<p>Ok I'm applying this year, probably for computer engineering, to these schools:
MIT
Stanford
USC (hoping for scholarships)
UT Austin
Columbia</p>
<p>SAT 2240
CR 780
M 760
W 700</p>
<p>SAT Subjects
Physics 800
Math II 800</p>
<p>GPA ~ 102.8 W
Rank ~ 4/650</p>
<p>AP's:
Human Geo 5
Physics B 5
Music Theory 5
English Lang 4
World History 4
Comp Sci A 4</p>
<p>EC's
Robotics since last year, won a small national championship
Competed in advanced div. of programming comps, no awards
Section leader, drill instructor in large marching band
4 year top member of top concert band at competitive band program
Strong jazz saxophonist, sending supplemental arts recordings
Mu Alpha Thea (Math Club)
Representative on church youth council
Church youth choir
NHS publicity chair
Paid research apprenticeship at local university </p>
<p>I'm not a fantastic essayist by any means (hence 700 on writing)but I'm working hard to turn out my most solid 500 words I can.</p>
<p>I'm applying to those schools because they each have a strong engineering program and jazz program, or in MIT's case, I can take lessons from. nearby Berklee saxophone teachers. If there's any other scoops that fit these criteria do tell. Obviously the academic part is the career interest so it's more important, but I don't want to devoid myself of music :) </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your time in reading this over!</p>
<p>Your basic position is legit, but where’s the community service? There’s supposed to be a balance between what you do to pursue your own interests and what you do for others. </p>
<p>It’s great you have a companion interest in music- find a way to get that into your apps.</p>
<p>I must disagree with @lookingforward. Community service is not a must have on applications. Colleges want to see that you are committed to something in your extracurriculars. If that something doesn’t include community service, colleges won’t penalize you. As per the Washington Post:</p>
<p>“In terms of community service, most high schools require some sort of community service. And many middle- and upper-middle class families think that it will impress admission officers if junior has volunteered at a local hospital or participated in some summer program abroad. Sorry, neither typically has much impact on an admission office – unless it is a multi-year or “above and beyond” commitment that shows passion and leadership.”</p>
<p>Now, with that said, I think you’re in at USC and UT Austin, Columbia is a low reach, and Stanford and MIT are mid to high reaches (as they are for anybody). You’re EC’s aren’t weak, but also aren’t particularly strong – they don’t really make you stand out, and there isn’t a ton of leadership in them. However, they reflect a well rounded student,
and definitely make you competitive at top schools. Your scores/grades are also impressive. </p>
<p>You stand as good of a chance as anybody at the top colleges, which still isn’t a great chance, but you’re certainly competitive. Good luck!</p>
<p>It’s looking good for you! Nice grades and class rank, pretty good ECs (could be better) but I would retake the SAT. A 700W is pretty low for any top uni and try to get that maths up, it’s of course very good but MIT likes people who are good at maths, so a higher score would be nice, try to aim for a 2300+! You’re in at Austin and USC and Columbia too, but I think Stanford and MIT are reaches, however, if you get your SAT up to a +2300 and write an excellent essay you certainly could get in!</p>
<p>Colleges want to see that you are committed to something</p>
<p>Adodie, the more competitive admissions is, especially for holistic reviews, the more you need to show you can identify and commit to more than your own narrow box of interests. So, not “something” or “something I value.” It’s about the pattern of decisions and energies these stranger-adcoms want to see, for their college. These speak to your judgment, perspective, openness and more.</p>
<p>OP, the W isn’t going to be your make-or-break. Nor is moving up from a 760M. Except for UT, it’s the full picture you present. And, the CA is the only vehicle.</p>
<p>Rather than trust any media article, go scour the top colleges’ web sites and see what they either state or imply they admire in kids.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies everyone, they really help! I forgot to mention Northwestern on the list, is that about the same as Columbia as far as my chances go?</p>