<p>Hello Everyone!</p>
<p>I will be a senior this upcoming year of high school , and am currently considering different college options, yet I feel I am being unrealistic and am reaching too high. My top choice is the University of Rochester 8 year med program. yet I am also considering Columbia University and Binghamton University. I would be extremely appreciative if someone would honestly tell me whether my expectations are too high. </p>
<p>SAT: 1800
SAT Biology (M) Subject Test: 650
SAT Chemistry Subject Test: 680
IB Diploma Candidate(Extensive research on the controversy on stem cells for my extended essay)
Extracurriculars: Science Olympiad (President), National Honor Society (VP), Volunteering Club (President),extensive hours of hospital volunteering, doctor shadowing, track and tennis, and organizer of a foundation to collect supplies for the needy of our community.</p>
<p>I'm not a genius, yet I am an extremely hard worker. I've managed to keep my grades consistent above the 90's (Although, I have today found out that I recieved a 64 on my Math IB final), and all three years of high school so far, my average has been above a 96.
I'm also considering smaller universities with good pre med programs, since they have better opportunities.
I would be extremely thankful to someone who is willing to give me honest advice.
Thank you in advance! :)</p>
<p>I think Columbia is quite a high reach based on your stats and I am not familiar with the others. Your EC’s are stellar, imo, so I am inclined to say that if you are in the acceptable SAT score range for that particular school you have a decent shot.</p>
<p>Everything looks good except your standardized test scores. Since it’s summer, I would recommend studying like crazy for the SAT. You really should break at least 2100, though 2200 would be ideal. </p>
<p>I would also recommend raising your subject test scores. Go to the subject test forum for advice on which prep books to use. </p>
<p>If you apply RD, you have October, November, and December (maybe Jan, I’m not sure so double check that). Use those test dates to get those scores up. Also check the testing requirements at various med programs - some require a math subject test (usually Math 2).</p>
<p>Class rank is also important to these schools - what is yours?</p>
<p>UR’s 8 year med program is VERY selective. something like 15 kids are accepted each year (don’t quote me, but I know it is a small number) and most also have HYP or equivalent acceptances on hand. REMS is a reach for even 2200+ students with top grades and ECs.</p>
<p>With that being said, I think UR on its own, while still a reach, would definitely be a good option. If you can get your SAT up above 2000, you will be right around the median for UR students and it would be a fair match. It also might be worth it to try the ACT.</p>
<p>At this point, Columbia looks like its out of reach. Really try to raise those test scores—but even then its a reach as schools like Columbia often reject students with high grades and test scores…alot of it comes down to what makes you stand out above other applicants and alot also comes down to luck.</p>
<p>Bing might be a good fit, as well as Geneseo, especially since they both offer top education for low tuition (and med schools dont care so much about where you went to school, its more about how well you did at school)</p>
<p>Thank you both sO much for taking a few minutes and helping me out. It means a lot! I will definitely be taking the SAT again for a goal of 2200, and I plan on taking the chemistry subject test in the next fall! Currently, I would say that my class rank is above 15. If not 15, definitely top 30 out of a competitive 300 student body class! Are my chances looking better somehow? Thank you both so much for your help!! :)</p>
<p>CollegeXC1993, I’m so sorry! I did not see your reply when I type out my response! Thank you very much for this advice! I do know that my SAT is the most important right now! I would say that one thing that makes me stand out is my knowledge of different languages. I have a background in Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu and am currently learning Chinese and Spanish on high school. In my essay, I plan to write about how my passion for public health such as going to rural countries has been stemmed by reading Dr. Paul Farmer’s autobiography. I want to stress that learning languages is my way of becoming a better doctor: a doctor well versed in the languages of my patients around the globe.</p>
<p>With your test scores, both Columbia and the 8 year program are reaches. Check the Common Data Set (Section C) for any school you are considering to see how you compare to the accepted students.</p>
<p>If you can afford it, you might want to check out some of the LACs (liberal arts colleges) which tend to have small class sizes and encourage both close faculty relationships and a less competitive atmosphere. For pre-meds, all of these are a big plus, since you will need top grades and letters of recommendation for med school.</p>