<p>HS graduation year: 2011
UW GPA: 3.5
Weighted: 3.8
SAT Composite: 1940
(should i take SAT II subject tests?)
Took 3 AP classes-- AP Biology, AP English, AP Calculus (i'll take these during my senior year, since my school didn't offer any before then) </p>
<p>EC's/awards:
Played JV tennis for 2 years, varsity tennis my senior year
Academic Spell Bowl team -- state finalists all 4 years, regional champions 3 years
Math team
National Finalist for 2 years in a row in a neuroscience competition
National Finalist for 2 years in a row in a public speaking competition
National Finalist for 2 years in a row in a essay writing competition
Marching Band State Runner up -- freshman year
Speech team for 2 years
National Society of High School Scholars
National Honors Society
FIRST Robotics team for 3 years -- won a regional championship in 2009 (had leadership position)
VEX Robotics team for 2 years -- won a regional championship in 2009
Rocket Club
Vice President of Chess Club
Played violin for 6 years, performed at various concerts</p>
<p>Volunteer Activities: (total = slightly over 100 hrs)
Assisted my tennis coach in coaching small children
Assisted my tennis coach in his adult tennis classes
Volunteered at a local hospital
Assisted the Salvation Army </p>
<p>I know my GPA is lower than what's considered to be good for johns hopkins, but i checked some stats and apparently 53% of accepted applicants have a GPA of 3.74 or less. 30% between 3.5 and 3.74.<br>
i'm also in the lower bracket of the SAT mid-range scores. i'm not sure if i have a decent shot or not..i have confidence that i can write a good essay but i'm not sure how much that would help my grades.<br>
i want to try for johns hopkins biology or neuroscience program.
what are my chances?</p>
<p>It never hurts to try. But think instead of whether you would be happy there and among highly competitive people. Only you can decide that, by visiting and talking with people and taking off the prestige blinders. </p>
<p>Its more about where you can thrive, excel and be happy. Fit. </p>
<p>Nothing wrong with a reach school or two. Just make sure its where you can do well and be happy.</p>
<p>i’ll definitely apply there & i know it’s a good fit for me…i’m just worried that my grades aren’t up to par with the other competitors for admission.
would it increase chances if i applied via early decision?</p>
<p>You wrote everywhere for advice, I am not sure what is your target any more. My advice is that you apply to only one ED which is your passion, not where the money is after college.</p>
<p>yeah lol at first i wrote everywhere for economics/business advice and colleges with good programs in those subjects because i wanted to have some solid, interesting backup options just in case i don’t make it in med school. however i also wanted a good college for the sciences, because i’d be doing pre-med with a neuroscience major or biology major with emphasis in neuroscience. </p>
<p>overall, i’m looking at a neuroscience degree with an economics or business minor with pre-med. i do have a list of colleges in mind, but i wanted to get others’ advice on how those programs are and what my chances of acceptance are</p>
<p>Nothing wrong with looking around at this juncture…but by October 1 you should have your final list ready to go and started on applications. I am not a fan of ED anywhere. I am a supporter of EA plans. If Johns Hopkins has an EA then go for it. You will get an early answer, yea, nay or maybe. And go from there. But DONT COUNT ON IT. Its not just your grades, its your SATs. Johns Hopkins is extremely selective and unless you have a hook, minority status or something, then its a tough road to travel. Being below 2100 is a tough sell to them, frankly. But no harm in trying. Just dont make it your number one. Its a bit of a hyper competitive environment there. Not laid back.</p>
<p>In my view its better to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond. Fordham fits you will on the stats and scores. You can do well, be challenged, have great opportunities and be in NYC. JMHO.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>