I am a high school senior, and CMU is my top choice. I am looking to major in biomolecular science, with a minor in math.
ACT: 34 C, with a 36 on reading, 35 on English, a 35 on math, and a 30 (opps) on science.
GPA: 3.82, unweighted.
AP Classes: Euro, APUSH, Chem, Physics 1, Physics Mechanics, Stats, Language and Comp, Lit and Comp, BC Calc, Bio, Gov. As in all but one semester of physics.
I’ve done independent research, as well as interned at a local college for the past three summers.
EC:
-mock trial
-Quiz Team
-Volunteering w/ special needs kids
-learning languages (I speak Arabic, German, and Spanish in addition to English, w/ some sort of proof of knowledge in all of them)
-Work… I work 20 hours a week to support my family. My father died my freshman year (hence my GPA being on the low side for CMU), and my mother lost her job my junior year, so money is tight.
-Science Fair, couple regional awards
I have also interviewed at CMU. I felt as if it went very well. I’m sorry for the rushed nature of this post, but I’m a bit on edge about applying ED, and my interview was Friday, so I wanted to write this all down while it is fairly fresh. So, will ED help my chances? How are my chances? Will they take all of the crappy stuff I have had happen into account? Thanks for reading!
You may want to reconsider ED simply because you’ll (hopefully) get the chance to weigh multiple offers (with money) through the RD process. In your financial situation that can only be an advantage. Your stats are fine for at least some of the CMU colleges (we know someone with same ACT and uw GPA who is at Tepper now). ED only allows you to apply to one college so if you love the school and are happy with a backup choice then RD is for you.
Finally, consider that ED is a binding contract that even in your financial position might not be easy to get out of. If they offer you admission with no aid, can you afford to go? That’s the big question you need to ask yourself.
Did you take SAT subject tests?
Good luck to you!
It’s my understanding that financial aid at CMU is better ED. Also, I believe you can decline an ED acceptance if you do not get enough financial aid to be able to attend the school. You sound like an amazing student. You might want to contact CMU and tell them that CMU is your first choice and that you really want to apply ED. You could write a note to the person who interviewed you and tell that person what you said here – that you work 20 hours a week to support your family and ask for advice.
And acceptance chances are better with ED.
@racetrack sorry but I’m going to correct your post #2. First of all, other posters have testified that FA is NOT better with ED but is, in fact, worse. Second and probably most important is to read what CMU says on the subject. They are actually pretty straightforward:
“Early Decision Instructions
Under Early Decision:
If you’re admitted to Carnegie Mellon, we expect you to enroll.
You can apply to only one college within the university.
Three decisions can be given: admit, deny or defer to Regular Decision.
You must agree to withdraw applications previously submitted to other institutions, in any country, when notified of Early Decision acceptance and financial aid granted at Carnegie Mellon.
You are not able to compare financial aid packages between Carnegie Mellon and other universities you may have applied to.
Not for applicants under the age of 17.”
https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/application-plans-deadlines
“How do I know if I should apply Early Decision or Regular Decision?
Generally speaking, applying Early Decision is worth considering if you’ve done plenty of research (online and in-person), have a strong application compared to the traditional applicant pool, you want to know your college destination as soon as possible, and you are absolutely certain of your fit within the campus culture. If your college decision is going to rely heavily on your financial aid package, it may not be recommended to apply Early Decision. We offer a Financial Aid Estimator (we recommend that you complete our Estimator, which is below the Net Price Calculator) that you could complete to get a sense of your potential Carnegie Mellon financial aid package. If these conditions don’t apply to you, or your enrollment is dependent upon financial aid, applying Regular Decision could be a great option.”
https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/FAQ
Conclusion: only apply ED if you are absolutely certain you can attend if accepted considering all factors including financial need.
@JBStillFlying Yes. Chemistry (800), Math II (780), German (790). I had no class room instruction in german, all self taught.
@racetrack I have. I had an interview with them, and it went well. I explained my situation, and all that has happened to me. They also told me that my scores were good for the college of science, and that given all that has happened to me in my life, it is understandable that my GPA is a little “low” (by a little, I mean .04 below)