I’m not sure what the format for these posts are, so I apologize if it’s wrong. I have a 1500 SAT and I got a 17/24 on the essay. I’m kind of concerned about my essay, so I may retake it. I’m an Asian female, and I come from a relatively small school. I will have taken 7 AP classes by the end of this year, which is my junior year, and i plan to take 4-5 more next year. I was state champion in biology in 5A for Texas UIL. So, with this, what are my chances for bigger schools such as the ones I’ve mentioned?
Bangladeshi Female
small town in Texas
Stats:
GPA: like 4.03
Class Rank: 2/373
SAT: 1500 (750 M, 750 R/W)
SAT II: Planning to take Chemistry and Math II
APs: AP Bio (4), APUSH (5), AP Calculus AB, AP Chem, AP Physics 1, AP World History, AP English Language and Composition
Note: I’m one of the few only people in my grade who passed the APUSH exam, if that makes a difference.
Senior year APs: AP Physics C, AP Lit, AP Computer Science A, AP Statistics
ECs
Science UIL: This is my 3rd year, Won Top Biology at 5A state competition
TMSCA State Science Competition: Got third place in freshman division in 9th grade, got 4th place in the sophomore division 10th grade
NHS: Been in since 10th grade, have an officer position of Co-Service Chair Manager. Do service projects with them
UT Health Northeast Summer Research and Clinicals Program: Applied to and made it into a research intern program at UT Health Northeast. Shadowed doctors, observed researchers, and did my own experiment.
Volunteering: (9th grade through now) Volunteered at my local library frequently reading books to kids and shelving. Also volunteering at my local hospital this year (11th grade). Volunteer at blood drives and graduation at my school
Tae Kwon Do: Was actively involved til tenth grade. Got my first degree and got a gold medal in board breaking and a silver in sparring at districts in 2017.
Intended major is biomedical engineering/pre-med, but also looking as CS
Per your title be aware…Cornell still considers themselves an Ivy :))
Oops, my bad
Retake only if you are unhappy with your 1500. Don’t waste time retaking for the essay section, 17/24 won’t break you. You have other places to show you can write; the personal statement and supplements. GPA and rank are excellent, and ECs are decent as well. Which ivies are you shooting for other than Cornell? All of them? Make sure you have reasonable safeties and matches as well. You have guaranteed acceptance into UT so make sure you take advantage of that! You definitely have a chance at any school, but no one other than the admissions committee can tell you whether or not you will get in. I see no low points in your app. Make sure your essays and recs are excellent.
Thanks for the advice! UT Austin and A&M are some in-state safeties where I’m guaranteed acceptance, and I’m shooting for lower ivies like Cornell. Maybe I’ll apply to Stanford or Harvard, but I’m still deciding.