homeschool student chance at top STEM

Chance Me / Match Me!
1
  • 11th grade caucasian male, homeschool since 7th grade.
  • ACT after 10th grade 35 composite, 36 math, 11 writing. Don't plan to re-take it.
  • GPA 4.0 unweighted (actual grades with rubrics and proof, including online classes).
  • Didn't "up the rigor" until 11th grade, although 9-10th grades were "college prep" level. Fell in love with math during AoPS course in 10th grade and the fire is now fully lit. Was planning on state school for engineering but now plan to major in math and pursue PhD.
  • Now taking AP calc BC, AP physics C, AP English lang, German 2, US history, bible. Also study college-level math independently - especially number/set theory.
  • 12th grade plan on 4 math classes at local college (calc 3, DE, linear algebra, intro to proofs), AP English Lit, AP comp sci, more physics, apologetics.
  • Done some math competitions and do OK but not national-level/Olympiad great; scores limited by time limit, not ability.
  • Reasonable to expect AP 5's and do well on SAT subject tests (>700).
  • Applying to 4-5 "top" summer math camps this year.
  • Can get couple of strong recommendations but limited by homeschooling.
  • Not really any math peers to connect with in small community.
  • Deep EC commitment, but only 2 - Boy Scouts (should have Eagle by this fall); very active and currently top leader position; and church, serving in children's ministry every week and active in youth group. A few other interests/hobbies.
  • No athletics, other than what Boy Scouts do.
  • Can write good essays; genuinely love all academic areas and think this will come through in answers.

So 3 questions:

  1. Reasonable candidate to top math places? (list includes MIT, CalTech, Princeton, Harvard, UChicago, Harvey Mudd, Cornell, Carnegie-Mellon, Duke). Guessing ACT and transcript will get at least a 2nd look but don’t know beyond that.
  2. Is undergrad name that important for math grad school (in addition to the real opportunities the above places provide), or is a small LAC with no grad students and a good math department a great choice, if culturally and size-wise it’s a better “fit”?
  3. Anything else to do, to be more competitive?

Thank you for reading!

2

Hi from a fellow homeschooler. Your stats look great and I think you have a fair shot at all your reaches; I’m sure you’ll do great on your subject tests. If there is any weakness, it might be your ECs. Do you have any leadership opportunities? For example, at church, maybe you could teach Sunday School lessons or work as a VBS counselor (I listed both). Boy Scouts, especially Eagle Scout, is great. Do you have an interest in more math competitions?

If you want more advice on what to submit as a homeschooler for guidance counselor statements, rec letters, etc, DM me and I’d be happy to provide more info.

3

You need to prove out those subject test scores that you expect to get. I think your ECs are light for top schools, too.

4

That is a list of reach-for-everyone schools.

Do you have safeties?

Have you talked to your parents about what they will contribute for your college costs, and run net price calculators on college web sites?

5

SuperGymnast- Hi! Great tip! Some leadership in Scouts and church but there are additional opportunities to pursue. Enjoy math comps and will try more but not greatest strength; can solve almost all at home afterward but not fast enough to make national-level splash. Math camp entry quizzes are loads of fun and competition-y. Applied for MIT PRIMES; did well on their test but wasn’t accepted. Applied to MIT RSI for math research and waiting to hear (that would replace summer math camp if accepted).

6

intparent- Agree with both. Less than expected AP and SAT subject scores will definitely alter the list. Other EC’s are “soft interests”; not as organized or document-able.

7

ucbalumnus-

  1. Exactly! Trying to figure out how many to “reach” for when one is competitive “by numbers”, but so are many other applicants. Some web sites (inc. this one) seem to emphasize that your #'s are far more critical than colleges say, and either suggest or blatantly state, “Don’t believe the colleges. The numbers are critical.” The #'s (so far) are favorable, so just trying to figure out what is reasonable to expect.

  2. “Safety” is NC State (we live in NC). Great school and no slight intended; “safety” only due to admission likelihood. Large math dept. But school bigger than preferred. Might add Clemson. “Match” schools are currently Davidson and GaTech - very different places! In fact, Davidson is intriguing, after recent visit. Currently sorting through other threads here about LAC vs. RU for math major/future PhD. Strengths and weaknesses to both, it seems.

  3. Net price calculators say we’ll get zero need aid. Parents are aware of price up to $70K+ annually and willing to pay. Not bragging, just answering your question. Thank you!

8

GA Tech isn’t a match. Their admissions were brutal even for in state students this year. Honesty, I could see you not getting into any of the schools on your list except NC State. You need more matches and safeties, unless you are completely happy with NC State if that happens.

You only have one very strong stat at this point, the ACT. Homeschool GPA is impossible for colleges to vet. Also, only 2 years of foreign language – you need to continue beyond that (maybe you already plan to, just pointing it out).

Honestly, I don’t think you recognize the competitive nature of admissions to colleges on your list. For instance, expecting to get into MIT with no math or science ECs – you will be at a serious disadvantage to many other applicants.

9

Thank you, intparent, for your honesty! I PM’d you; it’s long, to explain some more and to ask you more questions.