If anyone could help me gain some perspective on my chances at some of these schools, that’d be great. Fortunately, I’m well off enough to be able to visit many prospective schools (I live decently far from each) and these are the specific programs for applied mathematics that I’d like to apply for. I’d also like to do research one day on the subject of prime numbers (see: Terrence Tao).
My Marks:
SAT Math - 710
Act Math - 34
Composite SAT - 1980
Composite ACT - 34 (35, 32, 34, 34, 31 G/W)
Subject Tests - Taking Math 1 and 2, going to study a lot for them
AP Calculus - 5, 93%
7 Other AP Classes, two 5’s, four 4’s, one 3.
Dual Enrollment Credit at Penn State (ALL A’s thus far): Calc 2, Calc 3, Calc 4, Matrices, one more math class (undecided, spring semester).
Extracurriculars:
7 year veteran ice hockey official
3 time AGLOA national champion; World Events
1 time AGLOA runner up; presidents
6 time varsity letter winner: hockey/golf
2 year lacrosse player
state champion; NPYHA u16 AA wildcats
founder/president of mathematics club, BHS
proficient pianist.
300 volunteer hours, First Tee Program of America
Off the top of my head, I can’t think of much else. I will either apply for mathematics or actuarial science. Here are my prospective reach/safety schools:
Reach:
MIT
Harvard
Penn
Columbia
Safety:
University of Alabama (Full tuition scholarship)
Pitt (applying for STAMPS)
Penn State University (so expensive…)
Boston University
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Robert Morris University (CAE designated for Actuarial Science)
I keep trying to find a balance between paying for an education and going to the best school. If I can get into the best school and go the hard-nosed route towards research, I’d like to do that. Otherwise, I’d prefer to get a cheap start in life towards a practical career (actuary) and go to a lesser-known school for little/free. I’m trying to market myself more as an edge student in mathematics vs. a well rounded student.
I guess my question is, what are my chances at these schools? Is there really any advantage in going to my reach schools at a cost (I won’t qualify for financial aid…) vs. going to a lesser known school in an honors program for dirt cheap? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!