<p>I am a Presidential Scholar (freshman) at a large state university (I won't specify which one because there aren't many of these scholars - it's in the Missouri Valley Conference). I'm currently a pre-professional, and chose this course because of the job security. However, I'm currently looking into various "bigger-name" schools to pursue my true passion, which is finance and economics. My stats are as follows:</p>
<p>HS GPA: 4.3
ACT: 31 (ENG 32, MAT 32, READ 33, SCI 27)
HS Extracurriculars / Misc: Senior Class President, 2 yrs Student Council, a few service orgs, founded a school spirit organization my sr year, 100+ hours of community service, 2 yrs Basketball, all 4 years did freelance graphic design running my own business
Ethnicity: Hispanic/White</p>
<p>Other: Illinois State Scholar, spoke at HS graduation </p>
<p>Schools I am interested in: Harvard, Cornell, (pretty much any Ivy actually but those 2 specifically), NYU, USC, Michigan</p>
<p>If an interview was necessary, I believe that would play in my favor as I've had success in past interviews. Currently my college GPA is floating around a 4, I don't know how much that comes into play. Have I eliminated myself from contention by not taking the SAT or applying to these schools in the first place? I appreciate all constructive input, thanks.</p>
<p>1st. no one on earth has a passion for finance. you obviously want to be an ibanker bc of money and such.</p>
<p>2nd. paying full price for ucla would be the dumbest thing you could do. </p>
<p>3rd. although i might come off as hostile, i think you have a good shot at all except for harvard and depending on which school within cornell you apply to</p>
<p>Haha it’s fine I appreciate the input. Despite what you say, I actually do have a passion for economics. I have many books about it and I keep up with current events pertaining to world economic issues. I guess you could say I know less about finance, so maybe your point has some validity. However it isn’t necessarily all for the money. Health care professions have more job security and are paid very highly. It’s just more of an issue of which subject I think I’m more willing to put forth maximal effort for the next 3.5 years and beyond.</p>
<p>Also, I agree to an extent about UCLA, I’m just keeping my options open.</p>
<p>Anyways I appreciate it guys, and if anyone else wants to chime in please do so!</p>
<p>if you apply to UCB consider operations research or similar or econ. Trying to get into Haas might be a bit hard and UCB only considers you for their first major. Math/econ might also be a good route. Same goes for UCLA.</p>
<p>Alright thanks. I’ll have to read more about that particular major. I’ll definitely take a look at Berkeley as well. Do a lot of operations research guys go into the financial field?</p>