Chances for MIT, P-ton, and scholarships at top schools

<p>I'm so excited about applying to colleges! High school is nearly over, and I can't wait to go to school far away.</p>

<p>I think I need to mention that I spent two years at a high school that had an average ACT score of about 16-18. My new high school has an average of about 19. Neither of them have APs or honors. I'd like to emphasize my self-motivation since I've never taken any prep classes for the SAT, and my parents don't push me.</p>

<p>Potential majors: Math, physics, computer science
Minors: German or Japanese</p>

<p>Composite SAT I: 800/800/800
SAT IIs: 800/?/? math II/physics/world history - finishing up in Dec, hoping for 800s but definitely going to get 750+; talk about some procrastination
GPA: 4.0 uw
Rank: 1/20
NMSF so far</p>

<p>Course Information:</p>

<p>I've only taken one AP so far: Physics C 5/5</p>

<p>I take all of my courses at my state U and with EPGY plus one high school course.</p>

<p>I'm going to do the rest of my courses that actually correspond to APs in AP format so it will be easier on you CC APers</p>

<p>So basically I've taken:
World History
Chemistry
English Composition and Literature
Calculus BC
(Physics C) but I officially took an AP in that
German Language
Microeconomics
U.S. History</p>

<p>College courses that correspond to APs that I will be taking next semester:
Computer Science A
Macroeconomics</p>

<p>Non-AP courses that I've taken:
Multivariable Differential Calculus
Multivariable Integral Calculus
Optics and Modern Physics
Western Philosophy
Linear Algebra
A course in miscellaneous abstract math topics i.e. graph theory</p>

<p>Non-AP courses that I will be taking next semester:
Intro to Modern Algebra
Differential Equations
Real Analysis (hopefully I don't get burnt out on math by then LOL)
Light and Heat</p>

<p>ECs:</p>

<p>I've tutored various peers about 3 hours a week throughout high school when school was in session. I tutor chemistry, physics, and calculus regularly. I've gotten to sub for science teachers at my high school ;-) -> love the lack of bureaucracy at private schools.</p>

<p>I've spent about 2 hours a week for the past year collecting hugs at a local elementary school and helping kids out with computers. I know it sounds cheesy, but amusingly enough, I like getting hugs from random 1st graders more than I like getting good grades, test scores, etc.</p>

<p>Varsity soccer player for the past two years</p>

<p>Classical pianist - a few awards, nothing past regional
A lot of accompanist work - most for free</p>

<p>I'm president of Beta Club, and my club is active in community service.</p>

<p>Attended Interlochen Arts Camp and Governor's School for the Sciences in past summers</p>

<p>I've picked up a fair amount of academic school-based awards over the years, but I'm not going to list them all since I'm sure most of the people who apply to MIT and P-ton and look for scholarships at other top schools have a ton of these.</p>

<p>I'm sure my first rec is going to be stellar, but I'm worried about the second one :-|. I had to ask someone who didn't know me exceptionally well because I haven't had a math or science teacher for more than a semester for a long time.</p>

<p>So this is where I'm applying:</p>

<p>MIT
Princeton
Harvey Mudd
Carnegie Mellon
Rice
Vanderbilt
Case Western</p>

<p>Schools I'm submitting special scholarship applications to:
Boston University
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Tennessee at Knoxville</p>

<p><strong><em>I need to get the school or outside sources to cover full tuition in some way.</em></strong> I'm middle class, so I expect an EFC as high as $20,000. I'm a white female, so I can't bust out the minority card. </p>

<p>I think I might write about my "disorders" in one of my additional essays. Supposedly I'm "ADD" and "dysgraphic." I really am nearly incapable of producing legible handwriting, but my "ADD" is just boredom. I think I might write about overcoming this BS because as a younger person it really was disheartening. If I made a good essay out of this, do you people think it would be a good idea to include it? Supposedly colleges want you to be open about your weaknesses...</p>

<p>I got a little carried away with overinforming y'all. So what do you think?</p>

<p>I hope you don't get in. If I had your stats, I'd be getting the tuition checks ready, not worrying on an internet message board.</p>

<p>I guess I'm just paranoid that I will end up going to UTK and I need some affirmation :-). I'm really wondering about the disabilities thing though. Is that a good idea? I don't want to look for sympathy or fish for compliments, at least not from adcoms. Here I need all the affirmation I can get LOL.</p>

<p>What do ya mean, get the tuition checks ready?</p>

<p>Welll...there are no scholarships at HYPSM...there is one at Caltech, but I don't know if you can get that one...honestly, idk.</p>

<p>I applied to MIT and Princeton because I really like both schools, and I guess I'm holding out for some financial aid, but it's a loooooong shot.</p>

<p>which state r u from?</p>

<p>Tennessee</p>

<p>LOL I've heard they offer scholarships at Caltech, but not to me!</p>

<p>aaah...TN...fairly good state, but your under-achieving school will help you....</p>

<p>good luck</p>

<p>Caltech scholarship is the Axline scholarhsip.....craazaay hard to get</p>

<p>I was always under the impression that Northerners thought Tennessee was the armpit of the nation when it comes to education, but I guess that just comes from living here for so long. </p>

<p>Thanks for your input, sr.</p>

<p>Bump!</p>

<p>.....</p>

<p>Females majoring in physics with 2400s are pretty rare. You have amazing chances at all of your schools.</p>