<p>Hello,
Im going to try and keep this short as possible. I just finished typing a 700 word post in this forum before my computer decided to restart so forgive me if I leave some things out. </p>
<p>Im interested in attending 3 somewhat competitive schools: NYU-Ploy, Stevens Institute of technology, and University of Pittsburgh. However, my number one choice right now is NYU-Poly. I plan on pursuing a degree in chemical engineering. I go to a mediocre public school.</p>
<p>NYU-poly is my ideal school. It has a reputable reputation and is housed in nyc, However, after recently merging with NYU, my chances of getting into the school has become even more slim. </p>
<p>Stevens Institute is equally as academically challenging (IMO). My mom graduated from Stevens with a degree in chemical engineering and makes 140,000+ which speaks for its self. My mom really wants me to go to this school but it would be my dream to study in the City. </p>
<p>The University of Pittsburgh is also known for its strong engineering program. </p>
<p>Stats:
Weighted Gpa: 3.7
Unweighted: Unknown
SAT Scores: 1610 (I plan on working my but off to at least get an 1850)
Critical reading: 540 Math: 530 Writing: 540
Class rank: Top 20% 39/267 (I shouldve been higher )
Classes: All honors classes since freshmen year.
Ap Class: AP bio and AP lang junior year and AP chem/us history senior year.
Extra Curricular: class president, 2 years of MCJROTC, student government, selected for a leadership program at Monmouth University, went to a two week engineering camp at stevens institute, participated in a very selective peer leadership program at my school, 50+ hours of volunteer work, had a part time job for 1 year.
Ethinicty: Im black or African American as some people would say. Does this even hold any weight on my application? </p>
<p>I really want to get into these schools, especially NYU-Poly. I really want apply for early decision for NYU-poly but I feel as though I should increase my SAT scores before I apply. </p>
<p>My questions to you: What are my chances of getting into these schools? Would it be wise of me to apply for early decision for NYU-poly or should I just wait? Does being a minority help my chances of getting into these schools? Do you know of any engineering schools in California that may be on the same academic level of these schools? What should I write about in my essay? Does my mom being an alumni help my chances of getting into Stevens? How do I make it apparent to the NYU-Poly faculty that I am very interested in going to their school? </p>
<p>Being in all honors classes since my freshmen year of high school, I had to work 10 times harder than everyone else. Will colleges take this into consideration?</p>
<p>I am sorry if there are any grammatical errors in this post but having my computer restart on me after writing a 700 word post really ticked me off. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!</p>