I posted a chance me for Caltech and MIT not long ago, and others were not sure if I have a good chance of getting in because of special circumstances. I’ll copy and paste it at the end so you have an idea of what happened and what my story is.
I want the best possible education for astronautical engineering, as well as astrophysics. I was wondering if anyone could give me recommendations on where I should apply, chance me for them, as well as the list of schools I’m planning on applying to. My preference is one of the elite schools - so MIT, Caltech, Ivy League, etc. I know my chances of getting in those schools are slim, but if I prove myself I feel like there is still a chance one will accept me. With college courses, I can keep up a 3.8-4.0 GPA and I’ll try to score as close to perfect as possible on the ACT and SAT II’s.
From what I’ve heard, the elite schools don’t like having the same stereotypical applicants, which I don’t fit into and feel I can stand out in a different way. I know that I have what they are looking for, but unfortunately because of the unfair treatment I was given years ago for my disabilities, they won’t be able to see that. I’m hoping they can also overlook the fact that I didn’t have the same opportunities other high school students had, up until recently. I’m not going to apply to every school on the list and am trying to narrow down which ones are even worth applying to. Please chance me and let me know which ones I shouldn’t bother with, as well as recommend schools. My goal is to work for NASA after grad school, so a college with a strong connection is what I’m personally looking for.
Schools I am considering applying to:
Caltech
MIT
Harvard
Princeton
Cornell
University of Colorado - Boulder
Georgia Tech
Virginia Tech
University of Michigan
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona or Prescott
Stanford
Berkeley
Perdue University
Texas A&M
University of Arizona
Here’s my background story:
My circumstances are quite unique. I did not have a normal high school education, which I feel hurts my chances of getting into a school like Caltech. I’m applying to a few other state universities, but my dream has always been to attend this school or MIT. I’d like to double major in astrophysics and aerospace (astronautical) engineering, and then proceed to go to grad school to get a PhD.
I think the most important part of this entire summary is that I am disabled but have significantly gotten better over the past year, enough to not need a wheelchair anymore, and don’t have to be on medications for my medical conditions. I have a 504 plan and although my conditions are debilitating and serious at times, I still look completely normal and can function normally. I have multiple physical conditions.
That being said, I have had no other choice but to do online schooling over the past five years (I am now a senior). I can attend classes physically at an ALC, which I am doing to expedite the credits I fell behind in. When I was sick and going through the two year recovery of a major spinal fusion, I was unable to take a full course load so I got behind on my credits and am expected to graduate December 2016. A few schools (because I moved to a different state during those five years) had taken unfair actions towards me and when I could not handle the full course load, failed the classes that I was getting A’s in to lighten my work load despite the fact that I am disabled. Unfortunately, it lowered my 3.9 GPA significantly. I’m currently trying to raise it back up to a 3.7 or 3.8 and should be able to by the time I apply.
I haven’t taken the SAT or ACT with writing yet, although I am scheduled to take the ACT in May. I score about a 30 on the practice tests. I get straight A’s now. My online school does not offer AP classes, or I would have taken them throughout the years but I have not had the opportunity. As my teachers have never helped me, I have taught myself every subject in high school. I will have the opportunity to join the robotics team at my local high school in the fall thankfully. I’m also going to start taking PSEO courses this summer and will try to maintain above a 3.8 GPA in generals.
My question is, what are my chances of getting into those schools? I know they are very slim, but I’d like to hear your input.