<p>Because I have a low GPA (3.36) I’m a realist and know that I won’t get into crazy awesome colleges. But I have some really good extra cirriculars and awards. I haven’t taken my SAT, but got a 35 on my ACT.</p>
<p>I wanted to apply to
Mit, cornell, brown, penn
rensselear, nyu, university of troy and buffalo, boston university, worchester (maybe), rice, and carnagie mellon</p>
<p>Is that alot? My sister says it is, but I don’t want to run the risk of having to go to a community college. And you never know if you don’t try, right?</p>
<p>Apply to safety/match schools EA. That way, you can aim for your reach schools during RD and don’t run the risk of having to go to a community college (which could happen if you EA reach schools).</p>
<p>Remember, you’re only going to end up attending one school. Don’t take spots away from students that really want to go to that college, whereas you just consider it as an “option.”</p>
<p>So RESEARCH. It’s not about getting in colleges, nor getting into colleges with prestigious names, it’s about getting in colleges that you really want to go to and fit you. Many have gone off to college only to transfer a year later.</p>
<p>If money is not an issue, apply to them all. It’s your future, don’t not apply somewhere just because you’re worried you might “take spots away” from people who might also be applying. (sry cafesimone : /)</p>
<p>What is your weighted GPA? Your UW is kind of low for some of the more prestigious schools you’ve listed, but you never know unless you try. And if you’re an URM with amazing ECs, that might give you a better chance. </p>
<p>Apply to as many schools as you want; it’s a matter of preference and budget. </p>
<p>I will say that your list is VERY reach-heavy (the first four schools you listed, Rice, and Carnegie Mellon). Troy and Buffalo seem a little random, but I’m sure you have a reason for applying. It’s not necessarily the quantity of applications; it’s making decisions to apply to a decent number of schools you have a very realistic chance of getting into so you’re not stuck going to CC. </p>
<p>You won’t wind up at a community college as long as you apply to some safeties and true matches. If you’re in California, apply to some UCs and Cal States (unless you’re desperate to leave the state). If you’re interested in science, take a look at Cal Poly SLO.</p>
<p>It’s okay quanta. Life can be ironic, blanca23 could end up taking your spot. </p>
<p>11 schools can be overkill - you devote less time to each app and not doing your best, which is what I’m worried about the most for the OP. If you get rejected from all schools except your safety and you don’t want to go there, that’s not a good safety. So find somewhere great for you. If you are not in the Cali area as gettinin suggested and in the New York area, the SUNYs are great schools and ranked highly. </p>
<p>Your ideal list should be 2~3 reaches, 2~3 matches, 1~2 safeties.</p>