<p>Hey, I'm new to these forums. I see that many people ask how much of a chance they have. I would absolutely love if someone could tell me if I have a shot at the College of Engineering at Cornell University! Also it would be great if you can tell me chances at MIT and CalTech.</p>
<p>African American Female from a decent high school (ranked in the middle in our state)
First Gen college student (my parents didn't go to college, and I'm an only child)
GPA: UW: 4.0/W: 4.61 (Total of about 10 AP classes, and taking Multivariable Calc and Linear Algebra at a community college)
Class Rank: 1/683
SAT Score: 2340 (800 Math, 800 CR, 740 Writing)
SAT Subjects: Math 2: 800, Physics: 800, Lit: 800, Chem: 800
Extra Curricular Activites:
President/Founder of the Electrical Engineering Club at our school
National Honor Society (President)
TSA (Vice President)
Captain of Varsity Tennis team
Did research with a local college professor
Had an internship at Department of Transportation
Have around 100+ volunteer hours at the Franklin Institute (Local center for kids that helps them learn about science)
Attended a summer leadership camp for students interested in Engineering
Qualified for USAMO three years in a row</p>
<p>I think you have very good chances at each of those schools, definitely better than most.
I think your best chance will be at Cornell - they don’t look at SAT writing so you’re pretty perfect, but yeah, looking pretty strong for all 3.
Though remember, nothing is guaranteed.</p>
<p>African American, female, top top scores/grades/ec’s, applying to college of engineering… You are definitely in at Cornell. As for MIT and Caltech, you have an above average chance in my opinion.</p>
<p>I am always curious why someone with your stats feels the need to ask other highschool kids if they have a chance. Do you really need the validation of your peers? Most Cornell students never reply to these posts because they are far too busy with their work to look at this forum so most of the replies will be from other highschool kids.</p>
<p>In response to your question: You are an African American woman applying to an engineering program. I would assume that puts you in a very nice position for admission to most selective schools. However, the information regarding your ECs is not unusual or exceptional for students applying. You mentioned that you are the first in your family to attend college and you have done very well academically. You have had some nice opportunities for a kid whose parents are not college grads which means you have had a great deal of support from your parents and school. This is evident by the fact that you have taken CC college courses, attended a summer camp, and have worked with a professor doing research. Which brings me to the most impressive ECs that you listed…you wrote “did research with a college professor and interned at the department of transportation.” Was the research meaningful to you? Was the internship interesting? How did that opportunity arise? I did not get the impression that either of these meant anything special to you by the way you presented it here. Have you worked with a professor at the CC or at a University? Would you like to elaborate? You also list that you took 10 APs yet you did not mention the scores on those exams. That just seemed odd since you listed all of your other scores (which are very impressive from a kid whose parents have not attended college). Are your AP scores equally impressive as your Board scores and GPA?</p>
<p>There are so many kids who qualify for Cornell and a good GPA and great Board Scores are not the only factors that Cornell will look at. You will have the best advantage in admissions because of your minority status based on what is known about under represented minorites applying. If I was on the admissions commitee I would look at your application and see a kid who has been very fortunate to have parents who gave you everything they could. You have tested well which is a huge indicator that you have had many benefits. I really wish kids like you did not feel the need to apply as a URM. You are a kid who has been blessed to have a great family and community of people who have supported you. When you write your essays be sure to focus on the interesting aspects of your ECs. The NHS is a given for a Cornell student so you need to present yourself as the intelligent and capable student that you are. Your scores are great but they do not make you stand out among other applicants but they are a stand out for URMs that are applying. I wish you all the best, and I hope you understand that my post is meant to bring out that you are very lucky not because you have URM status but because you are a first generation who really exemplifies why colleges are eager to offer admission to kids like you. Good Luck…We look forward to hearing the wonderful news.</p>
<p>I’ve never said this before, but I think you have a 100% chance. There is no need to ask for chances. I’m not going to say what sort of situation would have to occur in order for you not to get accepted, because I don’t think there is such a situation.</p>