I’m a student at an early college program that acts like a high school.
3.8 GPA
2310 SAT (800M, 740R, 770W)
I won a few regional math competitions in 9th and 10th grade.
I have unremarkable research in Computational Neuroscience at UNT.
National Merit Semifinalist, plan to be a Finalist.
No significant community service.
My first choice major is CS, and second choice is Math.
I’m applying to these schools:
Carnegie Mellon
Stanford
Harvey Mudd
Cornell
UT Austin
UT Dallas
TAMU
What are my chances? How much will ECs hold me back? How much does the research help?
Have you done any coding? Have you taken any tech classes? What is the highest math class you took? Why do you think you are interested in CS? Did you take subject tests? What is your race and gender?
Yes, I’ve been coding since elementary school. I’ve contributed to many open source projects, including a research OS. I’ve taken Calc II, Discrete Math, and Applied Statistics, and will take Calc III and a compiler course next semester.
SAT II: 790 Bio M, 800 Math II
White male
@lylyaxx “I’ve been coding since elementary school. I’ve contributed to many open source projects, including a research OS”
This is the EC you need. Tell them about how you learned to code, what languages you have worked with, and what you have coded, for whom, and how much time you spent on it. Could be community service too, depending on what you did.
Did you consider Berkeley, UCLA, USC on the West Coast?
Did you consider Penn? Your math background would be common there so it could be a good fit.
I am not sure how these schools will view your ECs but you have a good chance, in my opinion. Also include any hackathons you have done. Anything like that.
I am considering applying to UC colleges, but I’m not sure if I can get enough aid. My custodial parent makes under 20k, but my noncustodial makes over 100k. I have a sibling in college and my parents are paying off the other siblings’ college debt. Money is pretty tight, and I’m worried they will look past circumstances because of my noncustodial income. However, I am willing to take on a significant amount of debt for a better college culture and experience.
I won a hackathon and attended a few others. I’ll be sure to put that down.
