Chances of getting In...

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello,
Im a Sophomore in High School, and have had a little tough time with High School. My Freshman year... well it was completely crappy (Avg. 82), and it brought me down... ALOT. SO as soon as this year started I went off. My grades were Solid A's, and I was very competitive, but sadly I am still suffering from my Parent's Divorce (reason for low grades, medically depressed). I went to the World Championships for Robotics in April, and that set my grades back a little, and i kind of fell off the cliff once again... (Avg. 88). I am enrolled this summer to take Pre-Cal, and Physics 2 Hybrid at my local Community College, and just needed some advice. Thanks.</p>

<p>Race: White/Pakistainian
PSAT: 230
AP World History: 5
GPA Weighted: 3.5125
Class Rank: (99/490 last year) 50/490
Extra Cirruculars: National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council, Band, Technology Explorers Club, Tennis, Cross Country, and track.
Accomplishments: Works with Rice University on their Robotics Team, NASA Intern (JSC), Made a Robotics team for my school, Making a UN Club Next Year, Serving as a delegate for a Proposed Dike in our community, "Is an example student for most to follow"- Teaacher, Various Science fair achievements(county, and local) and Mentors Young students at local Middle School with Robotics.
Future GPA (4.9 Junior, and 4.7 Senior (very do-able)) 4.135 Rank: 20/460
I spend way too much effort and time into Robotics, after being left a one-man team, and placed 6th out of 10,000 World-wide teams. Im also a National Champion, and an State Champion. I genuinely love what I do, but I focus way too much on it.</p>

<p>College Schools;
Reach: MIT (of course), Stanford, CalTech, and Harvey-Mudd
Less Reach: Rice, and Vanderbilt
Backup: University of Texas (Austin)
STAR School: Rice University</p>

<p>I work with Rice University students, and go there practically every weekend, even though I live an Hour away. I really would like to go there, but Im just not sure of my Chances, any help and advice is greatly appreciated!</p>

2

<p>Also I would like to note that I would like to major in Mechanical Engineering.</p>

3

<p>230 PSAT means you are very academically inclined… Just work hard in your classes and remember that grades and scores are only a part of your application! Essays and EC’s count just as much! Work hard and you should have a great chance for Rice</p>

4

<p>Thanks, I believe so too, but i heard somewhere that it might be a “Red-flag” to Colleges, meaning I didn’t apply myself, which isn’t the story. I was diagnosed with Panic attacks, and high stress levels (like actually) and Im still suffering from my parents divorce.</p>

5

<p>I also should say that I’m also a low-income, first generation, college student. (If that helps or not, I’m not sure)</p>

6

<p>Colleges do like to see an upward trend in grades, so just do your best from here on out. Be sure that you really like your “backups,” and have more than one safety, just in case. Remember, even if you are accepted to one of your reach schools, you may not be able to go if you can’t make the finances work. You need to really love your safeties- and make sure you can afford them, through grants, loans, and parent’s contribution. </p>