My chances are UCs/Top Schools

<p>I'm planning on majoring in Chemical Engineering or something similar, and I've already chosen some places I would like to apply to. If you have anymore suggestions for where I <i>should</i> apply to, then feel free to suggest them. I live in California, and here is my information:</p>

<p>GPA: 3.84 unweighted (4.00 weighted)
SAT I: 1980 (710 Critical Reading, 690 Math, and 580 Writing <em>shudder</em> I'm retaking it in November to improve my writing score at least, but I'll probably improve to around the high 2100s and possibly 2200).
SAT II: Took Math II, Chemistry, and Bio E in October, I'll get my results tomorrow.</p>

<p>Junior Year: AP US History (4), AP Calculus AB (3), AP English Language and Composition (3)
Senior Year: AP English Literature, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Statistics. Most likely will get a 3 on Lit, 5 in BC, 4/5 in Chem, and 4/5 in Statistics.</p>

<p>Awards -
AP Scholar
JV Water Polo Coach's Award
Scholar-Athlete 4 times
Schoolwide Academic Achiever of the Month
Unfortunately, this all of the crappy schoolwide awards I've earned =/ Go me.</p>

<p>Extracurricular -
JV Baseball (3 years; Varsity is ranked 11th nationally, so I have no chance in hell of making Varsity)
JV/V Water Polo (1 year JV, 2 years Varsity)
Swimming (2 years)
California Scholarship Federation (4 years)
Boys' League (VERY prestigious and selective community service club open only to juniors and seniors; 1 year)
Inter-Ethnic Relations (3 years)
One of 3-4 founders of the Engineering Club
School Band (1 year; Play Timpanis, Electric Bass, and Guitar)</p>

<p>Community Service -
2 years of tutoring in the school's free afterschool tutoring program
Organized Blood Drive with Boys' League</p>

<p>I did not take Physics in high school because of scheduling conflicts, but I'm studying it independently outside of class and I'm planning on taking the AP Physics C Exam. I took one of the most challenging possible course loads at the school while still playing sports (mandatory 6th period PE for baseball interfered with my possible classes). My family situation is very unique; I have two brothers, one of them severely austistic, and my mother passed away when I was three years old, so I have always had the responsibility of taking care of my younger brothers while my father worked, limiting my ability to join clubs that require large amounts of commitment off-campus. My father passed away during the first semester of my junior year, which caused my grades to drop (I only got 3.8 that semester; I had Bs in every AP Class and a B in Spanish 3). </p>

<p>School's I'm planning on applying to (not in any order) are -
Berkeley
UCLA
UCSB
USC
Stanford
MIT</p>

<p>I'm also applying to a couple of CalStates just as safety schools.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

<p>Diethylamine:</p>

<p>UCB/UCLA: Reach (Engineering)
UCSB: Match (Engineering)</p>

<p>I think that in your case, the personal statements will be your best friend. If you can sort of explain your situation, with your parents and your younger brothers, then it will give the colleges an idea about the type of responsibility you've had (and how well you've done with it!) while still doing well in school. I mean, all B's going through what you must have been going through is incredibly impressive in my opinion and I would definitely evaluate you differently if I was an adcom. Good luck!</p>