Where do I start?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>White male, Michigan, mid-size Public HS, Junior</p>

<p>I'm interested in sciences, maybe physics or engineering, but I'm really undecided... My problem is I don't really know where to start the college search! There are so many choices, and I don't know realistically where I can get in (Ivies?). Can anyone offer any info?</p>

<p>GPA: UW-3.934 W-4.423 (rank and percentile aren't given)</p>

<p>SAT I: 730 CR, 760 M, 790 W (10 essay)
ACT: 34 C- 35 CR, 34 M, 34 S, 34 W (10 essay)</p>

<p>ECs
Golf: Freshman/Sophomore JV (Most improved sophomore year), Varsity Junior year
Detroit Symphony civic youth symphony this year (oboe)
Solo and Ensemble: I ratings past three years at District and States (96% sophomore states, 94% this year)
NHS
Caddie for 2 years during summer (50 hrs/wk), Rookie of the year first year, Honor status second year</p>

<p>Volunteering
Not a lot yet, math tutoring and random stuff (handicapped horse riding?)</p>

<p>APs: US-4; taking Psych and Micro this year; French, BC, Physics, Gov't, and Eng. Lit next year</p>

<p>Maybe looking at U of M, Carnegie Mellon, WashU SL, but honestly, I'm a little lost.</p>

2

<p>You look like you are heading in the right direction. I would definetly try for some of the Ivies. Two others to possibly consider would be Rice and Lehigh.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, I’ve never heard of Lehigh before and it looks very interesting. Would anyone be able to give me ball park chances? What Ivies would be within reach, or similar schools? Sorry for the broadness, but I would greatly appreciate any suggestions; I’m trying to find a few places to visit over the summer.</p>

4

<p>I should think you’d get into UMich- the only thing is that you’re EC’s are slightly lacking. You should also take the SAT subject tests just in case (I’m not sure whether Carnegie Mellon requires them.) </p>

<p>You could theoretically get into an Ivy, but if I were in your position, I would just go to UMich because it’s relatively cheap and you can get a ton of scholarships and it’s already an amazing school especially with the sciences. However, you, of course, are free to choose as you wish. </p>

<p>Suggestions: Tufts, U Washington-Seattle (as a safety. You could also apply to the Honors Program like I did), Cornell maybe?. I just wouldn’t be so sure about Caltech or MIT though with your EC’s.</p>

5

<p>Would co-founding an Environmental Advocate club at my school be advisable for a boost? Also, are Northwestern/Duke/UNC in my range maybe? I forgot to mention I got a 226 PSAT if that changes anything (most likely NMF).</p>

6

<p>Your PSAT score is irrelevant unless you’re a National Merit Scholar. It’s high, but are you a NMS? </p>

<p>Also, your founding that club is really good- I would personally like that (though I’m not sure how adcoms would react.) </p>

<p>Northwestern/Duke/UNC are mid to high reaches though. Apply and see where it gets you if you really want to go. I think they’re in your range.</p>