I’m at a poor, inner city public school in Oakland (just some context).
Schools I’m interested in:
MIT
Yale
Princeton
Caltech
Ethnicity: Mixed (Asian, Middle Eastern, European)
GPA: 4.0 (unweighted)
ACT: 35C
SAT Subject tests: 700 bio (retaking), taking math 2 and lit soon
AP’s: Bio (5), Calc AB (5), Calc BC(5), AP chem, AP physics C, AP Lit, AP Gov, AP US H (5)
Also will have completed Multivariable Calc, Linear Algebra/Diff Equations, and possibly Real Analysis at UC Berkeley by end of senior year
HS rank: 2/537
E.C.'s:
competed and medaled at regional/state level rowing (varsity and freshmen) and mountain biking
2 years track & field, medaled in regional competitions
Founded an international nonprofit that has volunteer tutors in 18 states and 11 countries who tutor local kids; I use this money to finance micro loans to people in developing countries so that they can afford education. Have about 66 tutors volunteering from me (coolest places IMO that we’re active in are Pakistan, Cuba, and Norway)
i designed the web site/got a group of dedicated kids to help me spread the word, then met with an attorney who helped file the legal stuff. Just a lot of hard work and a bit of luck, and a lot of planning and managing.
You have a legit chance at all the schools listed. You got the scores and in addition, elite schools really love qualified applicants from poorer inner city public schools.
Those schools you listed have their strengths in different fields. Exactly why did you choose those? Also these schools are all really hard to get into, even for the most qualified. But I wish you the best of luck.
I’m passionate about science/math, so obviously MIT and Caltech are my first choices; however Yale/Princeton would offer a more balanced education/not so extremely focused only on STEM, which would also be valuable. I’d be happy at any of them. Thanks!
Obviously, that’s not enough for these top schools. Try to reslly shine in your essays. My best advice is to show not tell. Don’t tell them your point
For example. If you’re trying to show that you’re Perserverant. Don’t say u don’t let anything stop me. Instead tell a story, that will show your Perserverant qualities, or whatever you’re trying to get across about yourself.
I believe you have an very good chance to receive acceptances to each of these schools. Since Caltech and MIT have the highest emphasis on tech, I believe these are your best bets due to your EC’s. Good luck and ps. I am impressed.
Those are reach schools for anyone. Think about how can you stand out from the crowd as there are plenty of students with similar stat like you applying to these schools. Focus on the essay and emphasize on your non-profit experience.
@BucketsUCSC it was fairly easy, the attorney did most of the work, I just had to fill in the blanks really. Find a good attorney (mine works primarily for nonprofits) and it shouldn’t be too bad
You are definitely qualified academically, so basically you need to find a way to stand out. Your nonprofit is very impressive so definitely highlight that in your application/ essay/ recs (if possible). As for chances, Ivies are difficult to gauge for anyone, so just go for it and don’t worry too much about chances! Good luck on your apps!
really depends. had a great attorney that charged me next to nothing because he loved the idea. but between website/legal stuff/setting up a bank account, about $300. applying for tax exemption is another $400.