Hey, I’m looking for some “reach schools” that I could apply to–that I’d have a shot at.
I have a 2350 SAT, 4.0 GPA, good letters of recommendations, good other test scores–my transcript and objective stats are really good.
Where I’m lacking, though, is extracurricular activities. I don’t have many, although I have a few (in some school clubs, VP in two, and I have a job). But nothing spectacular.
Since I don’t have many extracurriculars, I don’t want to apply to any Ivy League schools because I knew I have almost no chance.
What are some good universities I could apply to that place much more emphasis on grades/scores/essays than extracurricular activities? I plan on majoring in computer science and mathematics (hopefully double major).
I think you sell yourself short tho. You should apply to wherever you want, and then see. They are not a “no” for you. Seriously. Think about what you do, not just traditional stuff. Does any relate to CS?
Any financial constraints? What’s your state of residence? What other characteristics are you looking for in a school? Is there any particular part of the country you want to live in or avoid? Size of school? Urban/suburban/small town? There are so many options - we need some help in narrowing it down.
^^^agree with those suggestions. I think Cornell is an Ivy that is definitely worth applying to. Having a job is as important, if not more important, than having one more EC as you have shown the willingness and ability to help financially support yourself/help your family.
I think you can apply to anywhere as a reach (and I say reach because those top schools are reaches for everyone pretty much). CalTech doesn’t care about ECs. Perhaps also consider WashU and GATech. And some of the excellent huge state U’s like UMichigan, UC-Berkeley, UTX-Austin tend to be be more stat driven.
If you want schools that appear to be heavily test-conscious, look for schools whose test score averages rank higher than their overall ranking/prestige. A handful are:
Caltech (#1 for test scores)
Vanderbilt
Washington U
Tufts
Northeastern
All schools care about scores, but some do more than others. Compute the score averages for the top, oh, 50 schools in the USNews ranking. You’re looking for high average test score relative to overall ranking. Those are the schools (likely) putting the most weight on scores. Your 2350 will stick out to them.
But – don’t be afraid to apply to the Ivies/Stanford/Chicago/Duke/Northwestern either. You might write great essays, or have a recommendation that really sticks out, that will lead them to overlook the lack of ECs. Your quantitative stats are very strong and won’t hurt…
N’s mom, financing isn’t that much of an issue. I live in Maryland, and have a preference for schools in urban/suburban areas (rural is OK, but not my favorite). Size isn’t much of an issue to me so long as the school isn’t super small.
Prezbucky and HRSmom, I really like some of the colleges you listed. I’ve applied to Chicago EA, and have Carnegie and Vanderbilt on my list for regular decision. I’ll definitely look more into the other ones you guys posted, thanks!
When an applicants stats are that high, many schools become “stats aware,” even if that is not their principal approach. And your 4.0 GPA is not merely a stat. It required time, effort and interest across a range of subjects.
Have you considered Harvey Mudd? It’s a LAC but it’s also part of the 5 school Claremont College Consortium with 5 continuous campuses, so actually 5,000 students worth of activities, clubs and other options. The weather is great and the LAC benefits of small classes and lots of faculty mentoring is it’s greatest strength.
Another option is Rice in Houston.
At both schools, being an out of state applicant is an advantage as they are seeking to diversity their student bodies.
Caltech is small and lacks a lot of “services” that the big schools have, which students don’t “realize” they need, until after they attend. The 5 campuses at Claremont do help with size, but the school has a physical set up that may or may not appeal to you if you want to consider size issues. You really do have to visit these campuses. (DS did not like the “set up” of the Claremont Colleges.)
Apply liberally to the colleges and see where you get in.