APs: Chinese (5) Chem (5) Bio (5) Calc BC (5) Lang (4); stat, compsci, environ sci, lit, and econ next year

ECs’s:
-Debate: 4 years, PF captain this year and president next year. Won 2 debate awards at national circuit tourneys but never made states/nats
-Cross country: 4 years varsity; 4 time CCS (sectional) qualifier, captain for 2 years. I’m the 2nd fastest runner at my school and will be the fastest next year. tried to contact JHU coach but no answer:(
-180 hours tutoring freshman bio; 100 hours tutoring math and bio at a school tutoring club
-Science olympiad

awards:
-USABO semifinalist. I’m grinding to make camp next year but that’s after decisions, so it won’t make a difference
-finished 3 half marathons does that count?
-national merit: semifinalist for sure, will probably be finalist
-regional debate awards, regional essay contest, regional DNA video contest, regional track awards

Summer:
-2 years of rigorous track/cross country camp led by former olympian (he coaches my rival school team LOL)
-work full time
-Tutor piano to a few kids, for $5-10 per session

Stuff I can’t change:
-single mom ish? my mom and I ran away from home during sophomore year, due to abusive dad. we still pay for my dad’s separate rent, food, etc since he’s unemployed (read: manipulated us to pay while he does nothing)
-$120k income
-Asian American

I go to a competitive high school in the “opportunistic” bay area so having no research is basically a death sentence:( Is it worth applying to JHU? I’m super worried because seems like everyone applying here has incredible EC’s like ISEF and published research but I never really applied myself.

2

Current student here.

Your SAT, SATII, and GPA are all above par, especially your SATII. Your ECs are pretty good as well. You have some awards that are borderline state/national level, plenty of leadership, diversity among your ECs, and what looks like a high level of devotion to each EC.

Research is not a huge requirement unless you are applying BME, and I know plenty of BME students who didn’t do research in high school. With your stats + ECs, I could see you definitely making it in for early decision for any other major and a good chance to make it in for BME. As long as you can properly spin your ECs(3 half marathons could be a good challenge essay for example) into your essays, you should be fine.

3

Your ECs are significantly better than most. Your accomplishments in USABO and athletics while maintaining a full time job and competitive academics is quite impressive. With the right essay I think you have a good shot.

4

Use the net price calculator to see if JHU is affordable since you know your family income. Consult your mom. Keep after the coach if your track times are good. Note that being fastest in your school is an accomplishment but may not be sufficient to become a recruited athlete at JHU. Impressive applicant, good luck!

5

You have a shot.
Better shot at UC’s obviously, plus most universities in the Midwest.
Just in case:
Vanderbilt and UChic don’t use non custodial parent forms/income.