<p>I'm a junior right now and my sophomore +freshman GPA = is a 2.97 uw. 2.74 freshman, 3.14 sophomore.
Both years i took high level classes. (all G/T except english which was Honors)
This year i'm taking 5 APs(mostly math/.science orientated +1 social studies) and 2 honors classes, and i'm doing alright this year.
My practice test SATs = 2200+. and i'm being tutored right now so it probably will increase. </p>
<p>I'm interested in the sciences and probably want to go pre-med, but recently i've also been atrracted to engineering (chem engineering in particular). The real question is where can i go or more specifically are there still upper tier school will still take me? ones with a good sci program are best.</p>
<p>ivies are definitely out of reach. if you get 5s on your tests and that 2200+ you could still possibly make yourself competitive. you'd also need some killer ECs though if you wanted to try for some non-ivy selective schools. instate is always a good bet and early decision.</p>
<p>The top tier schools are definitely going to be huge reaches for you, most of their accepted students are up around 3.75+. If your GPA improves drastically junior year and all of the other factors are amazing you could have a chance.</p>
<p>Thanks. ^^ I'm necessarily aiming for ivy, but more like JHU or UMich (i just want to know if they are completely out of my reach).</p>
<p>I also have a question about ECs...
I'm on vastiry debate (i compete nationally, and this takes up about 3 weekends a month + hrs of prep during the week),
play travel club volleyball,
lets say i do a internship in the field of potential major (engineering + pre-med).</p>
<p>These are things i'd devote most of my time to outside of school. Is that not enough? i mean i do a smattering of random things on the side(MUN, took the AMC, pres. of anime club, i help coach younger deabters)... mostly debate and volleyball are wats important to me and i devote alot of time to that. how will a school percieve this?
does this (w. my GPA) take me out of the running?</p>
<p>I think that JHU and UMich will be large reaches for you, but if you do well on the SAT and maintain a better GPA this year you can apply anyway. Your chances are slim, but if you have the money you can take the risk.</p>
<p>Hi, my name is Babs and I have an admissions advice column on ******************. I really empathize with your situation as I was in the same predicament when I was in High School. My recommendation: go to a state school. ESPECIALLY if you are interested in the sciences. </p>
<p>State schools, because they are large, tend to favor high SATs more than small liberal arts schools since they need an easy "objective" measure to use for admissions. Instead of judging what your transcript means coming from your HS, and how that compares with other applicants from other HS's, they like to use standardized test scores. Obviously, your grades still count, but they will weight your SATs more heavily than say, Vasser. </p>
<p>Also, since you like engineering and or/bio, state school's are a great idea. Why? States give good funding to "useful" lab/tech sciences. They professionals trained in these fields so they like to fund those local schools that will continue to contribute to their area. They will have large labs where you might find work as an undergraduate, and possibly good internships with local companies. </p>
<p>You'll have an easier time getting into a state school in your own area, but their are some excellent (and nationally renowned) schools across the country. UWisc-Madison and University of Minnesota-Twin cities both rank high above some Ivies (just below Cal Tech and MIT) for their Chem Grad programs. They are easier to get in undergrad, and once you are in you will have a much better chance of getting into their Grad program from their school. Also, since the same prof. usually teach both Grad and undegrad, you're getting a top notch college education. It might be a bit reach with your GPA, but with the APs and your SATs I think you have a good shot. Also look into UMass Amherst (good Med) or the SUNYs.</p>