I’m wondering whether I have a decent chance at any t10 schools. Here are my stats:
Weighted GPA: 4.5
UW GPA: 3.99/4
Courseload: Most rigorous
Probably at least top 5% of my class
SAT: 1500 (800 M, 700 E)
ACT: Hoping I got a 34 on my last test session
SAT 2: Math 2 800 and Bio E 730
ECs:
-Pretty strong, got accepted into a competitive research program (single digit acceptance rates) and started my own nonprofit that is making a significant impact on the community. Also did an internship with a politician and I also have a good amount of leadership positions
Awards:
-nothing major, a few state awards
Essays:
-Getting them looked over, probably pretty good
Recs:
-Can’t say for certain, but both teachers really like me and I love them as well
Edit: I’m probably putting my intended major as Bio and I go to a competitive public hs.
Quick note: The only reason I’m hesitant in applying to t10 schools is because my test scores aren’t very high. I’m hoping to get higher scores for my next test sessions, but I’m kinda burnt out and I’m not sure if I can reasonably test anymore. I’m also an Asian male so that hurts. Please tell me what y’all think! Thanks!
test scores are high enough to be competitive though I’ll admit they aren’t stellar compared to other Asians. If you published from the research program, I think you would definitely be a competitive applicant.
If you wanted to go to a top10 school, it should be because it fits you. If you want to apply, it won’t be a waste of time. I think you could definitely get into a school like Cornell with your stats.
Your numbers are fine. As written above, apply to any school that is of interest to you even though the odds of admission are not good; but the odds are not good for every applicant.
The CR needs to be higher for T10 and it will be a big problem at those to apply for a stem major with no hs math or sci ECs- in fact, nothing but one research position, some non-profit, and a politial internship. Are you sure there’s nothing else? Nothing at all with hs peers?
Publishing is not an “it” and if OP is a rising senior, nothing would be published (or maybe even accepted) by 12/31.
OP needs to learn what these schools look for. It’s not just stats or an improved score. Far from it.
I apologize in advance for not clarifying my ECs. I’m the captain of the varsity golf team, the secretary of the model un club, a varsity debater on the debate team (may obtain leadership), and the VP of the medical club. In all of the competitive activities I do, I have also won awards. I will be co-authoring a paper and by the time I start applying to colleges, it should be in the peer review stage. This is also a very unique paper that will most likely get published. My mentor will be writing this in the recommendation he is writing for me. I also volunteer at the hospital. I have tried to center my application around being a biology major trying to go into premed or a political science major, hence the public speaking activities and internships. It probably wasn’t the best decision to focus on two drastically different fields, but I truly enjoy all the activities I do and I would hate to choose activities based on their field of focus. Also, what is a CR (sorry I am new to this forum)?
This is good: “I have tried to center my application around being a biology major trying to go into premed or a political science major, hence the public speaking activities and internships.” Some top colleges will like this broader interest. Many kids who say they’re possibly interested in poli sci never get up and go vol in that arena.
But research and hosp vol is all you’ve got for a bio major?
CR is the older abbreviation for the EBRW. Try to learn what these colleges look for, from what they write and the sorts of kids they highlight.
Sadly, research and hospital volunteering is all I really have towards going for a bio major. I am the VP of the Medical Club and I am getting a rec from a Bio teacher that knows I have some sort of interest in going into the med field. I am considering applying political science instead since my ECs are pretty geared towards that field and I’ve heard that Asians don’t usually go into political science. What do you think is the best way to approach this dilemma? Also, if my score doesn’t improve, do you believe it could keep me out of top colleges?
OP, you asked about Ivies. Try to know what each wants, in common and more specifically. Poli Sci might be a good choice if you tie the aspects together, much like you have here. The general risk is they will perceive you as a stem wannabe, partly based on the stem scores (M, the weaker EBRW, and the two Sat2 in math2 and bio) and trying for poli sci because it’s not the sort of competition as getting in for stem. Take time to consider it. ANd how you will present best.
And have you looked into these schools enought to know where you may match best, with this dual interest?
I haven’t really been looking at colleges based on their preferences for dual interest; I’ll definitely do research on that. With that in mind, I’ve looked at t20 schools that aren’t in the t10. I’m looking at WashU, Rice, Vanderbilt, Pomona College, UCLA, and John Hopkins. I also believe that I might be perceived that way… not sure how I can fix it.
@youaveragestudent Among the students in our area- unhooked upper middle class white and asian american students - the ones who have been successful have used ED to get into unis like Cornell, WashU , Hopkins, Vandy etc. If your school has naviance or something similar, check your school’s history of acceptances to these universities.
I agree with lookingforward’s assessment re: poli sci . I think that those students would have a higher EBRW score as well as an SAT2 in the history/literature etc. area.
You should also compile a list of matches and safeties - the t20 schools are all reaches.
