Are these colleges a good and realistic fit?

College Search & Lists
1

<p>Hi, I was just wondering what my chances are for top engineering programs (Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Michigan, Wisconsin, Duke etc)</p>

<p>I am an adopted asian female living in Washington DC</p>

<p>GPA: 4.4 W/3.97 UW</p>

<p>Class Rank: Top 5%</p>

<p>AP’s Taken: So far 8 (AP Spanish Lang, AP Spanish Lit, AP World History, AP US History, AP Chemistry, AP Econ (micro/macro) AP English Lang) Passed them all
To take this year (senior): AP Physics C, AP Calc BC, AP English, AP Government, AP Psychology</p>

<p>Standardized test scores: Haven’t taken them yet! What scores will I need to get in? Also, how important are these?</p>

<p>ECs: Musical Theatre, Varsity Cross Country/Track, Robotics, Full year research internship at NIH, Model UN, Ethics Bowl, Debate</p>

<p>Community service: ~60 hours volunteering as assistant director for elementary school musical, ~500 hours for internship (unpaid, therefore volunteer), ~50 track related community service</p>

<p>Are there ways in which I can improve my application?</p>

<p>Thanks so much!</p>

2

<p>Have you signed up for the tests yet? If not, do so right away!
Standardized testing is, in general, pretty important because its a direct comparison of all students in the nation (GPA can only tell so much - classes may have varying difficulties). That is not to say that if you perform poorly on these, you will not be accepted, but top tier universities typically are looking for scores of above a 2100. </p>

<p>Your application is looking very competitive otherwise (great course rigor, GPA and ECs). Given that its senior year, there’s not really much else you can do to bolster the application besides crafting some amazing essays. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>It is hard to know until you have your standardized test scores. If you are a senior now, I’m not sure where you will find time to take the SATs and SATIIs (check to see what schools require them) before you apply.</p>

4

<p>What were your scores on the 8 APs exams that you took? What was your PSAT score?</p>

5

<p>Yes, register right now for the standardized tests. They are real important. Hasn’t your guidance counselor said anything?</p>

<p>Let me suggest that you eliminate some of the senior year APs. Your rigor is already evident. If you carry 5 more into senior year, you will hate yourself, and going to school, as soon as you agree to attend a college in April because you will still have a ton of work to do while your classmates will be checking out and looking forward to senior week. Eight APs is plenty, but I suggest you keep the Calc BC and Physics. </p>

<p>The only reason I wouldn’t do this would be if you earned no 4 or 5s in the APs already taken. The better colleges will only give you college credit for 4s and 5s, some only for 5s. </p>

<p>Instead of APs, give yourself some time to study for the standardized tests and SATIIs. They are more important than ticking your rigor up another 5 notches. If the standardized tests scare you, make working on your anxiety part of your preparation for the tests. There are test counselors who directly address anxiety issues, if you can afford any counseling.</p>