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, and that I want to study physics, if either of these change anything.
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!
Your Math II is quite low – Google to find the percentile. Also, Physics majors take gobs of math. I think if I were an admissions person, I would wonder at that discrepancy.
Sure, pick a couple of Ivies to apply to. Cornell has strong physics, and is easiest to get into. But start with finding match & safety schools. Your odds are much higher you will end up at one of those. Lawrence is strong in Physics, could be a good safety. Reed could be a solid match, also good in Physics. A lot of state universities are solid in Physics, where do you live?
Also, what is your financial situation? Work with your parents to run the net price calculators at some schools (on the school websites) to see what you might have to pay.
I would second intparent re Cornell. Without a “hook” Ivies are next to impossible even if you get your test scores up (If you are an athlete, first gen college, etc then you may have a chance.) But there are lots of great schools if you like physics.Keep your eyes and mind open and don’t “get married” to any one school.
I wrote the wrong number for math. 750, not 650. Thanks for catching that.
woah how did you get your new sat score back? I thought they were released in May?
It looks like you have a chance anywhere that isn’t an Ivy League or super competitive like Vanderbilt or Stanford. Those are some great accomplishments, no matter if people on here will say that your scores are “low”. Always work to be better, but those are great scores that you probably worked hard for. The math is better than mine by a long shot!
Where exactly would YOU like to go? I know we all dream of going to some Ivy or some dream school that’s next to impossible to get into, mine is UCLA, but there’s always perfectly respectable schools with a shiny diploma to be given to bright minds like yours if you look hard enough. If you live in a state like Illinois, the University of Illinois is a fantastic school to consider. If you want to go out of state to somewhere new, I’d try University of Virginia or somewhere like that. You have a lot of options.