Chances at UPenn/Cornell/Columbia/Duke?

I realize these are extremely competitive schools. These are my absolute reach schools, schools which I don’t expect to get into but will be thrilled and amazed if I do get into. Please offer your honest, thoughtful opinion.

Stats:
GPA 9-12: 4.35 / 3.80; after this quarter (ending 10/30) will hopefully be 4.40/3.81
GPA 10-12: 4.57 / 3.80; after this quarter (ending 10/30) will hopefully be 4.63/3.81
Most rigorous course load - 4 AP’s sophomore year, 7 junior year, 6 senior year
Current courses: AP Physics C, AP Gov. & Politics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Statistics, AP Comp. Sci.

ACT: 35C
Will be taking SAT in Dec.

SAT Math II: 770/800
SAT Chemistry: 720/800
Will maybe take Bio and retake math in Nov.

AP Scores: Physics 2 (3) Biology (4) Chemistry (4) US History (4) World History (4) English Language (5) Psychology (5) Calculus AB (5) Calculus BC (5)

Extracurriculars:

  • Vocal musician of 12+ years, performed publicly
  • Co-editor of monthly cultural publication
  • Hospital volunteer (150+ hours)
  • Intern at computational biochemistry lab where I performed research on cancer receptor
  • Intern at oncology lab

Awards:

  • AP Scholar with Distinction
  • National AP Scholar
  • National Merit Semifinalist

Letters of Rec:

  • 1 from teacher who I had for both calculus AB and BC
  • 1 from chemistry teacher who I also TA’d for

I realize my EC’s aren’t the absolute best…the strongest ones I have are definitely my internships which were at a very notable university. Please give your honest opinions. Thanks a lot!

You will likely get into at least one. Obviously no one is a shoe in for any of these schools but you have as good of a chance as anyone.

@Futuremed17 That would be absolutely amazing. Thank you so much.

Don’t take the SAT. Your ACT is fine. A 35 won’t be the reason you aren’t accepted.

not sure about duke and columbia, but very likely cornell
what do you want to major in?

@hhjjlala Thanks! I’m taking it just for National Merit haha

@Taylorz Thank you! Biochemistry/molecular biology

bump

Your ECs are pretty varied so make sure you stress your interests in your essays or letters of recommendation. But I think you have a good shot! Good luck!

@doorrealthe I’ll do that. Thank you!

Why did you retake a 770 Math II score?

I might be pessimistic, but besides Cornell, I wouldn’t say the odds are in your favor. You have a good chance at Cornell, not a shoe-in.

@sgopal2 I haven’t yet, but I’m planning to since most people get 800s on it.

@Flurite hey thanks for being honest. What exactly in your opinion do you think is making the odds not in my favor?

@wormholes,

You got a great application, something to be proud of. These schools are just extraordinarily competitive. It’s just that in my experience and from what I understand, you don’t have something hooking you in. Are you Asian by any chance?

I believe that if you really kill your essays and show some active interest with admissions I believe you will be very competitive. Don’t worry, you have a lot to look forward to.

@Flurite Yeah, I definitely don’t have a ‘hook.’ Yeah I am South Asian, but I am a girl. (Idk if that helps?) I will definitely try to make my essays great. Thanks so much.

@wormholes Gotcha. I hate playing the blame-game, but it does make things more difficult. Being female probably won’t help much. Of course that shouldn’t stop you from doing your best, good luck!

@Flurite You’re definitely right. Thank you!!

Can I ask why you are taking the SAT if your ACT is near-perfect? And why are you retaking math if it’s already almost 800? These kind of decisions are just mind-boggling to me, so I would appreciate if you can reflect further on why you’re doing such unnecessary things…

@bloxJacket Okay lol. I’m taking the SAT so I can maybe be a National Merit finalist. And I answered your second question on this thread already.

I think people are pointing to an area which could be a source of improvement for you. And this is a common stereotype among Asians. The issue is that Asians are seen as grade grubbers and highly focused on getting the right score. The reason we are saying this about you is that you are retaking a 770 Math 2 score, and a 35 ACT.

This is completely unnecessary and reinforces previously held stereotypes about Asians. Instead channel your energies to making yourself stand out. Getting a 30 point bump in a Math 2 score or getting a slightly higher score on the ACT/SAT 1 won’t help you much, and in fact could probably hurt you.

@sgopal2 ok thanks. I’ve repeatedly said why I’m taking the SAT and it’s not because I’m dissatisfied with my ACT.