So I am looking at a lot of top schools, including HYSPM. I go to a private school that is always on those "top 10 schools in the country," and therefore seems to be well known. While I have always taken the most challenging curriculum possible, and pushed myself so much that I am now 5 years ahead in math, my public school background and personal issues led to poor english grades and a minor disturbance my junior year.
My GPA is roughly a 3.73 UW, which puts me in the top quartile at my school. I have also taken 7 AP exams, 3 of which were self-studied entirely - I have received a few 5's on AP Calc BC, Spanish Lang, Statistics, and Macroeconomics, and 4's on AP Physics 1, US history, and Microecon.
That being said my SAT score is a 2360, and I am the president of 3 clubs at my school, an elementary school tutor, on the admissions committee for a nonprofit tutoring service, an admissions officer for my school, a peer tutor within my school, an actor in school performances, and a member of varsity fencing (I am also a black belt and published poet). I've had research internships at an international astronomical observatory in Argentina, catalogued chemicals/substances from a biomedical firm on behalf of the state, and done 100's of hours of community service in India as an educator and in the US as a camp counselor. I have also taken Linear Algebra and Differential Equations at UCLA (I have a recommendation from a professor there) and am currently taking theoretical physics and web development at harvard (over the summer).
My question is simple: Will my okay GPA and lack of AP’s bring down all this other hard work? Do I still have a shot at such schools? Thank you all so much!
Your research experience looks very unique but keep in mind that (I think) 90% of the people accepted into these schools are in the top 10% of their class.
Obviously you go to a competitive school so there’s a difference. I would actually recommend that you apply in the regular round to HYPSM as then you have another opportunity to show your excellent senior year grades and to make up for your GPA, and to hopefully raise that class rank.
This way, with all your achievements, you stand a much better chance at HYPSM and the like.
In general, you need to be the top 10% of the class to get into top schools. GPA 3.73 (with 4 AP) is on the low side for top schools, but these is no standard in grading scale. For that, they would look at the class rank at the same time, which does not really help in your case. Your course rigor is fine and your test score is excellent and you should still try those top schools.
Your AP Scores are fine, and your GPA is a little low, but it also depends on the competitiveness of your school (which should be really competitive given that it’s considered a top 10 school), so idk how to judge the GPA.
All in all, you have good ECs, good test scores, leaving out GPA for a more seasoned answer, and have certainly shown that you push yourself and work hard to achieve success. Also remember that a good or bad college app essay will also make quite a difference when it comes to admitting only 5-6% of the applicant pool.
You’re certainly competitive (I’d say you have good chances, but then again, it’s Harvard…), and I wouldn’t stress about your test scores as long as they represent the hardest classes your school offers. leaving out GPA once again for a more knowledgable source
Thank you all so much! Ahhh, this forum gets me through my roughest days.
Oh, i just realized that I forgot to mention one of my largest disadvantages: I’m Asian (Indian really)