universities for me?

<p>App time is coming up & I have no idea as to where I'd like to go. My preferences are very general. I'd like to stay in the northeast (I'm from PA), and will probably end up in a science related major (although, I'd like room to change without having to transfer). The only university I've really got in mind is Carnegie Mellon. Could I even get in there? I'd obviously like to go to the best school I can get into. So where do I stand now?</p>

<p>stats/</p>

<p>GPA: unknown, but grade avg. is about 93% maybe?
Rank: top 10% out of ~450
SAT: 730 CR, 740 M, 760 W
SAT Subject: 790 M II, 640 Bio E (that one is terrible, but the last time I had bio was 3 years ago. retake?)
AP: 5 Calc AB, 5 English Lit, 5 Studio Art, 4 USH
(will be taking calc bc, ap gov, ap bio, ap lang & ap studio art again this year.)</p>

<p>do have volunteer hours, no idea how many (but a decent amount. 50-70?)</p>

<p>EC/
worked as a ski instructor for 1 winter (thus, big on skiing)
casual horsebackriding for 3 years (don't compete)
student congress
national art honor society (will most likely be pres. this year)
I do art commissions when I can (does that count? :/)
Lots of travel, which explains my lack of summer activities.</p>

<p>thoughts? suggestions?</p>

<p>I'd say Carnegie Mellon is a solid match for you - I'd be surprised if you didn't get in, but as with any selective school, admissions aren't a sure bet for anyone.</p>

<p>As for additional suggestions, you should look into Johns Hopkins, definitely. A moderate reach for you, and a very science-oriented school. If you're willing to venture a bit into the midwest, check on Wash U in St. Louis, too.</p>

<p>I think you're definitely underestimating your abilities - a 93% average translates to maybe a 3.9 depending on the scale you use (it's be a 4.0 at my school, but I'm not sure how colleges determine that). 2230 SAT is within range for most all top schools.</p>

<p>The two schools I mentioned generally come to mind as top science schools, but if you mentioned some more specific preferences I might be able to give you some additional recommendations.</p>

<p>The Midwest is a bit far, but Johns Hopkins is definitely something to look into. I've considered it before (father went there, as well), but I wasn't sure if it was within my reach.</p>

<p>As far as specifics... Unsure. I haven't researched much in the way of majors, all I can really say is that I'm, at the moment, planning on pursuing education suited to becoming a plastic surgeon (a mix of science and art, which would be good for me). Is that any help?</p>

<p>Agree with highhopes. Others to consider are Cornell, Wesleyan, RPI, Case Western, CT College, Gettysburg and University of Rochester.</p>

<p>You might also look at Brandeis (quite good in both science and art) and Tufts. Gettysburg should be a safety for you but you should look for one or two more.</p>

<p>With your stats + legacy status, I would be quite surprised if you didn't get into Johns Hopkins.</p>