Chances for Rice Or Princeton?? Am I being realistic??

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>Hello! Thanks for coming in to give me some insight into how I stand on getting into these prestigious universities! (Even though this is probably the 5-billionth forum you've seen) </p>

<p>I am really looking into getting Into Rice or Princeton (I think Rice is a bit more realistic than Princeton, Rice is like my hopeful-realistic dream school, and Princeton is like my ultimate dream school) I'd like to major in Chem engineering. </p>

<p>I a currently a high school Junior who just finished junior year strong with a 5.18 Weighted GPA, and about 3.96 UW. I am rank 45/600, so obviously I am in the top 10% (its a public school though)
I took APush, AP english, AP chem, Honors Physics, and Honors Alg 2. I have taken honors classes all throughout High School. I am also Latino (Don't know how much this will help especially considering the SC's recent decision on Affirmative Action/Racial Diversity)
I plan on taking Pre-Cal via Texas Tech, and doing as much volunteer work as I can this summer if I can't get a job as a summer intern at my dad's work (he's a chem engineer, he said they may have a job in the lab for me)
Lastly, I live in Southeast Houston, so I am not sure how that'll go over with Rice.
I Haven't done that much volunteer work other than hours for NHS/Other honors societies or tutoring people from my church who needed my help in math .</p>

<p>For EC's (Other than Honor Societies ) I am an Eagle Scout and former BSA Troop Leader (Held for a year)
I was also the youth leader at my church for about a year, and helped plan many of the service activities we did. </p>

<p>My Eagle project was actually very momentous in that I was able to collect a lot of supplies for cancer patients and give them to a local oncology treatment center. We also ended up collecting over $200 in cash to give to a struggling patient.
The project itself was motivated by my friend, who got leukemia in the 7th grade. </p>

<p>I am about to take the SAT on saturday, I've taken practice tests before and gotten around 2010. I'll also need to take my the SAT II's, but I am not too worried because I hear the are really easy.
Other than that I can't say much more. I have been very diligent throughout all my high school years and have an upwards grade trend of low A's to high A's. </p>

<p>If this is weak (which I think it is) please let me know. I had my premonitions (especially with the acceptance rates, 14% and 7% respectively I think) and already made a backup plan. Texas has a program where if you are in the top 10%, you're automatically admitted to any public school you apply to; So if i don't get in to either, I'll just go to TAMU. </p>

<p>I am also open to any other schools you think I'd have a good chance at. Anyways, Thanks for any feedback!!!!! </p>

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<p>Congrats on Eagle Scout.
All 3 are good choices. Texas is petrochemical central where lots of ChE get jobs. I presume you would want to land a job in Texas or neighboring state.
So, why leave Texas for college. It may put you at a disadvantage when seeking a job. Not many Princeton ChE alum in Texas!!!</p>

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<p>I think you’d have a decent shot at applying to those schools! For Princeton you may want to raise that score on the SAT, but what matters more is the essay and how you present yourself on the application. Just try to stand out and you have a good shot! Your extracurriculars are phenomenal, too.</p>

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<p>If I had to select one area to improve, that would be the SAT. GPA is great, ECs are relatively strong. Princeton will be a high reach, but then again it is a reach for everyone. I would apply to those schools, just keeping in mind that even students with 2400 on the SAT are turned away from Ivy League Schools. What is most important is that you keep up your great grades and activities, and find a college that is a good fit for you. Good luck with applications!</p>

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<p>Also, just as a side note (it might make you feel better), I was admitted to Princeton this year with a 2040 SAT (non-athlete, non-URM), so it is definitely possible. Really just focus on those essays and bring your voice out strongly. Also, if you don’t shine on the SAT I, the SAT IIs may help. I got an 800 on Math II, so I think that may have been used as justification to admit me. </p>

<p>Just remember admission to these universities can be seemingly random at times, so don’t be frustrated if things don’t go your way. You seem like a great applicant, so take a chance on it! </p>

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<p>Thanks for the responses guys!!
I will most definitely send off an application then, just don’t know where to send the ED. (May be rice, all my family lives in Houston) I’ll see how I do tomorrow, I’ve been practicing SAT like no stop since march. </p>

<p>SneakyWalrus-
Congrats on getting into Princeton, that’s really admirable! A girl in my AP chem got in their and she was talking about how amazing it was. I bet you’ll love it there!
Sw026-
Yeah I’ve kinda known that and been doing a lot to get my SAT up. I Got and mostly read/worked though direct hits 1 and 2, Pwn the SAT. For reading I just did like a section a day when I could.</p>

<p>TomsRiverParent-
Thanks! I’ll consider staying in Texas! </p>