Chances for an engineer

<p>I'm looking at Vandy as a Match or slight reach and am looking at the engineering program. How is the program there along with the pre-med program?</p>

<p>Male
Public School in MD</p>

<p>Top 1-2% in class of 506
GPA: 4.00
WGPA:4.77
In APEX program at school, its kind of an elitist thing in terms of the school environment and not really conducive to learning but its hyped as prestigious</p>

<p>SAT: 2290
SATII: 800 Reading 760 Math 730 Writing</p>

<p>APs: AP NSL:5, AP US History: 5, AP Psychology: 5, AP Chemistry: 5, AP Language and Composition: 5, AP World History: 5, AP Calculus BC:5 Subscore: 5</p>

<p>Currently in AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Literature and Composition, AP Statistics, and Multi-Variable Calculus</p>

<p>Honors/Awards
National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist
Maryland Distinguished Scholarship Finalist
Mitchell Award in Civil Air Patrol
Debate Team County Finalist</p>

<p>Extracurriculars (in order of commitment)
Internship at NIH Neuroblastoma, Pediatric Oncology over the summer as a volunteer and after school every day from 2-6 as supplement classes. Have been able to make strides in independent research and am doing work to supplement my mentor's own research. I think the fact that I volunteered for the position and work for twenty hours a week shows my commitment to science.</p>

<p>Organizer of Outreach Program- Self-formulated program based on Link Crew, it focuses on peer mentorship within freshmen that will continue until they graduate and will help freshmen accomplish their own passions with senior speakers, faculty speakers, and community leaders.</p>

<p>Senior Class Secretary- Major part of organizing activities like Homecoming, Senior Picnic, Hall decorating, Graduation, and Prom. As well as self motivated activities and attending all of the various functions that the school holds.</p>

<p>Civil Air Patrol: Have been in the program since Freshman year and have invested hundreds of hours of time in it. I have become an officer and leader in the program, had to plan activities like meetings, trips for the group, etc. I've attended many camps over the summer in relation with this program and have learned how to fly-soloed a plane, have seen a space shuttle take off, have been a drill sergeant at an encampment, and become a ground team member-takes part in search and rescue missions.</p>

<p>National Honor Society Treasurer- Planned incoming Freshmen picnic and responsible for induction and various other tasks.</p>

<p>Crew: Rowing since Sophmore year on the team</p>

<p>Debate Team: On it since Sophmore year, I was a county finalist last year and more of a passive observer the year before.</p>

<p>Various honor societies: National Honor Society obviously, Mu Alpha Theta, Howard Hughes Student Academy of Science, Science National Honor Society, French Honor Society. I put this under academic distinctions not EC's though</p>

<p>Recommendations</p>

<p>Counselor: Said that he would focus on my ability to balance my school work and attain great grades and work long hours at an internship as well as doing things for the school like being a class officer, starting a new program, etc with my casual and not hyper intense spirit: google burrito mile</p>

<p>Teacher: English-Will focus on class anecdotes as well as talking about the resume</p>

<p>Science: Will talk about my dedication to science and the work I have done in those areas to further my passion for it i.e. taking all of the AP science classes, working at a science internship, etc</p>

<p>I'm assuming you are looking at biomedical engineering? It is the largest major in the School of Engineering. In general, it is allowed for strong students to double major in a field outside of engineering, if you are thinking about that, but I have heard it may be more of a challenge for BME majors than some of the other engr. majors because of the requirements of the BME program.</p>

<p>You have some good scores in AP courses, so I thought I would point out to you that there are different rules regarding AP credit in Arts and Sciences (where most of the pre-meds are to be found) and Engineering. A&S has established a maximum of 18 credits (I think), while Engineering has a far more liberal approach. (My son was given a very large number of credits for AP and college courses.)</p>

<p>Vanderbilt is pretty generous with merit scholarships, if that matters to you. Your record may put you in the pool.</p>

<p>My S is a freshman biomed major and loves it. He is already working on an engineering project with one of his teachers. Plus there is a good mix of guys and girls aspiring to become doctors in biomed eng. With one four year degree, biomed grads. go into law, med school and furthering their education. So if you are looking for balance in school, Vandy is a great choice.</p>

<p>You must know your stats are above average even for Vandy. Have you been to the campus? Does it feel like a good fit?</p>

<p>A 1560 SAT and awesome GPA. This school is not a reach for you. It is a great match if anything. You should definitely look into competing for merit scholarships. I know a few people from my area who have, and they did not have near that stats you do.</p>