Do I have any chance?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi CC,

I made a chance post about a week ago that was very vague. I asked if I would ever be considered by any “good” colleges. The ones who kindly responded had trouble answering my question because I could not properly define the word “good” and that I had confused “good” with “elite.” Well now, after about a week of research, I’ve made a list of potential schools that I may be interested in. I sought to find where I ranked among my peers and now turn to CC for answers. There was some key information that I left out, so I will now include that information. This is the post that I have revised and abridged to just the statistics. It shared my story if that helps you make a judgement on me.

You can read the entire post here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1721215-do-i-have-any-chances-at-anywhere-good.html#latest

…

8th grade:

Spanish 2: B-
Living Environment (Bio): B-

9th grade:

Earth Science: A
English: A
Global History 1: A+
Algebra I: A-
Spanish 3: A
Studio Art: A-

10th Grade (so far):

Chemistry Pre-IB: A
English 10 Pre-IB: A+
Geometry: A
Global History 2 Pre-IB: A+
Health: A+
Digital Photography: A
Science Research 1: A
Spanish 4: A+
TV Journalism: A

I intend on being an IB diploma candidate.

ECs

I don’t have much yet, but I’ve been in the process of getting more.

-2 years in the school paper. I was a staff writer my first year and now I am a chief reporter. (Wooh!)
-1 year of student council which I hated it and won’t be continuing.
-I just started these clubs this year: Future Engineers’ Club and Computer Science Club

Research

-My group has been working with my town’s planning board and Cornell University Cooperative Extension to find the source of pollutants to a tributary lake leading into a large river. We’ve been using GIS software to map the lake and the area around it. We’re going to one of the best science fairs in New York this May.
-I’ll be applying to a few research programs for this upcoming summer.

Awards (This is pathetic)

-One of my articles won bronze for the best sports feature award at the Empire State Student Press Association’s High School Journalism Convention
-I had two articles that were nominated for at the Long Island Press Student Journalism Awards. One was for best sports feature and the other was for best fashion feature. I didn’t win either of them.

Important Events

  • I attended Hofstra’s University Student Press Day
  • I attended the Columbia University Student Journalism Fall Conference
  • I presented my science research project at my district’s Board of Education Meeting
  • I met and I am currently working in coalition with members of my town’s planning board on my research project.

If anyone can give me any advice on where I could potentially apply and if I still go into a career in science, that would be greatly appreciated. Like I said, I go to school in New York, and I don’t know much about any of the SUNY/CUNY schools, so if anyone knows about that, that would be great. Also, if anyone knows of my chances at any reputable private universities, please let me know. I know that my chances for top tier universities has likely been obliterated, but maybe there are some schools out there that might be better for someone with my scores. If anyone can give me any feedback on anything, that would so greatly appreciated. I know that compared to others, my grades, scores, and ECs are substandard, but I’m willing to make the best of what I have. Thanks you so much for reading such a long post. I will chance back!

…

Two things that I forgot to mention were my GPA and my standardized test scores. Now before I mention them, I’d just like to state for the record that I know that they are horrible and I am in a constant effort to improve them. I hope it’s obvious that I will have a strong upward trend by senior year and these two areas will be fixed. The two 8th grade classes brought my GPA way, way down. Also, I just received three new SAT prep books to help improve with awful score. If it makes it any better, you can just disregard the Explore Exam score because I am not going to take the ACT. I put it on there so you guys could get a better understanding of where I fall. Here you go:

Unweighted GPA (4.0 Scale)
-8th Grade: 2.67
-9th Grade: 3.9
-Overall: 3.63

Explore Exam (Practice ACT):
-English: 13
-Math: 17
-Reading: 13
-Science: 18
-Composite: 15
Now I’m sure why (I’m guessing this is the SuperScore), but the final score shows a 21. I don’t know how I could have a score of 21 if didn’t score above a 20 on any section! Maybe someone can describe this for me because it is really strange.

PSAT
-CR: 43
-Math: 47
-Writing: 47
-Total: 137 (I believe this would the equivalent of a 1370 on the real SAT…yikes)

SAT II: I haven’t taken any SAT II’s yet but I plan on taking at least two in science, maybe three. I might take Math I or Math II if I could find a way to learn that material and maybe even some SAT II’s in history or language.

