<p>What I mean is as a comparison to the other components considered, how important are grades and test scores? I know that there has been a trend in that those aren't looked at as heavily as they were previously. I have a 102.06 GPA and I think I did well on the SAT (I'll find out in 2 days ;) ) and I have done a fair amount of extracurricular activities, but I feel like I don't have enough. Current awards include: AP Scholar with Distinction and NHS member (nothing special).
I want to apply to these schools as a double major in biochemistry and microbiology:
1. Harvard College
2. Yale University
3. Princeton University
4. Cornell University
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6. Columbia University
7. University of Pennsylvania
8. Brown University</p>
<p>(these aren't the only ones, but I am fairly certain I can get into the others without too much difficulty)</p>
<p>I realize this is turning into something like a "What are my chances?" thread but what I mean is how important are grades and test scores in comparison to everything else?</p>
<p>It’s really impossible to know how likely you are to get into a school without SAT scores, because every school grades differently. But know that for all of those schools, you’ll need something else compelling to get in, even if you have a 110% average and a 2400 – some talent, an amazing story, a fantastically written essay, etc. </p>
<p>Grades and test scores qualify you academically, but then you need to have something else to push you over the top. (In my opinion.)</p>
<p>Do you have depth in your EC’s? It is not a question of the number but how deeply involved in those you were. In addition, I’m assuming the 102.06 GPA is weighted, most colleges will look at unweighted. It may be helpful to wait until the SAT scores come back to tell, but nothing for any of these schools are definite. As the metaphor goes, in comparison to everything else, GPA and test scores are very important, but only a piece of the pie when applying to these schools. Many of these applicants have compelling stories and have done amazing things with their free time. (If you doubt me, look up {instert school name} official thread) where you can see past applicants that have posted their stats. Nothing should be treated as a definite, especially with how competitive college admissions have become nowadays.</p>
<p>That makes sense. I can write pretty well, but it seems that my style is more appropriate for a book than a college essay, but I’ll figure it out. I got a research internship at NYU too. Does that help?</p>
<p>Well I am president of the Pre-Med Club, Vice President of Business Club, an active member of JSA, I did Art Club for a year, I was on the tennis team, and I gave up every one of my lunch periods to TA for the lab specialist. I also did collegenow once lol</p>
<p>Without knowing what courses you got your grades in, we don’t know enough to tell you anything. Rigorous schedule vs. blow-off schedule or AP-lite schedule makes all the difference. And then we need your test scores.</p>
<p>I took AP World History, got a 5, all my other classes were honors, and this year I took AP Biology, AP English Lang, AP US History, and AP Russian (which is still being prototyped, but my school is doing the prototyping). </p>