Cornell, UPenn and Duke!!!

I am just curious to know if I have any chance at all getting into these three schools. I want to study biochemistry but would also like to participate in music. I will chance back! Thank you!

Unweighted GPA: 3.8 (top 5% of about 400)
Weighted GPA: Not sure, but I will have completed 10 AP classes by graduation
ACT: 34 SAT Math II: 800 SAT Biology M: 760

Extracurriculars
Marching Band: 4 years (section leader 2 years)
Wind Ensemble: 4 years (section leader 3 years)
Jazz Band: 4 years (section leader 2 years)
All state band: 2 years
BSU All Star Band: 3 years
CC Honor Band: 2 years
Piano: 10 years and self taught
Boy Scouts of America: 10 years (Captain 1 year, Co-Captain 1 year, Program manager 1 year, Eagle Scout)
National Honor Society: 2 years (historian)
Rake up Caldwell (Spirit Club): 2 years
Tri M Music Honor Society: 1 year (officer)
Adv. Mens Choir: 1 year
Varsity Swimming: 1 year
Elementary School tutoring: 100+ hours
Because my community has below average literacy rates, I organized a district wide book drive in order to promote reading.

Hooks
First generation
From underrepresented area of the US
Fingers crossed my teacher recommendations are stellar.

Thanks again!

“Any chance at all”
Of course you have a chance, you have competitive stats and you are first generation!
Subject tests are very good, nothing too unique about your ECs but they show you very dedicated to what you do.
GPA could obviously be higher, but it’s more than acceptable at any of these schools. It’s all about making yourself a unique applicant so make sure you sell yourself in those essays!
Definitely have a chance (still reaches), make sure you have a good range of schools, targets and safeties included.

Very strong commitment to band, good scores and stats.

Have you considered submitting a music supplement? Your musical abilities have gained a lot of recognition.

You certainly have a chance. But, Duke, Cornell, UPenn, like all top 20 schools, are a gamble when it comes to admissions.

All three are fairly similar in admission competitiveness as a biochem major and worth applying to with your stats but make sure to apply for targets and safeties as well

You have a decent shot at Duke. Go for it!

^ Any particular reason why? Does he/she fit the profile they’re looking for?

@nerdychica: yes, high scoring, first generation from rural area. This is a difficult type of student to find.

chances look great! With any of these schools, it is always a crapshoot is you fit into their specific dynamic they are looking for.

UPenn- Low Reach
Cornell- High Match to Low Reach
Duke- Low Reach

Good EC’s and shows strong commitment to band

chance back http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/18906655#Comment_18906655