<p>So I applied to Caltech EA and need to know what schools I should apply to if I get deferred. So far I have MIT and Harvey Mudd in mind -- I need a safety, and several matches and reaches. I'd prefer schools with strong programs in mathematics, biology, and physics. (especially the first two)</p>
<p>My stats: I have a 4.0 UW GPA (#1/3xx), 2390 SAT, 5s on 9 AP exams, and am a semifinalist for the US Physics and Chemistry Olympiads. I have been involved in scientific research -- the first paper is being submitted to a very prestigious, well-known journal but has not been peer-reviewed or published yet (perhaps it will be by Regular Action deadlines). I have a 7 on the AIME. I will assume my essays are mediocre. I have several club leadership positions but 11 hours of community service (because I forgot to write stuff down). I resist heat, darkness, and nether, and can be thrown effectively. The grid bug bites.</p>
<p>Wow, I haven't heard of half these colleges :)
I should do more research, or just spend more time on the College Search and Selection forum. Thanks for the input!</p>
<p>oh yeah, which of these should I consider safeties and which matches? :D
I haven't done too much research into schools that aren't caltech or mit.
(and I am applying this year. yes, it's sad)</p>
<p>Given your stats (and provided ECs match), everything other than Cal Tech and MIT is a match/safety. You could certainly add an Ivy or two in there for match/reaches.</p>
<p>Lehigh has students with SATs close/at 800, although it also has students who say, scored 780 on Math but only 650 CR - or vice versa. Bucknell is about the same. (Many interested in engineering apply to both.) Colgate is slightly more competitive. All three schools reject highly qualified applicants, so admissions even with excellent stats is never a sure thing. (For example, my d. considered Lehigh a "safety" even though it had to be categorized as a "match" when coming up with the final list.)</p>
<p>RPI (Rensselaer), being a technical school, will have less well-rounded students, and therefore will probably be a true safety for you. They admit more on stats alone than do many schools.</p>
<p>UMichigan again can never be considered a safety, although you seem to be at the top of their OOS pool. You must apply ASAP since it seems that priority may be given to early applicants. UVA is probably the same. Both of these schools have been nicknamed "public Ivies" because of the competitive nature of their applicant pool and their academic reputations.</p>
<p>Midwesterner adds some nice choices. Carnegie Mellon and Rice might be especially attractive to you. Both would probably be matches.</p>
<p>You should only have one "safety" with your kind of stats. You will probably get into Caltech and MIT and you'll definitely get into Harvey Mudd.</p>
<p>"Safeties" can best be called "likelies" these days. Go through last year's acceptances to see how many people got waitlisted at supposedly safety schools. </p>
<p>Nothing assures acceptance. A safety school might assume that the OP wouldn't go there anyway, and thus might not accept him. The list must be well-thought out and balanced. (My daughter got waitlisted at one of her two safeties, so I know for a fact that it happens.) </p>
<p>Of course, the OP might get into CalTech, making this discussion moot.</p>
<p>I think RPI would be a perfect safety for you. You will certainly get into all three of Colgate, Bucknell, Lehigh too. You may want to consider Cornell, URochester, Carnagie Mellon, Johns Hopkins and Williams also.</p>
<p>Hm...RPI sounds interesting, I'll look into that. And the application looks easy too.
I'm applying as a junior...will they hold that against me?</p>