After reading probably some of the worst scores on CC, I know you don’t want to hear the list that I’ve compiled of the universities that I am interested in. Just know that I plan to drastically improve my SAT score and that my GPA will also improve. I think that if I could finish all of the sections, which I could not do, and begin to take practice tests now, I could go from a 1370 to a 2100+. If you think that this is unrealistic and too much of a stretch, let me know; I won’t be offended by your input. I don’t know if I will be applying to any of these schools, but made this list just to hear input on what schools are unrealistic, and what schools I may have a chance to receive admission. I became interested in these schools for a variety of reasons.

  1. Columbia University- I've heard they have an excellent engineering program. I've been to Columbia and I loved the campus and the environment at the school. After being in the School of Journalism, I thought that maybe journalism could be a good minor. Is it possible to be a journalism minor while majoring in the field of science?
  2. Johns Hopkins- This is a great research university, so I am very interested in this school.
  3. MIT- Another great engineering program with people that share an interest in science. I'd love to be near a college town like Boston.
  4. Cornell- This school has an amazing engineering program.

Other Schools that I am interested in:
-Princeton
-SUNY Binghamton
-SUNY Stony Brook

  • CUNY City College of New York
    -UPenn
    -SUNY Plattsburgh
    -Hofstra
    -UC Berkley
    -University of Chicago
    -RIT
    -George Washington University

I got some really positive feedback on my last post which made me optimistic that I might get into one of these schools. Let me know how you feel about some of these and if I have any chances. Also, let me know if you think a person like me is even cut out for science and if I should go for a less competitive major, like journalism. Any feedback is appreciated and once again, I will chance back!

2

I think that your scores are decent for non-ivies but if you want a good chance with your reach schools (inc. Chicago) you need to make sure you have a high SAT score. Good luck!

3

I think that your scores are decent for non-ivies but if you want a good chance with your reach schools (inc. Chicago) you need to make sure you have a high SAT score. Good luck!

4

As a sophemore I made a 148 on PSAT and a 20 on my ACT. But I studied a ton until late my senior year and got a 2200 sat and a 33 act. Took a long time (I’m a trash test taker, I had to have the timer when I was doing practice tests). I think in my case it was easier since I had a good grasp on the material I was just unfamiliar with the time crunch. When I took practice SAT my junior year without any timer I scored a 2150.

So I’d recommend trying to take a test with and without the timer, to see if content or test taking strategies are the problem. Also, try to take hard honors and AP level courses later in high school they can prepare you for subject tests and colleges love it.

Anyways, I think you have a great chance to improve, and good luck!

5

Hey vortex,

I think you have a decent shot IF you improve your GPA and SAT - which you said you are working on = :smile:
I’m a sophomore now and am trying to get into Johns Hopkins University - so I get your stress!!!
Even though you are placing a large emphasis on your grades and standardized tests, make sure to also place similar emphasis on your extracurriculars (I play tuba in marching +concert band, tutor for 2 separate schools for underprivileged kids on saturdays and tuesdays, in sev clubs at my school, and am waiting for a reply to start shadowing at a brain and spine institute - i want to major in neuroscience at JHU)

I will also be starting the IB program next year and whew - its gonna be hard!!
Just wondering - what subjects are you taking next year?

I’ll be taking IB Bio, IB Math (Ap Calc, will double up on BC and Stat senior year), IB Philosophy, APUSH, AP Eng Lang (IB Eng), IB Latin, TOK, and Band (as it is a required class if you are in band)

Soph/ this year: Physics Hon, Chem Hon, Precal Hon, Eng 2 Hon, AP Euro, AP Psych, Band, Pre-IB Latin 2

Fresh/ last year: AP World (5), Bio Hon, Eng 1 Hon, Algebra 2 Hon, Pre- IB Latin 1, Creative Writing, Great Books Hon (required at my school like advanced Eng read some deep stuff), HOPE (gym-required 9th grade)

This year I got a 196 on PSAT, my worst subject is cr by far, I’m studying vocab and doing practice tests to help

Next year, are you taking the old SAT or new SAT, we both will be taking the new PSAT, I’m trying to get national merit so if I do well enough to qualify on the new PSAT, I will have to take the new SAT

Also, Sen year I’ll be taking Subject Tests in probably: Math II (DONT take Math I), Bio E, maybe US History

Good luck and keep improving
Stantonstudent

6

Your eighth grade grades will not count in college admissions. Some colleges only look at grades from 10th and 11th grade; others look at grades from 9th to 11th grade. However, no college will look at your eighth grade grades.

You’re doing fine; your extracurriculars look great. I think the main thing, as many others have stressed, is to raise your SAT score. It should be possible.

