<p>Hello, I'm a hispanic male at a public high school in New Jersey.</p>
<p>I'm ranked 6 out of 694 kids.
GPA - 4.38 top 1%
SAT. Reading 620, Math 590, Writing 670 = 1880
SAT II - Math 1 620, Bio 800, Spanish w/ Listening 770
AP - AP Bio 4. Currently taking AP Chemistry, AP United States History, AP English, and AP Spanish Language
Taken - College level Physics course with Lab (5 credits), Intro to Engineering course (5 credits), and Public Speaking (5 credits)</p>
<p>Conducted Scientific research at St, Peter's College and Princeton University on Chemical and Biological Engineering</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:
National Honors Society-Vice president
Science League: Bio I and Bio II. Also Chem II
Science Club: all four year and Senior officer
English Honors Society Treasurer
Science, History, French honors societies
First Robotics Competition
Spanish Club</p>
<p>Recommendation letter:
1 from Head of Science Department at my school
1 from my Honors US II history and APUSH teacher
additional letters: letters from mentors from St. Peter's and Princeton</p>
<p>So I wont claim to be an expert, but here are my thoughts:</p>
<p>Your class rank looks great, as does your GPA. The math scores in general seem to be low as I’m sure you’re already aware. The middle 50 percent for the class of 2015 at Hamilton was about 650-730 for each section according to their website. That said, you’re a URM which will only help you, especially at a college in the middle of upstate NY.</p>
<p>Your science background is strong and I think the admissions committee will really like that.
I’ve spent the last few years conducting biological research at a nearby institution as well. Have you entered any competitions with your work, like JSHS or Intel-sponsored events? If so, chances are you might have a scientific paper you’ve written based on your work. The website says that applicants like us can send such a paper based on our research for review. It should include an abstract and a cover letter detailing any accomplishments, like awards or competitions entered. If you have a paper written, I’d definitely recommend sending it to the admissions committee as it’s a great indication of the quality of research and your ability to write a technical paper.</p>
<p>What I can’t look at are your essays. And of course essays are where its at when it comes to a school like Hamilton! My guess is that if your essays are strong, then this ability combined with your science background (especially if youve done some really cool stuff) and your URM status might offset the lower math grades. </p>
<p>I have competed at a regional science fair as well as other competitions and have placed in them. How can I send them my abstract? I have two from my past two projects I have worked on. I forgot to put I’m considered an international applicant which i’m sure is tougher on me.</p>
<p>Scientists (optional)
If you are involved in scientific research or mathematical projects and are considering a research or academic career, we welcome descriptions of your work. Please send a full report of your research, including an abstract and a cover sheet noting your intended field of study. Provide a résumé of related activities, independent projects, summer study, or research and recognition received.
Send directly to the Admission Office.</p>
<p>I mailed an envelope containing my final research paper and abstract with a cover letter directly to the admissions office. I didn’t add a résumé as I covered all the events I’ve entered and plan to enter senior year, as well as awards, in my cover letter. I also didnt see this on the website until after mailing it off. My cover letter basically introduced myself, gave a little background on where I did my research/ what I did, went through competitions/awards, and then spoke about my intended field of study. So in your case, I would definitely send both of your abstracts to admissions, as well as a cover letter of some sort. Whether you want to do this through email or through the post is up to you. If you decide to take the email route, you can find the address for the admissions director that covers your region on the Hamilton website.</p>