<p>I am currently a junior in hs and I'm not sure what types of schools I should look to apply for:
SAT: 2030 690M/610CR/730W first time, shooting for 2100+ second time
GPA: 4.1W 3.97UW, straight a's and one a-, all honors and ap classes
AP: calc ab and chem this year, calc bc, physic and computer science next year
Would I have a chance at schools like Johns Hopkins, Duke or even Stanford(big reach) or would schools like University of Maryland or Penn State be more realistic.I plan to major in engineering, either mechanical or nuclear</p>
<p>Given your strong GPA, I’d say you should go for schools a bit higher than Hopkins but lower than Penn State and Maryland. The USC/NYU/Tufts/UCLA range should be match schools for you, assuming you get that SAT up. I definitely don’t think you’ll get into Stanford, and Duke would be a very, very big reach. </p>
<p>Assuming you have at least decent extracurriculars I would say apply to all the ones you listed and then some, as you need some safeties as well. None of those are shoe-ins and that is a necessity for everyone. Nice job though!</p>
<p>The “match” schools suggested by Guest15 might not be so matchy with your SAT scores. For schools like Tufts and Hopkins, you’ll need to boost those numbers, especially math. Have you tackled the ACT? Taken SAT IIs? The schools you list may have different testing requirements for engineering majors. </p>
<p>UMD and Penn State certainly seem like matches. Have you looked at Drexel? Purdue? Lafayette? Bucknell? Virginia Tech? U Delaware? NC State?</p>
<p>Since my last post I have retaken SAT and have a 2130(730M,730W,670R) I’ve also taken the ACT and scored a 32(34M, 34S, 31W, 30R). Do you think I have a better shot at those competetive schools now? Do you think it is worth taking SAT subject tests?</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>I’d say Stanford is still out of reach, and Duke remains a reach. JHU is also a reach, but not completely unrealistic. I’d look into Honors programs at the universities you listed. Your new scores haven’t so much changed your prospects for admission as they have improved your chances for admission into Honors programs or receiving merit scholarships. </p>
<p>UMD and Penn State Honors are definitely within reach, but the other schools remain big reaches. However you should apply to one or two (probably not Stanford) and in that case you’d need to take the SAT Subjects.</p>