Chances at Presidential Scholarship?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Georgia Institute of Technology
1

<p>Hello! I am a rising senior from Oklahoma who is very interested in math and science. Naturally, I have been attracted to Georgia Tech. Due to my family's financial situation, however, I would be unable to attend without substantial (near full-ride) aid. For that reason, I am very interested in the Presidential Scholarship. How competitive can I be for this award?</p>

<p>35 ACT (35 E 35 M 34 R 35 S)
2320 SAT (760M 790 CR 770 W)</p>

<p>SAT II Physics: 800
SAT II Chemistry: 800
SAT II Math II: 800</p>

<p>AP Physics C: Mechanics: 5
AP Physics C: E+M: 5
AP Calculus BC: 5 (AB Subscore: 5)
AP Computer Science A: 5
AP English Language: 5
AP English Literature: 5
AP United States History: 5
AP Chemistry: 5</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
• Three-year Varsity Tennis Player
• Member of JETS TEAM+S Team (3rd Place Nationally)
• Member of Grove Robotics Team F.R.O.G.
• Ballroom Dancing
• 150+ Hours of volunteer work at local library
• Free tutoring in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and standardized testing
• 2009 Oklahoma Boys State Attendee – Voted City Council
• 2010 IRSP Scholar – Worked with Norman-based engineering business this summer
• Will participate in a physics mentorship throughout my senior year</p>

<p>Special Honors:
• OSSM Afton Regional Center Best Overall Student Award
• Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Math Day - Advanced Math/Calculus 1st Place
• American Legion Americanism Essay Contest 1st Place
• Chauncy Witcraft Award for Academic Excellence at Oklahoma Boys State
• QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship Finalist</p>

<p>Notable Post-AP Classes:
• Multivariate Calculus
• Differential Equations
• Linear Algebra
• Real Analysis
• Thermal, Waves, and Optics
• Modern Physics I + II
• Organic Chemistry I
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Data Structures I + II</p>

<p>Due to the academic rigor of our course load, my school does not calculate a GPA or rank. However, I have made an A (90+) in every class I have taken here and would say I am definitely in the top 5 (out of ~75) in my class.</p>

<p>I would appreciate some feedback from those who are more familiar with Georgia Tech and, more specifically, its Presidential Scholarship. Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>you should at least make semi-finalist…if your a good interviewer you should have the presidential scholarship in the bag.</p>

3

<p>I’m a current Stamps Leadership Scholar at Tech, and my credentials are almost identical to yours, as far as high school course selection, grades, SAT, ACT and SAT II scores go. Two things that they really look for for the full scholarship are charisma and a well-rounded application. I’ve even heard the director of the program say that they have so many applicants with similar scores, research and extra-curricular activities, and as a result, they place a lot of emphasis on how confident you are at interviews. Also, make sure that the activities and projects that you get involved with in your senior year are things that fascinate you, because admissions staff can easily tell whether something is done out of passion, or simply to build a resume. Out of my class of Stamps Scholars, many of us have wondered how we were chosen for the full ride over other President’s Scholars in our grade who seem much more qualified, so make sure you don’t get caught up in comparing yourself with other applicants. Just come in with a passion for learning, an excitement for Tech, and a desire to get involved as soon as possible.</p>

<p>Good luck next year! I really hope you consider Georgia Tech- Coming to Tech was the best decision I could have made college-wise (even over other places like Princeton and Duke). Go Jackets!</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the confidence tip. From what I had read, I figured an award as competitive as this one would definitely be somewhat subjective. If you don’t mind my asking, what is your major ilovegt? Also, I know GT has great engineering programs, but how are their natural science programs (physics, mathematics, computer science) ?</p>

5

<p>My son is a PS scholar, he had very similar stats as you do, Sferics (2390 in SAT, 2400 in SAT II, but less ‘additional’ classes compared to you, no real research experience). </p>

<p>I agree with ilyssa, based on your grades you should make the semi-finals, and from there on, it’s only how you interview and how you can show that you’re special - and I mean NOT academically! </p>

<p>All the PS scholars have wonderful grades - it’s the personality that makes the difference! Do you have something that you’re passionate about and that you pursue no matter what? Imagine someone had to introduce you to an audience, what would this person say about you? Definitely NOT your grades, but your ‘other’ achievements - if you stand out there you have a good chance to get the scholarship!</p>

<p>by the way - my son didn’t get the full-ride, ‘only’ partial; but in my view money is not the key-part of this scholarship, it’s the fringe-benefits (preferential treatment in studying abroad, extra-staff available for internships, co-op positions, getting exposure with GT-visitors, etc. etc.) - the more I learn about this program, the more I’m happy for my son!!</p>

6

<p>I’m a mechanical engineering major. Most of my close friends are in the engineering or management programs at Tech, so I’m not quite as familiar with the natural science programs. However, I do know that Computer Science is very strong at Tech-- the facilities are great, the professors seem to be very well qualified and the even have study abroad programs especially for CS majors.</p>