<p>My future dreams lie in science (I hope to become a physicist) and I know the best schools for that is MIT, CalTech, Harvard, etc. However, I've only begun to realize after my freshman year of high school that these schools will almost certainly be beyond my reach, and that I am probably on track of being a borderline applicant to them. This is because I personally do not feel that I have any hooks, and my involvement in olympiads and other science-related activities may have came too late since I did not know about them earlier. Thus, I want to understand further options. What other really good, but not so well-known, schools are out there that are really good in math and science fields? I know several LAC's (Harvey Mudd, Reed, Lawrence, and others) fit the criteria, but truly how difficult are they to be accepted to? And do they provide the opportunities for admission to top-tier graduate schools?</p>
<p>There are many solid options for you that can get you into the grad school program you want to be in one day. Start with the public universities in your own home state, and work your way up from there. It is perfectly OK to ask about grad school placement when you communicate with the departments that you are interested in.</p>
<p>You can find out how difficult a school is to be accepted to by looking at the Common Data Set for each school for the latest year on which they publish data (google it) - then compare the admitted students’ stats to your own. </p>
<p>There are dozens of excellent schools that are very strong in the math and science fields that will prepare you to be a physicist - just do a search on ‘best undergraduate physics programs’ and see all the links that come up! The bigger issue is what can you afford and what else do you want out of your education?</p>
<p>In addition to strong math and science, you’ll also need strong English skills. You’ll need to be able to write clear, concise reports and proposals that sound professional.</p>
<p>know the best schools for that is
You list several schools. Your verb needs to be plural.</p>
<p>may have came
Come is the right word here.</p>
<p>You could eliminate much of this post and still convey the information.</p>
<p>Please work on your English. Now. This year. It will pay off when you take tests and apply for admission in a few years.</p>
<p>Are you a freshman? If so I think it’s too early to decide that these schools are out of reach… you don’t have to win a state competition or be a national champ to get into these schools, it will help of course, but you should develop your character at the time you cultivate your academic interests.</p>
<p>Even if you’re not a freshman, i think you should send it your apps. You never know and you might have something that they find interesting about you in your essay.</p>