Chance/Match Me [IL resident, 3.98 UW, 1570 SAT for CS or physics or chemistry]

You have quite an impressive record; kudos to you!

I agree with earlier posts about not worrying about “only” a 770 for verbal. The programs in which you are interested are more interested in your math score, which you maxed.

As impressive as your record is, you have on your list some of the most competitive schools in the country which turn away 10 qualified students for every one they accept. To make matters worse, CompSci is probably the most competitive (not to mention difficult) majors available. Based on your profile, I’m going to guess you are in the Chicago area (is this true?). Sadly, this might work against you with NU since every smart kid in Chicagoland wants to be a Wildcat and the school is trying to build a class that is more geographically diverse. Conversely, it might help you with some schools in other states. Note that CMU has a gender diversity policy for its STEM majors where it is trying to build a class that is half men and half women, so if the overall acceptance rate for CompSci is 7%, it is likely 4% for male and 20% for female applicants. As others have noted, you have a lot of extreme reaches on your list; I encourage you to apply to them, just understand that the odds are long even for students with impressive records. I would recommend adding a couple safeties.

CompSci is more competitive than physics or chemistry, and you might be accepted at some schools on your list for a natural science, but not for CS. Understand the application process for each school. Are you applying to the college, or by major? When do you declare a major? How hard is it to change majors later? (As a rule, it’s easy to switch to a less competitive major, but not visa versa.) My son was interested in multiple STEM subjects ranging from engineering to biochem. He applied as a MechE because it was the most competitive program in which he was interested.

UIUC is probably a good target, but I would not consider it a “safety” since it is still one of the best CompSci programs in the country. Have you considered Purdue, Penn State or Ohio State? I know they are not as prestigious as other schools on your list, but they are strong, highly ranked programs, where you are more likely to be admitted. They may also throw money at you.

I wish you luck, wherever you land.

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