MIT...reach? HPS...dream? Chance me!

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Ethnicity: Asian, male</p>

<p>TEST SCORES</p>

<p>SAT I
Math: 800, Reading: 720, Writing: 670 (should I retake this?)</p>

<p>SAT II
Physics: 800
Chemistry: 800
Math 2: 800
Biology: 790 </p>

<p>AP tests
Biology: 5
Chemistry: 5
Computer Science A: 5 (self studied)
Physics B: 5
Physics C Mechanics: 5
Physics C Electricity & Magnetism: 5 (self studied)</p>

<p>Weighted GPA: 4.225
Unweighted GPA: 3.975 (1 B+ freshman year)</p>

<p>SCHOOL CLUBS</p>

<p>Physics club – president 2008-2009, vice president 2007-2008 – this club demonstrates physics experiments to middle school students in attempt to establish interest in physics; I organize trips and build demonstrations</p>

<p>California Scholarship Federation – president 2007-2008, sophomore representative 2006-2007– club generates scholarships for graduating seniors and participates in community service activities inside and outside of school</p>

<p>National Honor Society – president 2008-2009, sophomore representative 2006-2007 – similar to California Scholarship Federation but recognized nationally</p>

<p>SCIENCE/MATH ACTIVITIES</p>

<p>UC Davis Young Scholars Program – conducted scientific research working one to one with professors in this six week residential program; wrote a paper and gave a 15-minute presentation of research at the end</p>

<p>Mathematics – school-wide highest scorer of American Mathematics Contests 10 (AMC 10) with score of 109.5</p>

<p>Biology – tutored other AP students seconds semester to prepare for AP exam</p>

<p>EXTRA CURRICULAR</p>

<p>Church high school youth group – president 2008 – as president I organize events for the group and lead discussions</p>

<p>Chinese School – attended for 9 years; 9th grade listening comprehension, 6th grade reading and writing comprehension</p>

<p>Tennis – “Most Valuable Player” award for boys’ tennis at school 2006; played #1 singles on the varsity tennis team junior year; played #2 singles on the varsity tennis team freshman and sophomore years</p>

<p>Piano – tutored younger students on a weekly basis; completed through Level 10 in Certificate of Merit program through Music Teachers’ Association of California; performed at the State Convention of the Music Teachers’ Association of California six times: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007; regular organist at church</p>

<p>By the way...do you think participation in a science fair (Intel/Siemens) would help at all, even if I'm not a semifinalist?</p>

<p>Thanks for reading this and your feedback.</p>

2

<p>I think you’re fine without the Intel/Siemens. You show significant interest in science, and significant leadership as well within community. I don’t think you need to retake the SAT (it was just the writing) and I think you stand a great chance for your schools.</p>

3

<p>Would participating help in any way?</p>

<p>In my case, I already have the paper written from my summer program, so I only need to submit it…but I’m just not sure that I’d get semifinalist.</p>

4

<p>You should definitely retake those SAT I’s…but you really have a wide range of leadership positions, which would help</p>

5

<p>Actually 2190 isn’t bad at all I think. I think just participating in Intel/Siemens wouldn’t help, but the further you go the more it helps =p.</p>

6

<p>no need to retake the sat I’s. once they are above a certain level it doesn’t rly matter and they look at the other stuff.</p>

7

<p>Do any of you know if HPS takes the highest section of each, or the highest total in one sitting? I know MIT takes the highest of each section, but for CommonApp you have you report all test scores. I’m planning on retaking it to hopefully bump my writing up to at least 730…I heard 2250 is often the cutoff point…anyone else hear the same?</p>

8

<p>your school must not be too good if a 109.5 is the highest score on the amc 10…</p>

9

<p>there is no sat cutoff unless its rly bad. If you have rly good EC’s like sports and clubs and a high gpa and tough rigor they will admit lower sat scores.</p>

10

<p>There is no “cut-off” point of 2250, although I hear 2200 is recommended to be considered a serious applicant. Having a 2190 puts you in a good position.</p>

<p>I think your SATs, GPA, and AP test scores are also very good. Your ECs are good. Having a good academic background and proving that you actually do something with your life other than studying, not to mention being as well-rounded as you are (sports, academic clubs, piano), puts you at a competitive level.</p>

<p>MIT/HPS are reaches for everyone, but you have a good shot.</p>

11

<p>Retaking an SAT won’t hurt me right? What if I did worse than last time?</p>

12

<p>If you do worse, I don’t think you have to report it to colleges.</p>

13

<p>I’m pretty sure the SAT score report contains all your scores. I believe you can cancel scores or try to withhold, but that seems like a painful process I’d rather not go through on top of the money they make from withholding from each of the colleges you apply to.</p>

14

<p>I don’t think you should retake the SAT Is. First, your score isn’t bad and is competitive enough at HPS and MIT. Second, even if it is considered low, you SAT IIs, GPA, and APs will back you up.</p>

<p>What does worry me is that you have 4 SAT IIs, all related to science/math. Have you considered taking a foreign language; or maybe english or history?</p>

15

<p>I guess it’s possible, but I doubt I’d get above 700 on any type of humanities test. I was really hoping to get MIT, and they only have a place for one math and science SAT II.</p>

<p>Anyone else wanna chance me?</p>

16

<p>I wouldn’t retake the SAT’s, you have 1520/1600 that’s what matters the most.</p>

17

<p>So…writing doesn’t count?</p>

18

<p>Bump!</p>

<p>Anyone else want to chance me?</p>

19

<p>I think you have a very good chance of getting into MIT and Stanford! I’m not as sure about ivy leagues though, I think sometimes they like really well-rounded people that are into a lot of things. Good luck! :)</p>

<p>Oh and I don’t think you need to take the SATs again either, your scores are high enough and you already got an 800 on the math.</p>

20

<p>Thanks for the comments!</p>

<p>Bump</p>