RD chances?

<p>Thanks in advance. </p>

<p>I'm wondering whether I should bother applying or if it's too much of a reach. This school appeals to me mostly because they don't consider non-custodial parent assets in calculating need-based aid.</p>

<p>White, female, first-generation, Ohio resident, rural public school, intended major is math.
I can't visit, but I'll do an alumni interview if possible.</p>

<p>Numbers:
GPA: 3.99 UW
Class rank: 3/147 (top 3%)</p>

<p>SAT: 2340 (790 CR, 750 M, 800 W)
ACT: 35 (35 E, 36 M, 34 R, 33 S)
PSAT: 227</p>

<p>SAT II:
Literature - 780
Math II - 800</p>

<p>AP:
4 - Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Calculus BC<em>, US History</em>
3 - Statistics<em>, US Government</em>
*self-study
This is all my school has.</p>

<p>Other:
I've taken only two years of Spanish, but I might get a third year through independent study next year.
I tested out of pre-calculus and the regular calculus class at my school. I also tested out of physics, and I have a pass/fail credit for it. What will they think of this?</p>

<p>Senior year courses (dual enrollment at university):
First semester: Intro to Ethics, Linear Algebra, Intro to Differential Equations, Intro to Number Theory
Prospective second semester (assuming first semester classes don't kill me): Multivariable Calculus, Intro to Discrete Math, Numerical Analysis, Abstract Algebra</p>

<p>Awards:
National Merit Semifinalist, at least (12)
AP Scholar with Distinction (12)
Yale Book Award (from school, 11)
Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award (from school, 11)
Published in Teen Ink magazine (twice, 11)
Student of the Month (from school: Language Arts 10, Science 10)
Community Service Award (from school: 10, 11)</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Local chemical engineering mentorship (11)
Piano lessons (9, 10, 11, 12)
Working at McDonald's (11, 12)
Cofounded book/filmmaking club at public library (10, 11)
Scholastic Bowl (11)
Environmental club (11)
School musical ensemble (10)
School science fair (10)
Alateen (9, 10, 11, 12) ==> not sure if appropriate, but it's given me a couple public speaking opportunities</p>

<p>Summers:
Physics of Atomic Nuclei Program at NSCL (12)
Volunteering at public library children's program (9, 10, 11, 12)
Two local non-selective science camps (12)
Volunteering at local arboretum (12)
Volunteering at Safety Town (10, 12)</p>

<p>Other:
Essays should be good. I'm not an awesome writer but I intend to spend a lot of time on them.
My teacher recommendations should be pretty good.</p>

<p>Additional information:
I didn't take honors classes freshman year because I went to this weird possibly-unaccredited private school in eighth grade and didn't have the prerequisites.
I was in foster care from when I was 9 to when I was 12, after which my 80-year-old grandmother became my legal guardian. She died the summer after my freshman year and I live with my mother (parents are separated). I didn't do after-school extracurricular stuff during freshman year because my grandma was starting to get sick and I didn't want her to have to drive out to my school and pick me up.
Next year I'm going to be a full-time dual-enrollment student at a university that isn't particularly local, so I'm moving in with my cousins (who live closer). So I can't do ECs at my high school during senior year.</p>

<p>You’ve got a VERY good shot (in my opinion, for what it’s worth). Not only are your objective measures outstanding to this point, but you’ve taken hard classes and you’ve been productive outside of the classroom. You’ve overcome some hardships in your personal life as well. I’d say your record is pretty remarkable. Keep up the good work. </p>

<p>RD is more competitive at Vandy than ED, but your record makes you an excellent candidate even for RD.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you.</p>

<p>You definitely should’ve tried for MIT. Then again, maybe you don’t like the school. Very impressive application. Any school would be lucky to have you. But then again, any school in that ridiculous acronym is a crap shoot. </p>

<p>High match.</p>

<p>You’re a very strong candidate. I think you have an excellent chance. And, you’re right that they don’t consider non-custodial parent’s assets, so depending on your situation you’re likely to receive a far more generous aid package from Vandy than another school of the same tier. Best of luck!</p>