Hello, I am a senior and will be applying to schools very soon. I won’t go into too much detail regarding my stats/ECs etc. to save some effort, but I will say that I have around a 3.98 UW GPA taking basically the most rigorous course load I could along with a 34 on the ACT (34 English, 35 Math, 32 Reading, 36 Science, 10 Essay) and a 790 on the Math II and 670 on the Bio E (I am retaking this next month). I am looking into majoring in Computer Science or going into a pre-med track (not decided yet). Here is my list so far:
University of Oregon (EA)
Santa Clara University (RD)
Northeastern University (RD)
University of Southern California (RD)
Pomona College (RD)
Dartmouth College (RD)
Cornell University (RD)
Duke University (RD)
Princeton University (RD)
Stanford University (SCEA)
I realize that I need more match schools. I definitely want to apply to schools that have good computer science programs, and I do not want to go to a school that is very large such as UC Berkeley. University of Oregon, while large, is my safety school, so I am fine with its size.Ideally, I am looking for safety and match schools that could potentially give me merit scholarships. Using net price calculators online, it does not seem that I will be eligible for financial aid.
I am wondering if I need any more safeties other than UO. Also, I am wondering if applying to Stanford SCEA is a good idea; I have heard that there is no advantage other than the fact that you get your decision early. While ED at a school like Cornell would definitely give me an advantage, Stanford is my first choice, and I don’t want to commit to a school that is not my first choice. Any help with my list would be appreciated!
Just a note…if you apply SCEA at Stanford, I’m pretty sure you cannot apply EA to University of Oregon as well…
Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m fairly sure that any restrictive EA would prohibit you from doing another EA or ED at any school
Not true, the restriction is only for private schools. It is okay to apply EA to a public school at the same time. OP, are you international? I think your list looks okay if they are affordable for you. I would think you would get accepted at your first 4 for sure, and possibly a couple more.
@“Erin’s Dad” @happymomof1 We have already run a couple net price calculators and will do so again to double check on the costs. I am mostly looking for advice regarding my list itself and any possible suggestions for other schools to apply to.
Exceptions
The student may apply to any college/university with early deadlines for scholarships or special academic programs as long as the decision is non-binding.
The student may apply to any public college/university with a non-binding early application option.
The student may apply to any college/university with a non-binding rolling admission process.
The student may apply to any foreign college/university on any application schedule.
@CHD2013 Yeah, lol; but the only difference is that it tends to be overlooked sometimes when people just randomly pick a few reaches…so it becomes a slightly more reachable reach?
@momrath My parents are willing to pay full pay for the schools that don’t offer merit aid. However, I would like more match/safety schools on my list that would potentially offer merit aid.
I think there are quite a few LACs that would offer merit. Among mid-sized privates, I would look at Emory and Rochester.
As for where you should apply early, I wouldn’t try to over think it. If Stanford is your clear first choice apply to Stanford SCEA. It may not help your chances, but it won’t hurt them and if you apply ED somewhere else you may regret not giving Stanford your best shot.
If you attend Pomona, you could take computer classes at Harvey Mudd. Have you considered the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program? It is geared towards students interested in engineering. The top winners receive $25,000/year.