I'm Reaching, but Maybe?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I’m in my Junior year and look at a few good schools that I may be able to get into but some might be a reach. I’m looking into:

  1. Georgia Tech (Ideal)
  2. Cornell (Reach)
  3. Princeton (Big Reach)
  4. Alabama (Could be free)
  5. Clemson (Hometown)

Here are my stats:
Academic GPA–3.4 UW, 4.3 W
Class rank–top 20% in rather competitive public school
Recommendations–can get great recommendations from an English and Math teacher from Junior year
Standardized test scores–One sitting-1440 SAT, Superscore 1460 SAT (790M, 670RW), waiting on Feb. 28 ACT scores
Essays-have been told I’m a good writer and am confident in my writing abilities
Extracurricular activities–NHS, Beta, Mock Trial, Interact (may be president next year?)
Talent / ability-can play the cello fairly well
State residency–SC
Minority status–African American
Volunteer work–Hundreds of hours at YMCA summer camp and dozens from other Beta Club, NHS, etc projects
Work experience–grocery store janitor, summer camp counselor
Financial Aid–family income around 100k

2

Bruh how is your unweighted 3.4 but your weighted 4.3? Tf? How many AP’s did you take?

3

I doubt you’ll get into Cornell. With an SAT that puts you squarely in “Average” range and a subpar UW GPA, it’d be a high reach too. I don’t know how likely GA tech is either. Isn’t it harder for OOS students?

4

Your UW GPA makes your first three choices tough.

5

I am guessing you will be adding schools to your list? You don’t mention how many honors, AP or IB classes you are taking, but unless you have a substantial number, I don’t see any hope for the first three. And full ride at Alabama seems out of reach too. Work to bring the grades up the rest of the year, and first half of senior year, and aim for a higher SAT score, then your chances might improve.

6

As a URM with a 790 Math SAT, you might be competitive for all of the schools on your list if you are planning to major in a STEM field. In addition, for (2) and (3), you come from a state which is historically under-represented.

7

Nothing wrong with reaching. You have a good starting list to work with. Consider looking at liberal arts colleges, especially those with strong math and science programs. I think you’d have a great shot at many of the good ones.

8

You just need a safety of two! No reason not to reach as long as you are covered. (Make sure you can afford them all too!)