Am an Asian male. Have mostly A’s but with 3 B’s and 1D (D was in foreign language, unforunately in junior year) in grades. Weighted GPA: 4.4, in top 15% of class, SAT: 1580, ACT 36, both SAT subject tests 800; Extracurriculars, recs, and essays a bit better than the average applicant to these schools, extracurriculars 8/10, recs 9/10, essays 8/10.
If I’m applying early to one of the ivies (not HYP) or comparables, what are my chances? Not as yet decided on which to apply early decision. Are my target schools practical based on my stats or should I be aiming lower?
What’s your major? ECs like what?
You need to give us more info in order for us to chance you. Otherwise it’s all stats. Although your stats are good, they need to be complemented with other things.
Am currently planning to do either engineering (mechanical or civil) or physics (nuclear or atomic). With respect to ECs, have been on a varsity sports team for all 4 years. I also have a slight spike in one EC and also have the usual stuff like Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, Quiz Bowl, clubs, volunteering, etc (am president/captain of 2 clubs). I apologize for being vague but I am worried that if I give too much information, it may be traceable back to me.
Unfortunately, the more vague you are, the less we can help. Currently, you sound very similar to many other posts here on CC, so if you can, please give more details. Don’t worry about being traced back; it’s unlikely to happen.
Based on your intended majors, I would say you have a shot at schools such as Purdue and UMaryland CP. Given the ECs you listed, they sound fairly average in comparison to thousands of other applicants. I would try to get some award or else your ECs aren’t going to get you that far I would recommend you formulate more matches and safeties. As I mentioned above, while your scores are spectacular, the need to have good ECs in order to supplement them.
“Extracurriculars, recs, and essays a bit better than the average applicant to these schools…” You can only say this for kids you know. Not the fiercely competitive pool. The 3 Bs and 1 D are a problem.