I want to know what colleges I can realistically expect to get into should I choose to apply. As of now, I have a 3.8 unweighted GPA in my core classes only (for core and non core, the average is more like 3.9), an SAT of 1520 (on the 1600 point new scale), an SAT II physics score of 720, and a math 2 of 650. Based on these metrics, and knowing that all of my core classes freshman year were honors, as were my classes sophomore year (with the exception of AP world history), and that junior year (this year), my only non-AP core course was honors pre-calc with trig, and that I took AP economics, what can I expect? Do I have a shot at any of the ivies, or should I give up on that?
Also note that my mathematics grades are the weakest part of my core curricula.
If anything is unclear, or you want more information, just ask. Be honest. Don’t sugar coat anything. I like to know what I can actually expect.
Thank you!
Also note that I want to study physics, In the case that this changes my circumstances.
You’ve got great stats and I’m sure you’ll have a lot of good options if you apply to a good range of schools, but Ivies are a long-shot for anyone. Honestly, the main concern I have for you is that physics just gets more and more math heavy the deeper you get into it. If you find math something of a struggle, you’re likely to find advanced physics to be pretty rough sledding. It’s essentially applied math. I say this as someone with a Ph.D. in physics, by the way.
You’re totally right. The fact that my math grades are low has nothing to do with my understanding of the subject matter. I just have a terrible time with negatives signs. I went back and reviewed a few of my tests recently, and almost 80% of all the mistakes I made had something to do with dropping or adding a minus sign somewhere within the problem. I just need to slow down.
Well, that’s comforting. If you’re doing fine conceptually, precision can come with practice. Doing lots of physics problems is actually great training for lowering your error rate in your math, since you’ll learn the hard way that making a sign error early on in a lengthy calculation is no fun.
March scores aren’t out yet–are you transposing old SAT scores or is this an estimate?
An estimate based off old scores. The actual number was 2290 on the old test.
I put the wrong number for math ii. 750, not 650.
Your academics qualify. Then you need to stand out with activities, community involvement, your essays and recommendations. And then, even then, with all that, your odds are still low, because they’re that low for everyone.
You have your dream schools.
What are the criteria that make them “dream” to you?
Now, work on finding schools with 30-50% admission rates that share some of these charateristics.
Pick a LOT of them.
For each of them, run the NPC.
Bring the results for your top 3-4 to your parents and discuss how much they can invest in your education. Be ready for them to gasp when they hear the costs. Talk and see if they can give you a price range they’re okay with (from “comfortable” to “possible with belt tightening”). Which colleges are possible within that range? Cross ALL colleges that aren’t within range.
If necessary, look some more.
You need 2 affordable safeties and 3-5 matches before you can think of your reaches/dream schools.
You may want to invest in (or borrow from your public library) a Fiske Guide, or a Princeton Review’ Best colleges.