Lost on what colleges might be a good fit

Chance Me / Match Me
1

As I’m coming to the end of junior year, I’m really focusing on my college search now, but I’m still not really sure what colleges would be reasonable for me. I want to major in engineering, specifically in mineral, metallurgical, or petroleum (or other related fields since I know most schools don’t have these majors specifically). I know that my grades and extracurriculars do put me in a decent position, but I’m not sure what position that may be. Princeton would be my dream school, but I’m very much looking into the Colorado School of Mines, UPenn, Pitt, RPI, and a few others as well. I think I stand a least a shot at some Ivies (enough of a shot to consider applying) and pretty good chances elsewhere. I’d appreciate any advice or recommendations (I’m in the Northeast btw). Here is what I have to work with:

GPA: 4.35 on a weighted scale (based on number grades, not letter grades)

Freshman classes: Honors English 1 (96), Honors Theology 1 (100), Honors Biology (99), Honors World Studies (99), Honors Geometry (99), and Honors Spanish 3 (98)

Sophomore classes: Honors English 2 (97), Honors Theology 2 (98), Honors Trigonometry (100), Honors Spanish 4 (100), Honors US History (99), Honors Chemistry (99)

Junior classes: AP English Lang and Comp (98), Honors Theology 3 (98), Honors Intro to Calculus (98), AP Spanish Lang (100), AP US History (98), AP Physics 1 (97), and Honors Intro to Engineering Design (98)

Senior year I plan to take the following: AP Physics 2, AP Chem, AP English Lit, AP Calc BC, H Principles of Engineering, H Theology 4, and AP Amer Gov.

Currently my SAT score is a 1490 (although I recently took the June SAT and think my score improved a bit from this) and I have SAT Subjects of 800 (US history), 780 (Spanish), and 740 (Math 2)

As for extracurriculars, I’m vice president of both NHS and my school’s economic club (for econ I’m also a cofounder), I’m a 4 year marching band member, 2 year jazz band member, and 1 year concert band member, I’m in student council (as a rep), I’m on the science Olympiad team, varsity member of a competitive quiz bowl team, and part of a service organization.

I’m not going to delude myself and say I have horrible academics, because I don’t, but what I’m worried more about is my SAT score, which is not particularly remarkable among students with similar grades, as well as my extracurriculars.

Thank you if you read all this :slight_smile:

2

Congrats on your fantastic grades! Does your school rank? A 1490 is a solid SAT score, even for Princeton, but if you raised it all the better. Pitt is a great safety school for you. Plan to apply as soon as the application opens and you should have a decision by October, which will give you a tremendous sense of relief. If Princeton is your top choice, then apply SCEA, but temper your expectations.

Have you considered Northeastern or Buffalo? Can you give us a better idea of what you are looking for in a school and if there are financial considerations?

3

UT at Austin has a great engineering program if you are interested in the petroleum industry. U of Delaware as well. Consider researching schools with strong chemical engineering programs. Purdue would be a good fit for you as well in terms of interest. Do you have a preference in terms of school size, location, cost?

Just curious as to why Princeton is the dream school as they aren’t as strong in engineering as some other programs.

4

So these are some common fit variables that may help you figure out – or help us to help you figure out – some schools that would work well for you:

We already know a big academic fit variable – robust engineering offerings, and particularly the specific areas you mentioned. At least, the school should offer Chemical. (right?)

So let us know if you have preferences regarding:

Environment

  • Location
  • Setting (rural, urban, suburban?)
  • Weather
  • School size (population and area)

Academics

  • Class sizes? Granted, most schools that offer engineering are universities, but there is some class size variability.
  • Would you prefer an open curriculum or are you fine with distribution requirements?
  • Can you stay focused in classes of 100+ students and are you comfortable speaking up, being proactive to see profs during visiting hrs, etc.? (in other words, are you strong independently or do you need a tighter, more nurturing environment?)

Social vibe

  • Greek/party scene preferences?
  • Do you need an active political/activist scene? Or is that a turnoff?
  • Are sports and school spirit important to you? Do you look forward to being a fan, going to games?
  • Will you require things to do off campus, or are you cool with finding your entertainment on campus? (this relates to setting…)

These will help to identify schools that will fit you the best. Top priority may be major, but there could be 100 schools that meet your minimum major/course requirements, so these other preferences will help to whittle them down.

And – how much is your family willing to pay?