What Schools Should I Apply for with My Grades and Extracurriculars?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a high school junior seeking advice on college applications, specifically targeting Ivy League schools and other institutions, based on their academic performance and extracurricular activities. The scope includes college admissions strategies, assessment of qualifications, and recommendations for potential schools.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) details their academic record, including AP scores, SAT scores, GPA, and extracurricular activities, expressing concern about their chances of admission to Ivy League schools.
  • Some participants suggest specific schools to apply to, including Princeton, Duke, Yale, Harvard, and Stanford, while others caution that the OP's scores and grades may be considered mediocre compared to typical Ivy League applicants.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of applying to a range of schools, including less competitive options, rather than solely focusing on top-tier institutions.
  • There is a suggestion that the OP should consider improving their SAT scores if possible, as many schools will consider the highest scores submitted.
  • Participants encourage the OP to highlight their strengths in their application, noting the impressive extracurricular activities despite the academic concerns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed views on the OP's chances of admission to Ivy League schools. While some believe there is a realistic shot, particularly at lesser Ivies, others suggest a more cautious approach by applying to a broader range of schools.

Contextual Notes

Participants' assessments depend on subjective experiences and perceptions of admissions trends, which may not reflect current or future admissions criteria. The discussion does not resolve the uncertainties surrounding the OP's application strategy.

rc
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I am asking the same question that everyone asks.

I am a high school junior.

- took six APs in sophomore year - got 5 in AP Bio, 4 in Calc BC, 3 in rest.
- took SAT average score 1450
- my SAT II scores are average 750 in math, 680 in BIO 570 in writing
- taking 3 more APs - Physics B and C, Statistics
- taking mutlvariate calculus and linear algebra this year.
- have taken tough courses, but GPA is 3.3 out of 4 important

- did a research project six months as a freshman in - brain tumor - effect of chemotherapy on immunocompetent patients
- serving as a full-time (every afternoon 3-7 PM) as a lab assistant in plasma engineering lab, helping the doctorates
- might have a chance to co-author in one experiment, by October
- hoping to publish one or two more science research paper on my own

- leader in two clubs started the club
- tutor kids in school at the teaching assistance center everyday
- helping blind/disabled senior in the area for two years

- have one more year but do not know how best to make use of it

I want to major in physics/material science. Will I get into good Ivy schools - what schools should I apply for? I am losing sleep and am stressed.

Appreciate your advice and help.
 
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you remind me of my friend phil wang - apply for princeton, duke, yale, harvard, stanford - may the force be with you my young patawan!
 
It sounds like you have terrific extracurriculars, but mediocre scores and grades. Based on what I've seen from others' application outcomes, and my own experiences, I would guess that you have a very realistic shot at getting into the ivies, particularly the lesser ivies, but you shouldn't pin all your hopes on them. If I were you, I'd apply to a range of nice, but not absolute top-tier schools.

Harvard, Yale, Princeton, or Stanford might take you, but I would be very surprised if that happened.

If you have the opportunity to improve on your SAT scores, you shouldn't pass it up. Most schools will only consider your best scores, after all.

When you apply, make sure you emphasize your strengths - you've got a lot of them, but need to paint a clear picture of those strengths for the admissions committees.
 

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