Could I get into Rutger for astrophysics?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hello, I am a high school junior currently and want to pursue a degree in astrophysics. Very few schools offer this as an undergraduate major, but as it is my passion, I would really like to do it. I am considering Rutgers University for this but I am not sure if I could get it. </p>

<p>I have an unweighted GPA of 3.81 and got a combined 2150 on my SAT (690 CR, 760 Math, 700 Writing). I am an officer in the Biological and Medical Futures club and will be president next year. I also participate in Red Cross Club and Issac Newton Club (Physics club). I received an A in physics last year, and am expecting at least an A- in AP Physics B this year. </p>

<p>I believe I have a strong resume, but I also am not extremely ahead. I am taking Calculus next year. Do you think I could get into the astrophysics department at RU? Or would it be more assured to apply as undeclared or just as a physics major and switch in? </p>

<p>Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!!</p>

2

<p>Are you in-state? It would be a safety school for you.</p>

<p>You’re not even behind (when you say you haven’t taken Calculus).</p>

3

<p>I am in-state. But Rutgers has a good physics department and I don’t know if my scores and grades are competitive for astrophysics.</p>

4

<p>I too am pursuing a degree in Astrophysics, and having run into the Rutgers Astro department once when working on some research, I think that you would be a good match for Rutgers, you might even consider applying to some more competitive collages or maybe look at University of Arizona which has a great astro program. </p>

<p>Feel free to take a look at my profile and chance me back: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1569000-chance-me-williams-calberkley-cornell-wesleyan.html?highlight=chance+me+at+williams[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1569000-chance-me-williams-calberkley-cornell-wesleyan.html?highlight=chance+me+at+williams&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>Thank you, I will look at that college. Do you [or anyone] know any Rutgers-level or similar level (in competitiveness) colleges that offer specifically astrophysics as a major?</p>

6

<p>Actually there are quiet a few colleges that offer Astrophysics. My daughter was looking for the same last year.</p>

<p>Princeton, Yale, Cornell, Harvard, Columbia
Williams, Amherst, Vassar, Swarthmore, Wellesley (female only)
Villanova, Lehigh, Franklin & Marshall, Haverford, Colgate, Tufts
Rice and more</p>

<p>You could have an even longer list if you would consider majoring in Physics with a minor or specialty in Astronomy.
Dartmouth, UVA, etc</p>

<p>Are you by chance female?</p>

7

<p>I am female. </p>

<p>The only problem is that many of the schools which offer astrophysics are extremely competitive, such as Yale and Princeton (or any of the ivys for that matter), and even if I was accepted would have no chance of a scholarship. I am applying to Colgate and Rutgers as of now, and am in the process of trying to find more which seem a good fit. </p>

<p>Another thing I was considering is whether doubling in Physics&Astronomy would be worse/better than just majoring in Astrophysics.</p>

8

<p>Rutgers SAS: Safety</p>

<p>Yale and Princeton are schools where all financial aid is need-based; you might still qualify for that. Now find matches and reaches.</p>

9

<p>A note: I have not taken SAT Subject Tests and therefor do not have that for Ivys. If it seems that with them I may have a chance at an Ivy, is it worth taking them and applying?</p>

10

<p>I think you should take them just in case you do apply to schools that require it (a lot of the higher tier ones do). 2 good subjects to take would be Physics & Math II since you seem good at math judging by your SAT I score, and since you want to major in Physics or Astrophysics. It can’t hurt. That way if you decide to apply, you’ll have the necessary stuff.</p>

<p>With your stats, you could aim higher than Rutgers (no offense to them, they’re a decent school). You’ll get in there anyways so might as well shoot a little higher since you already have a decent college to fall back on. If you don’t get enough aid & you get in, you don’t have to go.</p>

11

<p>Do you have any recommendations as to where I could apply? I am thinking about applying to Colgate University and to Georgetown. I might pick a couple Ivys to apply to, but I wouldn’t count on getting into them. Do you know any other schools that might be a good match?</p>

12

<p>Villanova, Lehigh, Franklin & Marshall in PA would be good matches and offer Astrophysics</p>

13

<p>Thank you, everyone, very much for your help.</p>