<p>I’ve mainly been looking at mainstream top-tier schools, and I’m looking for any more realistic matches. MIT is a top choice; also thinking of applying to HPY, CalTech, maybe UC’s. From what I hear, these seem like a stretch for almost anyone, but I’m still quite lost as to more realistic alternatives and backups. How are my chances?</p>
<p>Major: engineering or math; also looking for somewhere with a decent music program</p>
<p>Background: junior at a public HS; school is relatively new, so I’m not sure of its standings…</p>
<p>SAT: taking in June; PSAT was 218, so I’m expecting about a 2100
SAT II: taking US History, Chemistry, and Math II in May
ACT: 35 (w/ writing) </p>
<p>GPA: 4.7 weighted, 4.0 unweighted
Class Rank: 8/700
Course Load: AP Euro and AP Calc BC as a sophomore (4’s on both tests); currently taking AP Lang/Comp, AP Stats, AP US History, AP Chemistry; planning on taking AP Government, Physics, Music Theory, French Language, and Lit/Comp as a senior; my school has no math courses after Stats, so I will be taking math at a local community college next year</p>
<p>EC’s: Marching Band (3 years, most likely section leader next year), Second semester Drumline (3 years), String Orchestra (4 years, violin, currently in school’s top orchestra), Academic Decathlon (3 years, first place medal in Interview category this year), Track and Field (freshman year only, not sure whether to include this or not)</p>
<p>Hobbies: self-taught piano, music composition
Work: tutoring, mostly Calculus; some local volunteering through my church</p>
<p>Thanks for any considerations or suggestions!</p>