Opinions? (reposting because it literally just deleted after posting it the first time)

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Finishing up my applications right now and I’m having a meltdown. Looking for someone to read this abomination of a list to help me out. Any feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

My top schools that I’m looking at (in order) are Northwestern (ED), University of Wisconsin-Madison (EA), Washington University (RD), Case Western Reserve (RD), UIUC (EA), UCLA (RD), University of Southern California (RD), Boston University (RD), Northeastern University (RD).

Intended majors: Chemistry and cellular biology
GPA: UW 3.99 W 4.73———only one B, which was in my freshman year
SAT I (not including because bad): 1540 Total, 750 ERW, 790 Math, 22 Essay
SAT II: 800 Chemistry, 800 Math II
ACT: 35 C—36 English, 36 Reading, 35 Science, 34 Math
AP Scores: 5 Language & Composition, 5 Chemistry, 5 US History
Ethnicity: Multiracial—Korean and white
Gender: Male

Freshman academics:

  • English (reg), World History (reg), Hebrew 3 (hnrs), Biology (hnrs), Geometry (hnrs)
    Sophomore academics:
  • English (reg), Anthropology (reg), Comp Gov (hnrs), Chemistry (hnrs), Algebra II (hnrs)
    Junior academics:
  • Lang/Comp (AP), US History (AP), Chemistry (AP), Physics (hnrs), Precalculus (hnrs)
    Senior academics:
  • Lit/Comp (AP), US Gov (AP), Comp Gov (AP), Biology (AP), Statistics (AP), BC Calculus (AP)

ECs (grade):

  • Advanced Honors Research Program (11-12)—school’s independent research program for gifted students
  • National Honor Society (12)
  • Voting board member of the medical club (10-12)
  • Peer tutor for school’s math department (11-12)
  • Peer tutor for school’s writing center (12)
  • Peer mentor for school’s special ed department (10)
  • Volunteer camp counselor for local park district (9-10)
  • Volunteer in Shanghai for an orphanage (11)
  • Marketing intern at a nonprofit religious organization (12)
  • Orthodontic sterilizer (10-11)
  • Indoor and outdoor track seasons (9)
  • First alto saxophonist in school’s symphonic concert band (9-11)

Awards:

  • 2016 Recognition Award for Service in Special Education (school)
  • 2016 Science Achievement Award for Outstanding Work in Chemistry (school)
  • 2017 Science Achievement Award for Outstanding Work in Chemistry (school)
  • 2017 Science Achievement Award for Outstanding Work in Physics (school)
  • 2017 AP Scholar

Recs:

  • AP Chem teacher, who is literally just a friend. Did really well in his class and we joke around.
  • AP Lang teacher, who is basically an unpaid social worker for me because I go to her for all of my problems. Did really well in her class as well.
  • Counselor, who knows me super well and I rant about things to her all of the time. She understands how serious I am about everything that I am involved in and wants to support me in any way possible.

Common App (9/10)—talk about mental illness and grief. still would like to edit a bit.

If it matters, I have shown ridiculous demonstrated interest at Northwestern: campus visit, college fair, high school rep visit, two college info sessions. No legacy, unfortunately. Am I at least a mediocre candidate for ED?

2

Why feeling bad about your SAT? There is nothing that you need to hide as it is equivalent to ACT 34 (just one point lower than your ACT). This would verify your ACT score which they will be used for admission consideration anyway. After all, it would be included with your SAT2 score report without extra charge.

3

@billcsho I mostly feel bad about the lower ERW score because my ACT reading and english are 36

4

It is not bad at all. Your Math section just go the other way too. The adcom would look for the best score anyway. You really have nothing to hide or it just make people think you are score obsessive.

5

I was on the positive side til billcsho’s post (I had missed the sorrow over a 1540.) If you think there’s some issue with the 750, then I wonder what else in your perspective may need some attention.

STEM? For NU, WUSTL, and USC, your ECs, what specific STEM activities?
And anything other than band that you’ve done for 3 years, at least?

6

@lookingforward Thanks for the unnecessary sarcasm.

7

Serious question which a serious candidate should take seriously.
I assume you’re STEM.

8

Is mental illness and grief really the story you want to portray to admissions officers? Is there not anything else you can possibly write about?

9

Read these essay tips. Your topic doesn’t sound like something that makes an admissions officer say. “Can’t wait to have that kid on campus!”

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-essays/2003258-essay-tips-to-consider.html#latest

Your list also seems reach heavy. Do you have a true safety?