Hey, I’m intending to apply to the following colleges for Computer Science: MIT, Stanford, Carnegie, UC Berkeley EECS, UCLA
I am an Asian male in California, pretty good socioeconomic status.
Stats: 1580 SAT, 800 on Math II and Physics SATs, 4.4 GPA weighted, 3 AP exams through sophomore year (WHAP: 4, AB: 5, Physics 1: 5), planning to get through at least 15 by the end of senior year (all 5s, maybe 3-4 4s)
ECs: 3 college classes (Java programming, data structures, Physics E/M), club officer for school clubs (Programming/SNHS), contributed to open-source research project for Stanford, software team member for local college computer club (robotics)
You are doing great so far so keep up the good work. At the end of Junior year, you can calculate your UC GPA’s and you want a target of a 4.2+ capped weight GPA to be a competitive applicant. Even with outstanding stats, there is no guarantee for the UCB and UCLA so consider them Reach schools.
What you need to between now and when you apply, is to find some solid Match and Safety schools to add to your list.
RSI is, indeed very difficult to get in to, but the idea that you need to have completed research prior to acceptance is not accurate.
What you need to have done is demonstrated the ability to complete college level research on a deadline.
RSI kids have a very, very short window to complete a full college level research project including write-up. They work with volunteer mentors (Cambridge/Boston area Profs and working research scientists in area labs and institutes.) and one of the cardinal rules when working with the mentors is don’t embarrass RSI.
So, what is it that the RSI admissions committee looks for as indications that the applicants can do the work?
Very high standardized test scores
Very high GPA
Clear and profound interest in STEM
Excellent writing and communications skills
Glowing recommendations that indicate the applicants are capable of work far beyond their peers, while remaining humble, compassionate and eager to help their classmates. (High performing RSI kids often come back to assist in future years.)
Essays that show that the applicant isn’t arrogant (RSI infamously rejected a very self important ISEF winner who applied)
Prior research experience does help demonstrate that the applicants have what RSI is looking for, but is neither necessary nor sufficient.
you’ve more or less got 3 strikes against you for Stanford (Asian, male, tech). Also, there’s a decent possibility that protectionism may occur and you’ll get into Berkeley but not UCLA or vice versa. Other than that, you’re in great shape.
"Glowing recommendations that indicate the applicants are capable of work far beyond their peers, while remaining humble, compassionate and eager to help their classmates. "
From the professors of
“3 college classes (Java programming, data structures, Physics E/M),”
I would say to work on volunteering in the community and finding leadership activities. Starting now rather than later. Most universities value both of these.
@ProfessorPlum168 I also led a local library branch of theCodeMatrix, and now am part of the executive team. In addition to that, I am a 2x PVSA recipient.
@tdy123 Gotchu, thanks! Would you suggest having one college professor to show remarkable academic prosperity while also having one high school physics teacher (AP Physics C) to show myself elevating the people around me?
Also, would you recommend talking about comp sci and physics as “majors” or choices?