Positive Trend: Where can I get in?

College Search & Selection
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<p>So I didn't do that well freshman and sophomore year - I got around a 3.55 unweighted average (about a 90.5) both years with 3 honors classes freshman year and 4 honors classes sophomore year. This year however (junior year), I am doing a lot better, my lowest grade will be a 93 aside from an 87 on my half year public speaking class. If all goes as planned I should be around 3.85 or 3.9 unweighted (around a 94 average). This year I'm taking AP Chem(93), APUSH (93), Honors Precalc (96), Honors SUPA Public Speaking (87), Honors American Literature (94), and Latin 3 (94).
- My SAT: (CR - 610) (M - 770) (W - 730) 2110 total
Extra Curricular's:
- I was the first chair cello player this year and I have played in the county orchestra 2 years. I also got 2 96s on level 6 NYSSMA (a music test in new york state - 6 is the hardest level). I consider my self a pretty advanced musician, and I have videos of myself playing.
- I also run all year (cross country and track). This year I was the 2nd varsity runner in cross country and around the same in track (its a little vague in track). I ran a 4:47 mile. I will be a cross country captain next year.
- I got an 800 on the Bio sat2. I'm taking the chem sat2 in a week and I hope to get an 800. Next year I will probably take math 2 and again If I try really hard I may get another 800.
- I have a gold metal on the national latin exam and I got an award for my research paper for apush.
- I have worked after freshman, sophomore and (will be) junior year. I have worked at the same summer camp for 2 years now as what they call a "water boy" but It was actually a lot of work and I can fix the name up. This year I got a promotion to assistant counselor (more leadership). </p>

<p>I'm pretty sure I'm going to major in engineering, so to begin with, I want to know: how much does my crappy critical reading score matter if I apply strait into engineering? I have pretty high grades in all my science and math classes (I will be taking BC calc and honors physics next year) and my grades drastically increased this year along with my race times. </p>

<p>Secondly here are some of the schools I'm looking at (just my favorites so far, I have a lot more):
Reach:
- Duke
- Johns Hopkins
- Swarthmore (legacy - dad, grandpa, great grandma)
Target:
- Bucknell
- Lehigh
- University of Rochester
Safety:
- Worcester Polytechnic and some others</p>

<p>Could I possibly get into duke with ed?</p>

<p>I know this was painfully long and thanks so much if you read the entire thing. I would greatly appreciate anyone commenting. </p>

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<p>I had a similar profile and applied as a CS major, so from my experience:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Upward trends do help, but usually more at match schools than reaches. Even with an upward trend, the GPA difference can be too much. It’s worth a few shots at high reaches, but don’t get your hopes up.</p></li>
<li><p>Your list is looking good. For engineering, some more schools you should consider if you aren’t already: RPI and Rose-Hulman</p></li>
<li><p>Your CR is obviously not ideal, but I don’t think it will get in the way at your match/safeties. Once again though, it’s another hurdle at the reaches. If you want a better shot there, I would consider some prep for reading and a retake.</p></li>
</ol>