So I am trying to narrow down my reaches on my list to only have two of these schools: Cornell, USC, or UVA (OOS).
GPA: 3.8 (UW) 4.46 (W out of 5.6)
Rank: 12 out of 116
SAT Superscore: 1300 (650 math, 650 reading); 6 on writing
APs: bio, statistics, calc AB
Prospective major: biology or genetics
ECs: GSA, envirothon, VAASA, NHS (secretary)
Curriculum:
Taking 3 APs (out of 7 offered at my school) and all honors classes except for one
Again, these are all obviously reach schools. I like all of them and want to choose the schools mainly best fit for my major and all that. I like Cornell, but it might be too cold for me. I also like USC, but it might be too far. These factors aren’t deal breakers, but I am considering them. Thanks guys
I am not sure why you need to eliminate one of them. Why not just apply to all three reaches instead of only two?
What are you looking for in a university? These are three different universities. Your stats are good and won’t really help you or anyone give you advice on which one to choose - this one is going to be based on fit. For example, personally I wouldn’t want to be in rural upstate New York for college, so I’d rule out Cornell. Other people might want to stay on the East Coast, and rule out USC, or might not want the super traditional university culture of UVa.
All of those are a great fit for your reach schools! I would highly recommend applying to all 3 instead of narrowing them down. I’ve seen many a student regret that they prematurely eliminated a reach after applications have gone in.
In addition to the schools @warblersrule mentioned, you might also consider Emory – very strong in the sciences and overall, but not quite as stats-focused as most of its academic peers. (Notre Dame, WUSTL, Vandy, CMU, Georgetown, Rice)
To answer your question:
I think if you feel you would fit well – academically, socially, environmentally and in terms of cost – at these three schools, go ahead and apply to all three.
They are in very different environments with different social vibes, however, so examine them, and yourself, to figure out if you’d fit.
Do that for all the schools you’re considering and run the NPC to make sure you can afford them – there’s no sense in tossing an app at a school that would sink you in debt.
