my chances at University of Rochester?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I’m a junior in high school (Class of 2013). I’ve wanted to go to the University of Rochester since freshmen year. I’ll be going to U of R for an interview this summer. I’m thinking about applying early action. What are my chances? Any advice for me?</p>

<p>Desired Major at U of R: Neuroscience (I want to go into research.)</p>

<p>GPA: 4.28</p>

<p>SAT: 1680
Critical Reading 570
Math 560<br>
Writing 550</p>

<p>I’ve taken all honors classes and I’m an honor roll student. I’ll be taking my first AP next year (AP Chemistry).</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities:
- Volleyball (Freshmen Year)
- Stage Manager (Freshmen-Junior Year. 6 shows and counting)
- Co-Director (Sophomore Year)
- Inter/Assistant Stage Manager at a professional Theatre (Sophomore Year)
- Assistant Producer (Junior Year)
- Head of House and Ticket Sales (Junior Year)
- Thespian Troupe Board Member (Junior Year)</p>

<p>Honors Societies:
- International Thespian Honors Society
- Science National Honor Society
- National Honor Society</p>

<p>Volunteer:
- Mentor for the Freshmen Mentorship Program (Junior Year)
- Tutor Chemistry to High School students (Junior Year)
- Tutor Elementary School Students at a local Elementary School (Junior Year)</p>

<p>Employment:
-Waitress (2008-Present)</p>

<p>More About Me:
- I’m Chinese-America.
- I can speck 3 languages fluently.
- I’m a first generation college student.
- I’ll most likely be top 20-30% of my class.
- I live in NJ.</p>

2

<p>Honestly, the first thing I thought of was, ‘why University of Rochester for neuroscience?’ Next door, Columbia University’s program in Neurobiology and Behaviour is in the top 10 of all neuroscience programs in the United States. </p>

<p>Anyway, the general rule, no matter which neuroscience program you apply too, is that neuroscience is a difficult major. Therefore, I feel that your SAT is on the low side, you would be best to retake it and shoot for 2000+ score. I would also recommend that you take the SAT II. Inquire to Rochester about what subjects they prefer you to take, if they have none then focus on biology-molecular, math II, and chemistry. </p>

<p>Your application is lacking a bit in terms of long-term extra-curricular. However, since you’re going into senior year there isn’t much you can do about that by this point. I would suggest for your senior year you:
*Join a sports team (universities appreciate anyone with athletics)
*Continue volunteering for something you’re passionate about
*A part-time job during school looks good as well. However, understand your limits, don’t let your whole application decline, because you were overwhelmed with too many commitments.
*Maintain a high GPA! </p>

<p>Remember no to do anything just to boost the appeal of your application. It’s your life and you should be focusing on activities that you are really passionate about. </p>

<p>Work hard and do your best, I wish you the best of luck! :)</p>