What are my chances for early action at Georgia Tech, Michigan, Umd, and Villanova for engineering
I’m Oos except for MD
ACT: 30 Composite 32 Superscore (34 E, 32 R, 31 M, 30 S) ACT Writing 29
SAT: 1420 (720 EWR, 720 M)
GPA: 4.0 unweighted and 4.19 W (4.0 scale)
No rank
Asian Male
Extracurriculars
Science Olympiad
National Honors Society
National Art Honors Society
Volunteered over 80 hours at local hospital
Robotics Club
Interact Club
Varsity Tennis
JV soccer
Pretty good essays
Courses Taken/Currently Taken: AP Government, AP Stat, AP Physics 1,AP Chem, AP Calc AB, AP Lit
Engineering is a difficult thing to comment on. It is generally more competitive than normal admissions. So, that raises the bar for where you want to go. Academically, you are in pretty good standing. Great unweighted GPA, by the way.
Your extracurriculars, however, are a cause for (slight) concern. It seems like a mix of general clubs taken just to take clubs, or activities done just to fill up almost the whole activity page on the Common App. Having the Science Olympiad is good for engineering, and the Robotics Club is great for it. But that is where all demonstrated interest ends. The NAHS does not have much to do with your desired major, nor does the volunteer work at the hospital. Basically, you are sending a mixed signal to these colleges - they may question if engineering is really what you want to do, or if you are just interested in it because it pays well. It seems to me, based on your ecs, that the latter is more accurate, regardless of whether or not it actually IS accurate. If you had been able to intern in an engineering firm, or start a math club, or something along that sorts, then I would not be so hesitant. I am not entirely convinced, acting as an admissions counselor, that engineering is truly what you are passionate about. For that reason, I would be slightly hesitant to admit you.
To that extent, I would say:
UMich - Reach for engineering.
Georgia Tech - Reach for engineering. For a school known for its engineering program and bringing in competitive engineers, you simply do not have enough demonstrated interest in engineering.
UMD - Match for engineering.
Villanova - Match for engineering.
Please do not take this as set in stone. I am trying my best to be realistic. I would rather be a little harsh and realistic than set you up for failure by instilling false hope in you.
@Jack-et thanks for the advice… But are you saying that I should ONLY participate in clubs that will help me in the future? Also how much will colleges take into consideration my extra circulars compared to my other qualifications?
I would say that you have ok chances at the schools you are applying too. Your SAT and ACT scores are pretty high, and your gpa is good, I would say you have a pretty good chance. My only thought on your major was that previously before I wanted to undergraduate in biomedical engineering, and the research I did made me conclude that this major is more of an interdisciplinary major, which just combines a lot of engineering into one. My advice would to undergrad in mechanical or chemical engineering, then do your Master’s in Biomedical Engineering.
Great SAT scores. Only thing I would say is try to run for leadership positions in your variety of clubs. It’ll show that you are more than just a member and show more dedication