Suggestions for reach and match schools?

StevenL · August 12, 2011, 12:56pm

3.45 GPA UW (Inc. freshman year after junior year)
SAT: 2150
Either top 10 or 20 percent of class (not sure)
AP Chem
AP US History
AP Spanish
AP Calculus
AP Physics
AP English
+Mostly honors classes

EC/Athletics:
Genetic Research at Yale University (Internship)
Volunteer at Yale-New Haven Hospital 200+ hours (Also a trainer for new volunteers)
Student Leadership Board at Yale-New Haven Hospital
Class Council Officer
Student Council Vice President
Commended Student (PSAT)
National Honor Society
Varsity tennis 9-12
Fencing 11-12
Southern Youth Symphonic Orchestra and jazz Band(First chair)
Tae Kwon Do (Martial Arts, black belt)
Mostly honors classes, 8 APs
Marching Band Squad Leader

Opinions+suggestions?

Thanks!

One thing to consider...I got a D in Ap chemistry will that screw any chance of getting in? I got a 720 on the Chemistry subject test though..

Would I have a good chance with regular decision or should I apply early decision?

Don't be to harsh

DougBetsy · August 12, 2011, 2:25pm

When my D visited William & Mary, the admissions rep said the following in the info session: "You can't spell accepted without 2 C's and a D." Really. W&M. :eek:

Based on that, I wouldn't say the D in AP Chem will ruin you. :)

But, before anybody can suggest reaches and matches, we need to know what you like. Urban or rural? Big or small? What kind of major are you considering? And, most importantly, what can your family afford?

Lastly, what are your safety schools?

StevenL · August 12, 2011, 2:35pm

Thanks for the reply DB, appreciate the humor :)

I prefer small-medium colleges, doesn't matter if its rural but prefer Urban. Don't know what I am majoring in for sure but planned on Optometry or Dentistry as path. My family can afford to send me to basically anywhere (although I will probably take out some student loans)

Schools that I was thinking as safeties: UCONN, Penn State, University of Miami and BU

Do you think I have a chance at my preferred colleges BC, Carnegie Mellon, or Wake Forrest?

DougBetsy · August 12, 2011, 2:57pm

My son attends Wake. Your GPA is lower than his, but your SAT is higher. Oeverall, I think you'd be a competitive applicant.

In order to have a good shot there, I recommend that you visit and have your interview in person. You have some very interesting EC's, which you can really make the most of in person. Likewise, you can address the "D" better in person. If you can't visit, don't despair. A Skype interview is still possible.

Sorry. I don't know much about BC or CMU. Good luck.

jshain · August 12, 2011, 3:00pm

Are you from Conn.?, what area of the country do you want to consider, and how much can your family afford? If you want to stay in the Northeast and vicinity, I'd look at:

Reaches:
Boston College
George Washington
Lehigh
Tulane

Matches:
SUNY(s)
Syracuse
Boston U
UConn
Villanova
James Madison
Northeastern
Delaware

I'm guessing your class rank is probably closer to 20% rather than 10%, based on your uw GPA. Your SAT score, course rigor, and (to a lesser extent) EC's are very good. This will SLIGHTLY offset a lower GPA, but the most important element of your application is your weakest component. You will STILL have some excellent options, as the list above illustrates.

StevenL · August 14, 2011, 8:54pm

thanks for the replies Dougbetsy and jshain.

I am definitely interested in Wake Forest as one of my top choices. What do you guys think about my chances ED to Tufts? Any suggestions for top colleges that i have a good/decent chance getting into that have good science programs?

Thanks!

jshain · August 16, 2011, 3:00am

I think Tufts would have to be considered a reach, mostly due to your GPA. You may also want to look at Bucknell and Colgate. These are good schools where you have more realistic chances for acceptance compared to Tufts.