Junior looking at Caltech, UCSD, Harvey Mudd, etc.

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm deciding what I should do during and after my senior year to best prepare myself for a high-tier science college, my top choice being Caltech. I guess this is more of a "am I on the right track to optimize my chances?" and even a "should I go to a community college after graduating to fill in coursework and extracurriculars that I should have if I want to get into my top colleges?" post.</p>

<hr>

<p>**Major interests<a href="beginning%20with%20my%20top%20interest">/b</a>: Biology (especially microbiology/biotechnology/genetics), physics (probably theoretical physics), chemistry (especially biochemistry). No matter which I choose to major in (though I'm pretty sure I'll major in biology), a very strong math program is probably the most important thing I'm looking for.</p>

<p>School choices
Top: Caltech, MIT, UPenn
Middle: UCSD, Harvey Mudd, Carnegie Mellon, Rice
Safety: Cal Poly Pomona, UCI
(Is that an accurate assessment of those colleges?)</p>

<p>SAT
Critical reading: 740
Math: 730
Writing: 750</p>

<p>High school
GPA: unknown yet, but as far as I know, I have an A in everything except for two first-semester classes this year (but even in those classes, my grades are between 89.5 and 90.0.)
Rank in class: Not really applicable since I'm homeschooled, but my biology teacher said that I was his top biology student out of 180. Maybe I should ask him write a recommendation letter? :D</p>

<p>Course load
11th grade: Constitutional Government (1st semester, completed); Research Methods and Web Publication (1st semester, completed; Economics (2nd semester); AP Biology; Physics; Latin III; Calculus.
12th grade (tentative): Calculus I (local community college requires it before Calculus II); Calculus II; Physics (year-long calculus-based class at my CC); Biology (1st semester Organismic Biology and 2nd semester Cell & Molecular Biology classes at my CC); Latin IV; English Literature; Research Paper Writing</p>

<p>Extracurriculars
Debate. As any circuit debater will tell you, one must basically sacrifice his entire academic life to compete at a high level. I love debate (and I'm very competitive at it), but I have a feeling that I need other ECs like a math olympiad as well. It kills me to participate in a competitive activity without actually putting a lot of time into competing at a high level, though.</p>

<p>I'll keep updating this when I get more information, like grades in this year's classes (they're almost over), GPA, CC enrollment, etc. Anything else I should include?</p>

2

<p>Quick comments: </p>

<p>You’ll need extremely good SAT II scores and a better SAT I Math score to even attempt to getting into your top schools/Harvey Mudd. </p>

<p>Math and science schools look for students who are passionate in just that, and this is most reflected in extracurricular activities. You apparently have no math and science extracurriculars, which on first glance makes me wonder why you are even interested in science/math. I’m not sure the extent to which is true, but starting up ecs in your senior year generally doesn’t look too good. Note also that competitions aren’t the only type of ec. Overall, it’s my opinion that your ECs will prevent you from getting into your top schools, so if you are adamant in going to them, community college could be helpful.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, I’ve been wondering why I only chose debate as an EC, since there are so many math and science ECs out there. I didn’t know nearly as much back then as I do now. (And debate is just so fun I couldn’t resist.) I’m definitely thinking of going to a CC and getting involved in ECs there before transferring to Harvey Mudd or another of my choice colleges.</p>

<p>I’m taking the SAT II Math Level 2 in a couple weeks; based on practice test results, I’m expecting an 800.</p>

<p>Thanks for posting, Suin.</p>

4

<p>How about my chances for UCSD or Cal Poly Pomona?</p>

5

<p>yes you should go to a community college after you graduate.</p>

<p>TEEHEE.</p>

6

<p>Heh.</p>

<p>Well, since I said I would update this thread…</p>

<p>I declared my major as molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, got into UCLA, went there for one year, dropped out, changed my major to computer science, went to a community college for one year, moved to Oregon, went to a community college in Oregon for one year, and should probably transfer some time soon.</p>

<p>Funny how being out of the admissions game for a few years can change one’s perspective. Concerns about affordability and ability to transfer credits have taken the place of worries about being admitted. What I would not give to afford an out-of-state college. (Someone who has seen the options for CS in Oregon will know why…)</p>