Chances for Acceptance into Competitive Schools?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I am currently a junior in high school & am interested in applying to competitive schools for a math/ science related major- such as Cornell, Caltech, and University of Chicago. But, I am unsure if these schools are beyond my reach- please be honest!</p>

<p>GPA- Unweighted- approx. 3.85
Weighted- approx- 4.3</p>

<p>I am currently in AP Bio with an A and AP US History with a B+. I plan to take AP Chem, AP Calc, and maybe AP Environmental Science or AP English next year.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Academic Decathlon- Soph, Junior, Senior
Math team- Junior, Senior
Peer Leadership- (a selective club within the high school that promotes various community service projects such as light up a life, peace takes practice, etc. We also help the freshmen have a smooth transition into high school)- Soph, Junior, Senior
Peer Mediation- established by a small group of students this year, we help students come up with solutions to various problems- Junior, Senior
JV Lacrosse- Freshman, Soph
Varsity Lacrosse- Junior, Senior
Part time job @ local grocery store since end of freshman year- 15-16 hrs/ week, more during summer </p>

<p>Community Service-
Member of Junior Volunteer Program @ Local Hospital- 100+ Hours, the experience has been a great way to observe possible careers in the hospital setting- would love to have a medical-related career in the future. For every 20 hours I have volunteered, I have been able to receive $500 to the hospital's department of my choice. Because I am hearing impaired & was born with several congenital disorders, I am donating the $ to these specific areas.
Have volunteered @ local preschool several times per year, have worked & interacted with autistic children</p>

<p>I have suffered with several physical, learning, & hearing disabilities throughout my life & my doctors are amazed that I have been doing this well. Will these disabilities help or hurt my chances?</p>

<p>Also- any other recommendations for colleges that are strong in the medical sciences and math? </p>

<p>Thanks so much for any advice you may have!</p>

2

<p>??? Where are your test scores??</p>

<p>and the only thing I see wrong with this is that for schools like Caltech (very very reputable math/science schools) you need to have math/science awards, whether it be USAMO/AIME/Science Olympiad, etc etc… and you dont really have those. uchic - you can probably get in, ditto with cornell, assuming your SAT/ACT are good</p>

3

<p>fuzzyfirebunny- I took the PSAT test in October, but have not yet received my scores. And the math/science award idea is exactly what I am worried about. How can I get involved in these types of programs? Are they usually done through the school or should I pursue them on my own?</p>

4

<p>@cw
if your school lets you take the AMCs (which it should) take it and if you do well on that the test and the tests after you should be good for math awards/recognition</p>

5

<p>caltech is not an option. you really need incredible math/science awards/EC. examples include national science fair awards, research at MIT, etc</p>

<p>other than that you definitely have a shot at chicago, provided you get a good SAT and write good essays</p>