Going to study abroad Junior and Senior years, will my chances be lowered? (Info in post)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvey Mudd College
1

Hi all,

I’m currently a Sophomore in high school. So far I have had all A’s my Freshman and Sophomore years:

10th grade:
World Studies
AS Algebra 2
Latin 3
PE
AS English 1
Biology

11th Grade:
Western Civilizations
AP Computer Science
AS Chemistry
Latin 4
AS English 2
Pre Calculus

I’m an avid reader outside of school, mostly in science fiction, science (The Selfish Gene etc), and philosophy. A few years ago (7th grade) I was a runner up in the State science fair and won the SPIE special award.

I’ve been working on a variety of projects the past few years, mostly related to old 8 bit computer systems. I’ve designed and built a fully functioning Z80 computer and memory board as well as an memory expansion for an older serial bus (think pre RS-232). Outside of that last summer I interned at Kaiam Corporation with some software projects, participated in FRC (Electronics lead), and was a counselor at a local summer math camp.

Anyway, my family has decided to move to Scotland. I’ll be attending the George Watson’s college in their IB program. My current plan is to take:

English SL
Maths HL
Physics HL
Philosophy SL
Chemistry HL
Latin Ab Initio SL

I’m not sure how much the IB program is considered in the Harvey Mudd application process. It’ll also be harder for me to continue my projects as I won’t have the same work area and supplies.

Any ideas on how this will effect my chances on being accepted?

Thanks,
Arcturus

EDIT: Since I forgot to specify I’m planning to major in Physics. My father also attended Harvey Mudd so I’ll be a legacy applicant.

2

IB is a well respected curriculum at all colleges. You should be able to find like minded students in your HL classes to work on projects with. The curriculum should allow you the opportunity to continue your projects with your extended essay.

3

I think if you have the test scores and grades needed, and can show in your essays that Mudd is a good fit for you, you have a good shot. Be sure you don’t take the essay portion for granted. Read the mission statement of Mudd carefully, and think in your essays about how to find that balance of love of STEM (which pretty much all Mudders have!) with a view of the world beyond STEM as well. I think your experiences living abroad and in IB could help with that, actually.