Chance Me for Science and Math at CMU

Kudos for garnering such a strong academic record.

Some thoughts…

Are you a female? If so, that may work in your favor since CMU has a gender parity policy for STEM majors.

CMU does not grant merit aid, and is stingy with need based financial aid.

I recommend paring back ECs where you are only marginally involved. Schools want to see students who were involved in sports or activities for an extended period, where they demonstrated achievement, leadership and improvement. AOs are not impressed by students who belong to multiple clubs that don’t really do much.

You may want to consider Case Western as a safety. While not as highly ranked as CMU, it is very similar to it; the schools are about the same size, both are located in nice neighborhoods within recovering rust belt cities, both are strong in multiple fields, but especially STEM majors, and both have great outcomes. Unlike CMU, Case is very generous with merit aid.

You should apply EA at every school where it is an option. Generally, admission rates for EA are higher than those for regular admission, and you get the added bonus of putting the college admission grind behind you.

Good luck to you.