<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>So I know that obviously, they are both reaches, but I want to know WHERE exactly I should use my SCEA option.</p>
<p>So to give you some background; 2340 SAT, 800 Math 2, just took SAT USH, feel great about it, taking Physics in June, feel great about that too. I go to a competitive public high school in which I have a 3.85 UW GPA (B+ in physics and calc BC- really really tough classes at my school) with the toughest corseload and 4.6 W GPA (ranked top 1% of my class). Needless to say, my stats arent GREAT, but they're definitely enough to get me to the next round.</p>
<p>So now here's the question- Yale or Stanford?</p>
<p>Why I should choose Yale:
I live nearby. By the time I apply, I will have taken 3 classes at Yale. One of which will be taught by one of my mentors that has been advising my reseach. I have worked with another mentor, in the same field, for the past two years. I can probably get a recommendation written/signed by both of them. I know a lot of students there, and I also have a legacy (mom). I also know some of the music faculty and they will probably recognize me if I send in a music supplement.</p>
<p>Why Yale would be a reach:
Yale usually accepts kids with higher GPAs than mine? Despite the fact that I have taken the toughest courseload at my school, my weighted GPA is not a 3.9-4.0. That is the biggest problem here. My GPA at Yale will probably be around the same- 3.7-3.8ish.</p>
<p>Why I should choose Stanford:
I visited there a few weeks ago and I LOVED it. From my school, Stanford has accepted a few 3.8s in the past, very rarely anything higher, showing that they may be a bit more lenient about grades. One of my mentors taught at Stanford and can probably write a good recommendation with that in mind.</p>
<p>Why Stanford would be a reach:
No legacy, no courses taken there, math/physics grades aren't A's (though I have taken multivariable calc at Yale with an A and I will probably do well on physics SATII) and Stanford does value engineering-based classes quite a bit. So I don't know.</p>
<p>Any help??? Where do I have the BEST shot?
Oh and just for the record, I do have a pretty nice set of extra curriculars. just keep that in mind. I'm really counting on them to help me.</p>