I won’t pretend to know anything about IB programs because I don’t (one of my friends from Florida is part of an IB program similar to @stantonstudent’s, but I don’t really think there are many IB programs where I live, in the Bay Area). However, I’m assuming IB courses are similar to AP courses, in which case, have taking lots of them.

With standardized tests, it could be timing problems that are lowering your scores; I got a relatively high score on the PSAT (216) this year, but I’m used to working within a time limit on tests (that I have the strange compulsion to always be the first one to finish a test helps too). As in, when I take practice SATs, I have almost half the time left over on some sections. Try working within time limits shorter than the ones on the SAT so on the test day, you’ll have time left over. Don’t second-guess yourself. And try not to make silly mistakes on the math sections (I could have gotten an 80 in math T^T).

If your scores don’t improve, you can always look at score-optional colleges; there are some very good ones out there.

Also, y’all should join the Class of 2017 forum :wink:

7

@stantonstudent‌ I know you didn’t really ask for a chance, but I thought that you gave me enough info to do so. I’ll start with your EC’s. They are excellent, much better than mine. It’s clear that you care about making an impact on the world and that is important, especially for an aspiring doctor. Your classes are very good too as you have a ton of variety throughout your day while also receiving the academic rigor of the advanced courses. As for your PSAT, just keep working hard to improve the CR. Johns Hopkins has the most competitive pre-med in the country. Even with your outstanding scores, they still may reject you because of the intense competition. Personally, I still think that you’ll get in just because you have excellent grades, EC’s, and standardized test scores.

As for me, I’ll be taking Algebra II Trig, IB English Language and Literature HL Year 1, IB History of the Americas HL Year 1, IB Spanish SL Year 1, IB Psychology SL, TOK Year 1, AP Computer Science, Science Research 11, IB Design Technology HL Year 1, Advanced Studio Production, and then science gets a bit tricky. I haven’t done any of my scheduling yet and I’m still contemplating which science I should take. I’m not sure yet whether I want to take an engineering path or a biological route. Here are my options: I can take IB Physics SL next year and then the following year take IB Physics HL. That to me seems like the easier way to do it, but I still might end up wanting to be a doctor and then I’d be at a disadvantage when I apply for pre-med. My other option is to take IB Physics 1 every other day next year and have that class alternate with IB Bio. Then, I can make my choice next year as to which class I would take HL the following year. If I do that, then I can take IB Bio HL or IB Physics HL senior year. Maybe you can help me out with that.

Senior year, I plan on taking IB Design Tech HL Year 2, IB Computer Science, IB Math Studies, AP Calc AB, IB English HL Year 2, IB HOTA HL Year 2, IB Spanish SL Year 2, TOK Year 2, IB Film, and I’m still not sure about my science class, but it will be either IB Bio HL or Physics HL.

I’ll be taking the “Redesigned SAT” next year and the the new PSAT. Like I said, I’m confident that I will see a huge increase in my PSAT score because of the studying that I’ve been doing lately. Personally, I feel that taking the new SAT is better than taking the old one because it shows that you’re willing to take the more challenging test. I’ve been reviewing for the old SAT because I feel it’s important to master the old before learning the new.

I have a few questions for you. Which books are you using? Right now, I’ve been using the Princeton Review book for the 2015 SAT while starting the Barron’s 1100 flash cards. I also wanted to know why I shouldn’t take the Math I SAT II.

Thanks so much for your post! I really appreciate it!

8

@warriorblade101‌ Thanks for getting back to me. I am going to take your advice and take the test without the timer. I think that you’re right. I do well in english class so it doesn’t make much sense that I’m doing poorly on the PSAT. I found myself very stressed at the end of the test and that’s likely because of the time issue. As I was telling @stantonstudent‌, I will be taking more challenging courses in the next two years. Thank you for your encouragement!

9

@topaz1116‌ I will be making an effort to improve my SAT score. Timing has been a problem and I will take your advice to improve my timing. Thank you!

10

@vortex275‌ Math 1 covers less advanced concepts, and many colleges ask that if you take a math SAT II, you take Math 2. Also, the curve is extremely harsh (you need a perfect raw score to get an 800) on Math 1, while it is much more lax for Math 2.

Are pre-IB courses like Honors courses? If so, you can take the SAT II Chemistry this year. I’m taking it after Honors Chem.

11

Agreed with the comment about the 8th grade GPA – absolutely doesn’t matter. Why have you even included them?

