Chances for an Asian who FAILS in Physics! >_>;;;

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Okay, here are my stats!</p>

<p>Asian of the female kind from a very competitive high school in the NJ-ish, northeast region. </p>

<p>GPA: 4.06 weighted, less unweighted (hahaha). I've never bothered to calculate but I assume it'd be around 3.9 or 3.8-ish unweighted. No rank!</p>

<p>SAT: 2300, taken only once.
SAT II's: Math IIC, 800. Chemistry, 790. Will be taking English Literature October. </p>

<p>AP Computer Science/Calculus BC/Latin/US History/Chemistry -- all 5's</p>

<p>Now here's the thing: AP Physics E&M/Mechanics - 3/2 respectively AND I got a C+ in that class. OK. Don't get me wrong--I love physics despite all the trouble it gives me but I just haven't developed the patience for it yet. Blame me & the Google age! :P Adding on to my discussion of "BAD" GRADES, I also got a B+ in AP Latin and a semester course in advanced computer programming. </p>

<p>But on the other hand, I am taking pretty advanced math in comparison to the national average. I took AP Calc BC in sophomore year, took Matrix Algebra & Multivariable w/ a college this year, and will be taking Differential Equations next year. </p>

<p>My courseload would be considered one of the hardest at my school. </p>

<p>I'm pretty sure I'll make the cut for National Merit Semifinalist. </p>

<p>Awards/Achievements: </p>

<ul>
<li>Scholastic Art & Writing RAL Gold Key</li>
<li>Syracuse University Book Award</li>
<li>A Regional Scholarship Competition -- 1st for the team.</li>
<li>Helped establish a regional Youth Advisory Council</li>
<li>Helping in establishing a national youth environment movement </li>
<li>Given my AP scores, I've done some calculations and I can still be an AP Scholar with Distinction. I think. Unless they've instated something where there's a "no AP score below 3" guideline. </li>
</ul>

<p>Job Experience</p>

<ul>
<li>Winter 2006/Spring 2007: Tutored kid in Chemistry ;)</li>
<li>Summer 2007: Interned for a well established, well known governmental science institution for a month.</li>
<li>Summer 2008: Interning for a web company--internship will likely stretch on till the school year begins. </li>
</ul>

<p>I don't know if it matters but the two above are paid internships. </p>

<p>Volunteer</p>

<ul>
<li>NHS member</li>
<li>Started a community service project last year w/ a buddy where we go into senior homes and do life education activities ^^</li>
</ul>

<p>School Extracurriculars</p>

<ul>
<li>Coordinator for a mentoring program in school. A lot of people join--about 700-ish. There are about 5-6 coordinators total. </li>
<li>Editor for a school journal</li>
<li>Webmastering for a club.</li>
<li>Class Council member for 2, ongoing 3 years. </li>
</ul>

<p>Sports</p>

<ul>
<li>HUH?</li>
<li>I fence but I'm not going to put that anywhere since I started a year or two ago and I'm just weak in that in general.</li>
</ul>

<p>Misc. </p>

<ul>
<li><p>I like to write. I'll have a book published around October. It won't be a mass publication--just a few thousand copies. </p></li>
<li><p>I also like to cosplay. I was thinking of doing a cosplay portfolio but given the state of my grades this year, I'm thinking that will seem too frivolous and too "no work, all play." </p></li>
</ul>

<p>Schools I'm Looking Into:</p>

<p>Harvard
Yale
Princeton
University of Chicago
Duke
NYU
Wellesley </p>

<p>I also really wanted to go to MIT for awhile but with my Physics stats, that's impossible. I'm not even going to apply there T_T</p>

<p>So, what do you think my chances are for those schools above? I know my stats are lacking in certain areas but I'd appreciate it if you could give me some advice on the plausibility of being accepted to above colleges. Thanks!</p>

<p>(P.S.: I'm thinking of going into either Economics or Education in college FYI)</p>

2

<p>I'm certainly no expert, but one bad grade on an AP test or a normal class will not
destroy you. Plus the difficulty of your high school curriculum will play into effect. I say you got good shots at all of the colleges you put down. Of course it's always nice to have a couple safeties. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Your numbers are good. The problem I have is your lack of solid EC's which demonstrate your ability to diversify and aid each colleges community. With those stats you will be competitive with anyone for HYP but your EC's set you back. A C+ doesn't help much either, but that will largely be overlooked when dealing with a very well rounded applicant. </p>

<p>As I see it</p>

<p>Harvard, Yale, Princeton ---- big reaches</p>

<p>UChicago- match in terms of stats, however with lack of EC's essays must be good</p>

<p>Duke- this school tends to prefer testing to anything else so you're most likely in</p>

<p>NYU and Wellesley should be safeties</p>

4

<p>futurecollegeban & Rferns -- Thanks! I'll check out your threads if you have any and I'll chance you two as well!</p>

5

<p>Scholastic Art & Writing RAL Gold Key</p>

<p>Is this on the regional or the national level? If it's on the national level, it's a pretty darn competitive award to win!</p>

6

<p>^ Haha, it's on the regional level unfortunately! National level awards are called "Gold/Silver Awards" while regional level awards are called "Keys" :)</p>

7

<p>Do colleges even let you send in cosplay portfolios? XD That could be...interesting, I have to say... I would vote against it though unless you have really artistic photos or something. Are you thinking of mentioning this at all in your application, like as an essay or something? </p>

<p>If you really want to go to MIT I would say just go ahead and apply. I don't think they're going to hold one subject against you.</p>

8

<p>now, honestly, you're at a huge disadvantage at the ivies because you're asian
I'm going to sound stereotypical here, but it's the truth, so dont even start to criticize me, but you will be competing with the thousands of other asian applicants who have the 4.0's and president of the math clubs, etc.
therefore, although you do have excellent credentials otherwise, i dont know how much of a chance you have.
of the top schools, to be honest, i think you have the best chance at UChicargo.</p>

<p>¿¡¡¡¡¡¡¡good luck honey!!!!!!?</p>

9

<p>Hey sartorialiste! I personally know a friend who sent in a cosplay portfolio as part of her application to Princeton and got accepted. Hahaha, she had pretty good stats though. I think MIT might hold physics against me since it is a science/tech school--but maybe if I explain myself. Hmm, still, I'm not sure. </p>

<p>Thanks Oprah!. I realize the odds are against me due to my Asian-ality. Still, I'm pretty proud to be Asian ;D College admission troubles v. daily life joys.</p>

10

<p>Hmm, it looks like you're good at math and chemistry though. I have a friend who actually was accepted to MIT, and I'm really not so sure what exactly her numbers were but I do remember her absolutely hating Physics and doing poorly (I think...). I still say if you're really into math/science and if you were initially attracted to MIT, go ahead and apply. From what I've seen admissions there is really weird, lol, especially for females.</p>

11

<p>Hmmm....yeah. I guess I might as well give it a shot! Thanks for convincing me :)</p>