Hi, I’m new to CC but I was getting pretty anxious over choosing colleges and whatnot, and would love advice!
First off, I’m Asian, so I feel like I have a LOT of disadvantages in my way.
I don’t have that great of an SAT score (Best scores: 800 math and 740 reading/writing)… I’m planning to take the ACT either in June or after summer is over. Do you think it’ll be worth it?
I took several SAT IIs: Korean with Listening (800), Math II (780… should I retake…?), Chem (790), Bio (750)
The scores are pretty depressing for an Asian, I would say.
My ECs are pretty weird as well.
I played piano for about 10 years, and I’ve gotten 3rd in state and whatnot, but I don’t think that means anything.
I created a volunteer organization to perform for Alzheimer’s patients to help aid their healing.
I did Science Olympiad in Junior High but tried out for Debate instead in HS and quit in my junior year (this year) because of the team atmosphere. I did pretty well in SO but since it’s JH doesn’t really matter… and I did well in my novice year for debate but had partner troubles as a varsity (another reason I quit).
I volunteer at my church as well.
I’ve taken Biology Olympiad and Chem olympiad tests but haven’t qualified beyond the local exams…
I have applied to several research programs but I’m pretty sure I’m not getting into any of them haha
Schoolwise,
I took/am taking several AP classes and have taken/will take tests for them: AP CS I (5), WHAP (5), APUSH, AP Chem, AP Physics I, AP Calc BC, AP Stats, AP Lang; I’ll be taking AP Eco, AP Gov, AP French, AP Bio, etc. etc. next year.
I did have a study hall in my freshman year and this year, but that was mainly bc I took summer courses and my school didn’t really have any 5.0 classes to offer… Will that harm my app…?
My GPA got a bit ruined with my summer APUSH teacher (bad luck on my part T.T): 4.6 weighted, 3.9 unweighted (I don’t remember all the decimal places)
My school is really competitive with GPA so I’m sitting at about 48/840 (I think? something in the 40s); I’m in the top 7%, though.
I’m trying to think of essay ideas but I’m not that great of a writer per se, and I can’t think of anything particularly interesting about me. But I shall think more and hopefully will get a few ideas and drafts by summer.
I want to major in the maths/sciences (heh typical Asian), but my parents and I are worried that I seem more like a music major than STEM. I’m really interested in the neurosciences since my Anatomy studies from JH SO, and my grandmother has Alzheimer’s so I am passionate about finding cures for such disorders and diseases. Also, many people recently have been suggesting med school (which I was never really thinking about) because of my apparently “bubbly” personality when dealing with people haha (but I am very pessimistic about my future at the moment…).
I heard admissions were extremely hard this year, and will be getting harder every year. I thought UT Austin was a somewhat of a safety school, but now I’m actually worried about having to attend CC. I also am not very literate in college-ese, so I would greatly appreciate it if someone could tell me which colleges within UT Austin is more/less competitive than others.
What do you think are some reasonable safety, match, reach schools? Do I even have a shot at some of the more prestigious colleges?
Thank you so much!!!