Chances at CMU, Cornell, and Duke Engineering?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hey guys! I am applying to the school of engineering at some very good schools, and would love to know what you guys think my chances are.</p>

<p>I am a white male in Pennsylvania. I am planning to major in Electrical/Computer Engineering.</p>

<p>GPA (w): 4.77
We don't calculate unweighted GPAs nor do we have class rank.</p>

<p>Standardize Tests:
ACT: Composite 32 - English 36, Math 35, Reading 31, Science 25. (I am retaking the test, so I assume my science will improve and each sub-score will average around 33 or 34)
SAT Math II: 800
SAT Physics: I am planning to take this next week. I'm assuming mid to high 700s.</p>

<p>Grades:
All A's except for Geometry and Biology as a freshman (B's) and Algebra 2 as a sophomore (B+). [Note we only implemented the "pluses" in my sophomore year (there are no A pluses)]. Also, all my grades as a senior will most probably be A's (possible with the exception of English).</p>

<p>Classes:
African/Asian Studies H
Biology H
Computer Aided Drafting/Design 1
English 1 H
Geometry H
Innovation and Invention - Robotics
Latin 2 H</p>

<p>Algebra 2 H
Chemistry H
Computer Aided Drafting/Design 2
English 2 H
Foundations of Engineering and Design
Latin 3 H
Western Civilization H</p>

<p>AP Physics C Mechanics
Computer Science 1
Computer Science 2
English 3 H
Latin 4 H
Math Analysis/Trig H
US History H</p>

<p>AP Computer Scienc
Modern and Contemporary Literature H
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP Physics C Electromagnetism
US Government H</p>

<p>Extracurricular:
Captain Of FIRST Robotics (member in 11th grade, captain in 12th grade)
Co-Founder and president of Asian Culture Club (11,12th grade)
Junior Bookkeeper of small company (11th grade and following summer)
Theater: Assistant Sound Designer (12th grade) (and a normal member in 11th grade)
Research Assistant in an Electrical Engineering Lab at Drexel University (summer of 10th grade)
Technology Student Association Member (9,10th grade)
JV Squash (9,10th grade)</p>

<p>Recommendations:
Two teachers and my counselor will send theirs. I believe they will be very good.</p>

<p>So, what do you think?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>oakx3</p>

<p>Unweighted GPA should be fairly easy for you to calculate. In any event, 4.77 weighted usually means rigorous schedule, mostly or entirely A’s, but maybe a couple of B’s.</p>

<p>So – for the schools you mention --</p>

<p>Compared to other students that are admitted, your grades are pretty standard – maybe a touch above average.</p>

<p>Your ACT is pretty standard – maybe a touch below average.</p>

<p>Your ECs don’t blow me away – but they don’t suck either.</p>

<p>Essays and Recommendations – hopefully both are excellent.</p>

<p>I don’t mean to detract from your accomplishments – your profile is excellent – just pointing out that it is not unique for these schools. </p>

<p>Cornell-Duke – The bulk of the class is selected from students with stats similar to yours. However, due to the number of highly qualified applications they receive, they probably reject at least as many of applications similar to yours as they accept.</p>

<p>There has been a running debate (going on for years) as whether these schools are “Reach for Everyone” or “High (Statistical) Match”. Whatever you call it, the fact is that each admits significantly less than 20% of their total application pool, so students with competitive stats such as you can only apply and hope.</p>

<p>CMU – still a great school, for engineering, I have little doubt that the education is as good as the other two. Though not a safety school for anyone, it appears somewhat easier for admissions – with your numbers, let’s call it a ‘match’.</p>