Chance me for T20s - Asian male, Molecular Biology major, Pre-med track

You will be a competitive candidate at all these schools. Nicely done!! Continue to focus on “fit”.

Given your apparent interest in an open curriculum like Brown I am glad that you are not contemplating a more rigid or structured curriculum at schools such as U Chicago or Columbia.

What are the most important characteristics you are looking for in a school? You will have to articulate fit into your essays so consistency is important.

Most of the schools you are applying to do not offer merit aid and even those that do at this tier do so very sparingly. Have you discussed with your parents the possible need to trade off prestige versus cost? This is a personal discussion and I am sure your parents will have a point of view that should guide you.

Once again if it’s fit I see some themes I. Your school choices but some detail from you could help in suggesting some alternatives or refinement.