Gpa: 3.81 UW
Sat: 1520
Sat2 math: 800
Sat2 physics: 750
APs: BC (5), Stats(5), Macro(5)
*taking physics c, ap cs, ap cp and multivariable calc senior year
My EC:
Chess Club Treasurer
I made two games and an app
Coding Club VP
Fencing (3 yrs)
Marching Band (2yrs)
Volunteering:
- Helping disabled kids at local camp
- Tutoring at school
- Teaching seniors to use computers
Ps. I took a cs and a physics course at CMU over the summer.
I am considering CS or math for my major.
What are my chances to CMU, Johns Hopkins, or UT Austin(out of state)?
Which other schools should I consider?
With UT-Austin, 90% of their applicants are reserved for in-state, so it’s probably more competitive than the other two schools. Before applying, you’ll need to make sure your parents can 100% afford these schools before you apply. If you have to co-sign private loans to pay for it, you can’t afford it and applying is going to be a waste of time.
Looking good! Make sure the ECs are as good as the transcript. Also, CMU isn’t known for generous financial aid, so do run the EFC calculator to make sure it’s affordable. Agreed UT-Austin could be a numbers game. Also, add some safeties and matches to the list, because those schools are reaches for everyone.
Your stats are in the ballpark but theses are all reach schools. Be sure to have match and safety schools on your list.
What major?
What state are you in?
@Greymeer
I am considering CS, which I know is very unrealistic for CMU, math, or physics. I am in New Jersey.
Your stats are competitive, but in no way exceptional compared to the population of those who apply to top 20 schools. Your ECs are average to low (you do have some leadership, but nothing really says this person is awesome). The rest of your application will establish your chances, write great essays that tell a great story and make sure you pick LOR writers that don’t write generic LORs and that will improve your chances.
If a school has a 6% acceptance rate, it doesn’t mean everyone who applies has a 6% chance of being accepted (common misconception). Your grades/test scores already put you above (although the vast majority of your competition will be closer to a 4.0 UW GPA) 30% of the pool. The rest of your application will determine how much your personal chance of acceptance is. It won’t be a layup, but if you have a hook, a great story, teachers who write great letters of recommendation, your chances are better than average. If you fall in love with one top 20 school, you increase your chance of acceptance by applying ED or SCEA to that school. But make sure 1> you can afford it and 2> you really love it.