12

@topaz1116‌ As a matter of fact, I’m going to be taking the SAT II chemistry this May. Pre-IB courses are basically honors courses. Also, how do I get to the Class of 2017 forum because I’d love to check that out.

13

@Ramon712‌ Even though those two 8th grade classes were not taken in high school, they still go on my high school transcript.

14

hey, I thought that it is recommended to take AP Chem before the SAT II exam - is it less challenging than I thought?

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@vortex275‌ the forum is here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1455552-high-school-class-of-2017.html#latest

@stantonstudent‌ no, you don’t have to. At my school, most people take subject tests after honors courses (for example, almost everyone takes Bio after freshman year, when they take H. Bio, take Math 2 after H. Precalc, and Chem after H. Chem; I got a 770 on Bio E in October) if an honors course is offered. My cousin got a 780 on Chem after taking H. Chem and only studying for a week. I studied harder for Bio, but that’s because I had a bad H. Bio teacher and we didn’t go over some topics (animal anatomy and plants).

16

You seem like a real journalism superstar… you definitely want to do engineering? Your JO stats would get you into some really good journalism schools…

Generally, I would add a few of the country’s top journalism programs to your list, at least to consider, so you can look into their engineering options in case you want to/are able to double major or minor. Look at: Syracuse, Northwestern, Boston University, Mizzou. And if you specifically like sports journalism, look at UMD as well–they have sports journalism classes as well as a sports journalism scholarship (named after Maury Povich!). Columbia doesn’t offer an undergraduate major or minor in journalism, BTW.

17

@stantonstudent‌ In my chem, half the kids in the class will be taking the SAT II this year. I think that it’s pretty tough, especially bonding. With your scores, I think you can take it with ease, though if you plan to take AP Chem, I’d take the SAT II when you finish that class. Most of the video notes that my teacher gives us for the SAT II are for kids currently taking AP Chem, so taking that class must help.

18

@proudterrier‌ To be honest, I really don’t know what I want to do. I’ve been told that the best jobs are in science so science majors immediately became attractive. Once I heard about this, all of my electives became classes related to science. The one exception is film which I’ve always had a passion for. Ever since I was a kid, my best friend and I would make these short, funny skits. We’ve always wanted to turn that hobby into a youtube career, but we never had the proper encouragement. When he gave up on film, I had secretly held on to that dream. Now I just like to do it for a period a day while writing for the paper. I honestly enjoy them and I love doing them after school, but I don’t see tv journalism or regular journalism as a lucrative career. They seem to be dying down while science just keeps getting hot. I guess it’s tough making these types of decisions while I still love doing so much more than just science.

19

Thx topaz for the info, I think I’ll just take the 3 I described above senior year I feel I’ll have time my summer before senior to prep enough and will prob feel more prepared, btw what books did you use to prep for bio?

Vortex thanks for the reply and chance I’m taking bio bc I like it more than chem and def more than physics at my school physics is the hardest IB subject (they meet every day). But I don’t want to discourage you - do what you feel comfortable with…, plus I feel taking ib bio will help for the sat II

If you still unsure then I’d suggest to take both junior and decide which you want to HL in - but I’m double scientist in physics and chem and it’s kinda hard so it will prob be harder if your double sciencing (new verb lol) IB’s. You seem to be interested in physics so go for it, maybe do a little research first go on the ib website and look at the course syllabus, I think if you do well in the physics class and on the exam, jhu won’t care that you picked that instead of bio (it might make them more interested in you)

As for the new sat and PSAT, I’d suggest that if you are only taking these 2 and not the old SAT, don’t waste time studying for the old. I’ve heard that the CB is releasing materials for the new tests this month in January but we’ll see how that turns out and I’ve also heard they’re partnering with khan academy

20

If you hyperfocus on what will make you money, you may end up really unhappy down the line. You should focus on what you’re good at, as well as what you enjoy, as well as what you might find a job in. Science writers, for example, are in high demand: most journalists don’t understand science AT ALL, so if you majored in a science discipline and minored in journalism you might carve out a unique career. (in general, science types who are gifted writers can go far) Or you could end up in TV if that’s an unrealized passion–it’s not a bad place to be, either. I say keep yourself open, so generally look at large schools with a lot of options so you can find your way later. More options are better than few. But if you really do like science and you like writing–I would go after both, seriously. There are a lot of dynamic career options you could end up in down the line. Marketing for a scientific company, for example, could be lucrative. You could end up writing textbooks. You could work in science policy.