Please chance me/advise me on applications to Harvey Mudd, Rice, Northwestern, Olin

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey everyone,
I have already applied to a bunch of match and safety schools. Now am looking to cap it off with some applications to some reaches. All these schools seem great to me and I would love to attend. However, if I only have a minuscule chance of admittance to certain ones, I will eliminate them and focus my attention on the others.

Where do I have a solid chance. Which ones are a shot in the dark?

The ones I am considering.
Brown (Both parents went here)
Harvey Mudd
Rice
Northwestern
Olin
Cornell? (Maybe. It’s an incredible school but my impression is that it is freezing and remote. What do you guys think?)

Majoring in Civil or Mechanical Engineering

GPA: 3.88/4.3W
Rank: (9/275)

Current Senior Year Classes: AP Computer Science, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics C Mechanics, AP Literature and Composition, Engineering and Technology Design 2, Economics (will earn an A in all)

ACT: 34 (W34, M33, R34, S33)

APs: Environmental Science(5), US History(5), Lang/Comp(5)

SAT II: Physics: 800, Math II: 740

(Self-studied AP Environmental Science and half of Physics Subject Test. Are colleges impressed by this?)

Enrolled at school’s Physics and Engineering Academy: Two-year program including a specific set of physics and engineering courses centered around a project-based curriculum. I use CAD design software, 3D printing, laser cutting, and workshop fabrication tools to design and fabricate engineering projects.

No big awards of prestigious competitions.

EC:
Cross Country (Captain)
Track (Captain)
Ultimate Frisbee Club (Captain and founder)
Amigos de Las Americas: 2 month service project living with host family in Costa Rica
Park Service Internship
Sunday School Teacher
Outward Bound
Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble

Thanks so much for taking the time!

2

Let’s run down the list: project-based curriculum experience, self directed learning, service, good grades, good scores, and Frisbee. If you play well with others I think you’ve got as good a chance as anyone at Olin. Good luck. It’s an incredible place.

3

I think you have a better than average shot at Brown (although the average shot is extremely low anyhow) since you’re legacy and Olin. I think for the rest you have as good a chance as any of the qualified students who apply.
Chance me: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1946391-emory-emory-oxford-wake-forest-davidson-nyu-holy-cross-gw.html#latest

4

Thanks guys.
@nicolas I do not know enough about the schools that you are applying to to really add to your chances thread.

@HeloDada What association do you have with Olin? It would be cool to hear a non-admission rep perspective on the school.

5

@ElyStuart10 What do you want to know about Olin? I’m an Olin parent, so I can offer you that perspective.

6

I’m an Olin parent/kool-aid drinker. If you like project based learning I urge you to pay Olin a visit. The culture, curriculum and community are unique. As far as a non admission officer perspective, all I can say is “believe the hype.” The one bad thing about Olin is that it can only admit a small number of applicants.

7

@NoVADad99 I guess my main concern is that the school’s small size, which would surely create a close-knit community, would be socially limiting.
How has your son/daughter liked Olin? I have visited and I think I would really enjoy the unique academics but was unable to really get a feel for how life was outside of the classroom.

8

You’re right that the students form a close-knit community. They find people with similar interests to pursue other interests. My son often goes into Boston on weekends with his classmates or other friends in the area. He has not told me of any problems finding things to do when he’s not doing schoolwork.

9

Cornell is especially mean this year, just so you know. Good Luck!

10

@CoraBye what do you mean by “mean.”?