I’m currently a high school junior, and i’m trying to figure out which school to early
decision to, as my 9-11 gpa and sat are basically decided at this point.
My unweighted 9-11 gpa is 3.729, weighted is 4.229. I took really rigorous courses (2 weighted classes as a freshman, 4 aps as a shophmore, 7 aps as a junior). My sat is 1520 with essay of 17 (subject to change).
I plan to apply for biology, my major ECs are interning at a biology lab, entering a science fair (I don’t know the results yet), and vp of 2 different school sponsered clubs and president of one personal club. I’ve also done a sport and music program for the past 4 years but there aren’t really any awards that come with it.
I plan to early decision either Cornell, U Penn, Carnegie Melon, Northwestern, or Georgetown. I would really like Cornell considering that there are a lot of big Pharma companies by it and my gpa and sat are both strong enough, but i don’t know whether my extracurriculars will hold up
I can’t comment on chances, but Georgetown doesn’t do ED. It does REA, and there’s no boost to acceptance that route (in fact they said the opposite at their presentation - they take the cream out the REA pool and defer the rest) so if you want one to choose for a boost, take that off your list.
These are all high reaches, and the GPA is well below average to be a competitive applicant. You have nothing to lose by applying, but don’t apply with any expectations.
I would do my best to show demonstrated interest at all of the schools you are exploring. Sign up for emails (open them!), explore and spend time researching their website and in particular your intended major, opt-in for social media, schedule a campus tour, etc. Trust me, schools track this.
The schools on your list are far reaches for most. Your GPA is a little low as is your SAT score. Keep up your ECs and do your best to diversify - you don’t want to be a “pointed” applicant (strong in only one area). Make certain that you have very strong essays. ED can help but I think you may find yourself deferred or denied at most of these schools. Obviously, you can only apply to one ED so the pick the one you like best and go for it!
Where do you live? CMU more difficult for PA residents. Same with NW and Illinois and area folks. Certain Cornell schools throw an edge to NY residents.
@KingDward I was just accepted early decision for Cornell and my brother was accepted ED to CMU the year before. Here is what I can say about both schools.
CMU really cares about grades and stats. The SAT/ACT and GPAs of accepted students are higher than Cornell and you should probably try to bump your grades a bit if you decide to go there.
Both of them really care about your interest in the school. So I agree with @CollegeAdvisorMom. Sign-up for email, open them, spend time on their website, definitely take a tour (maybe two if you can, one more specific to the specific school you are applying), follow them on IG, FB, everywhere.
I feel essays are a bit more important for Cornell than CMU. It’s your chance to connect your story to why you are a good fit for either schools. Please research and understand the culture. Find out about professors, their researches and interests and connect your story to that. Be specific and detailed. And take your time to write your essays. I spent over 8 weeks editing mine with my college counselor.
Both schools are very very competitive. My brother does not have time for anything and I am assuming I won’t either. But to me, it feels Cornell is a bit more fun than CMU. Or maybe that’s my hope.
It is not true to get into CMU is harder for PA residents. My brother has mentioned in his class there are over 22 PA students (out of approximately 110 that were admitted). And 8 of them came from a high school two blocks from CMU.
Your ECs are ok. But you still have time. I would make sure you get a good internship for this summer in your area. Something that will complement your story nicely. You can also commit to some community service during the summer. Cornell really likes that.
It is true Cornell throws an edge (big one) to NY residents. FYI. I think over 45% of the class of 2023 came from NY.
Good luck. Those are great schools but definitely a reach to everyone. Stay positive, work hard, hope for the best but expect the worst. That was my mantra.
It is true that it is more difficult to get into CMU if you are from PA. Admissions has two stacks—in state, and out. The top students from PA tend to apply tonCMU so competition is fierce as they don’t want to be Pitt Private. Yes, there area a lot of PA students , many local. Because so many apply.
I think you should go for it. I don’t think your GPA and SAT are low, just that It will be a reach. But you never know. Kids with lower stats than yours got into those schools from my son’s graduating class last year, but they all had hooks. A URM with much lower stats than my son to Georgetown, another lower stat legacy student to Cornell. Just make sure you have a few safeties.