Regarding my chances of getting into a top school:

dubking · 07-10-2009, 09:32 PM

As of this point, I have received a 2160 on my SAT I (750 math, 750 CR, 660 writing), a 720 on my chem sat 2 and a 770 on my math sat 2. i go to a small magnet school that does not offer ap courses, but only honor courses. i also volunteer at the pharmacy department of a hospital and i help to receive patients and check the vitals of such patients at a doctor's office. i plan on majoring in biomedical engineering and am looking at related top schools, (i.e. john hopkins, but i'm thinking it's a reach school). i just wanted to know how well, or badly, off i am so far. i am a rising senior. if you need any more details, let me know

caltech27 · 07-10-2009, 09:48 PM

Your SAT scores are very good, but you're right in that they are a slight reach for JHU. I do know a people in your SAT range who got accepted, but they had other assets. Your volunteering definitely helps, but not taking AP classes could be a downer, even though it's not your fault.

How do you think your essays and recommendations would be like?

geek_mom · 07-10-2009, 10:47 PM

^ You will not be downgraded for not taking AP courses if none are offered at your high school! Top colleges want to see that you've made the most of the environment you're in.

I don't have experience with JHU, can't help you on that note, but wanted to clarify the above.

dubking · 07-11-2009, 08:38 AM

i'm working on my college essay this summer, but my college recommendations should be good
the magnet school i attend specializes in engineering, so i'll be sure to have a good recommendation from my engineering teacher
i can also ask for one from my chem/physics teacher (teaches both)

NewHope33 · 07-11-2009, 08:50 AM

Your SAT score (1500 CR/M) is excellent. Find someone (i.e., teacher, counselor, etc.) who can help you create a decent application and you should be fine. Good luck!

dubking · 07-11-2009, 08:54 AM

also to note, i am currently attending a summer program at carnegie mellon where we choose two ap level courses to study
at the end of the program, if we perform well, we are able to keep our grades on permanent record at carnegie mellon
i am taking a calculus 1 course and an intro to nanoscience and technology course
credits for calculus will most likely be transferrable while credits for the nanotech course will most likely be not
together they count as '22 carnegie mellon units'
i will also be applying to cmu

dubking · 07-11-2009, 08:57 AM

even further to note
there are forty people to a grade in my school
the top four-six people are applying to the same schools as i am
these people have perfect or NEAR perfect SAT scores: (top two have perfect 2400 sat 1 and perfect 800 sats for bio, chem, and math)
this is my competition unfortunately, so would this give me reason to take another sat 2 subject test?
i may plan on taking a physics sat 2 test

Erin's Dad · 07-11-2009, 12:38 PM

Both of those schools will be reaches if for no other reason than they only accept ~25% of applicants. Your record is good but not overwhelming. And from the way I read your last post you are not in the top 10% which hurts. Make sure you have a safety you are willing to attend.

caltech27 · 07-11-2009, 02:33 PM

^ But of course, a safety school for you would be a slight reach for the average student, so there are quite a few excellent choices for you.

dubking · 07-11-2009, 02:43 PM

actually my school doesn't offer class rankings
they only do valedictorian and salutatorian i believe

dubking · 07-11-2009, 02:45 PM

my concern, however, was that i wouldn't think that a top college would accept a good number of people just from one school

dubking · 11-03-2009, 07:58 PM

hey all, i thought i'd update on what has happened thus far

well carnegie mellon did accept me into the CIT department through an early action program!

so far, I've retaken the chem Sat and received a 750.

I plan on taking the physics sat soon.