<p>Hello Everone,
I need to know what my chances are at Caltech or other ivy league.
Here are my stats:</p>
<p>GPA 3.4 unweighted
SAT 1400 total
Havent taken SAT 2
AP classes my Junior year: AP Chem. AP English 3
AP classes my Senior year: AP Physics, AP Cal. AP Stats. AP Biology 2, AP Computer Science, AP Government and Economics, AP English 4, AP Art.
Honors/ Activities:
Astronomical Society of East Texas President, held since I was 14.
UIL SCIENCE Competitor (numerous medals)
Science Olympiad Competitor (numerous medals)
Given five Public Lectures at Public Star Parties and Lectures series
Topics include:
Astrophotography
Astrophotography 2
Stellar Evolution
Satellites of the Solar System
Misconceptions of Astronomy
Science Club President my Junior year.
Contributed Scientific research to the Minor Planet Research Center
Worked side by side with Professional Astronomers at SFA University
Worked at the Hudnall Planetarium along with Physics professors
Currently competing for National Young Astronomers Award 2005 </p>
<p>I would like to major in Astrophysics and eventually do research.
What are my chances at Caltech and/ or an Ivy League.</p>
<p>Truthfully, I think your astronomy work is going to interest at least one highly selective college you apply to. </p>
<p>In the pool, your statistics are not your strength, which means that you won't get into every Ivy you apply to, but I think the fact you've done significant work with an interesting activity is very important.</p>
<p>All of these schools are long shots, but because the astronomy is so interesting, and a relatively rare passion, I see at least one committee giving you the green A.</p>
<p>Have you considered nearly ivys, such as UChicago, which also have strong Astrophysics major. I don't know of others but I'm sure there are others with strong majors in astrophysics...
any additional suggestions for uva james guys?</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies.
I am currently a junior.<br>
I took the SAT test early, so that I could retake it, if I needed to. It appears that I will have to.</p>
<p>I think the GPA is more of a factor than the SATs. Its really cool that you are so interested in a certain subject. Thats definetely gonna make you stand out.</p>
<p>If you want CalTech you'll need a higher SAT I (1500+) and your GPA is certainly going to hurt your chances. You need other schools, besides CalTech and the 8 ivies. I'd put CalTech almost in the impossible pile, unless you've done some serious astronomy research (I'm talking published in a peer-reviewed journal). Have you looked at Arizona? They have one of the best Astronomy programs in the US.</p>
<p>1400 wont keep you back. Your GPA is not bad either considering the amount of APs thatyou are in. It would be difficult to get in but they may choose you because of your devotion and excelling in astronomy. </p>
<p>Remember to take the SAT II math IIC because Caltech requires it.</p>
<p>"1400 wont keep you back. Your GPA is not bad either considering the amount of APs thatyou are in. It would be difficult to get in but they may choose you because of your devotion and excelling in astronomy. </p>
<p>Remember to take the SAT II math IIC because Caltech requires it."</p>
<p>That's true for some of the ivies, but for CalTech, a 1400 will most certainly be detrimental (as will the GPA). I know quite a bit about admissions for Caltech and they look for a very specific type of student. High SATs (1500ish), high GPA (top 2-3 % of class or better), and demonstrated ability in science and/or math.</p>
<p>Since this is your junior year, do your best to get all As this year. It'd really help out your GPA and subsequently your GPA. I think your research is fantastic. You can also get an even better SAT score probably later in your junior year (it's good now, just not great).</p>
<p>For Caltech you pretty much have to have 800 on SAT I and SAT II 2c math and at least 700 verbal score. Your GPA is very low for all those schools. What is your class rank?
It will help you a lot if professors or astronomers you worked with will give you strong recommendations. Definitely retake SAT in the spring if you are aiming at Ivies or Caltech. And make sure to get straight As this year and first semester next year.</p>
<p>Really work on the SAT for a better shot since you're a junior. However, with your deep interests, focus on presenting them well and getting great letters for your best shot.</p>