<p>Northcoast Dad, what were your son's scores on the IB exams? What specifically in science is his interest? Biology? Chemistry? Manufacturing scientific equipment? Yes, Purdue is decidedly rural. West Lafayette is definitely NOT urban and Purdue is large and spread out.</p>
<p>The strengths of his application are the fact he is a URM, the depth and breadth of his languages, the fact that he has pursued a very rigorous academic program (IB) especially in math and science, and his clear talent in music. He should play up to these in his application. His weaknesses are his test scores (not bad, but not stellar) and his GPA which is low for some of the schools on his list, even in view of his URM status. I am not as experienced as many on these boards including Carolyn and Northstarmom who has much more insight and experience with AA applications to elite schools. That said, I would estimate:</p>
<p>UPenn: Reach---maybe not so much a reach if your son shows pointed interest, applies early decision (realizing that he forfeits the ability to compare financial aid packages which it sounds like he will need) and hits his "Why Penn?" essay over the fences.
MIT: Far far reach. All these kids, even URM, have ACT 34-36, GPA 3.9-4.0 UW
OSU: Safety
UofMich: Reachy match
Northwestern: Reach
Duke: Reach
Purdue: Safety
GA Tech: Match
Case Western: Reachy match
Carnegie Mellon: Reach
UNC Chapel Hill: Far reach (out of state applicant)
Uchigo: Far reach
OhioU: Safety (this is definitely a rural school)
UCinn: Safety (this is an interesting school for your son because of the availability of the nearby conservatory)</p>
<p>Other match schools your son might consider if science is his strongest desire are Virginia Tech (though not an urban school) and University of Florida. Best of luck to him!</p>