What are my chances of getting into these schools? [3.86 UW, 1350 SAT, Physics, FGLI]

Chance Me / Match Me
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Demographics: Hispanic, First gen, Low income

Intended Major: Physics (maybe a double major in cs)

SAT: 1350 (might go test optional tbh)

WGPA: 4.6/5 school doesn’t do unweighted but from what I’ve calculated, its abt a 3.86

Rank: 4/1200

College Coursework: APCSP - 3; AP World History - 4; AP Spanish - 5; AP Human - 5; AP Euro - 4

I also took CLEP exams bc AP Exams were too expensive for me to take after some time. I took CLEP Calculus, American history, and English (lang). Also taking dual credit, Calc 2, Calc based physics 1 and 2, and I might take calc 3 in the spring semester.

Awards: AP Scholar w/ Distinction, National Hispanic Recognition Program, National First-Generation Recognition Program

EC’s: This is where I lack

My main EC is a Research Apprenticeship Program Im currently in with the Physics Department at TCU.

I have other slightly mediocre EC such as International club, teaching myself a language, and volunteering hours.

The main reason for the lack of EC’s prior to senior year was bc of health and economic problem I was having. I have (or had) scoliosis and frequently had to go to the hospital and I eventually had to have spinal fusion (before junior year) which took a long time to heal. my EC opportunities were pretty limited bc of that. Plus my mom works crazy hours and it just made it very difficult to do anything out of school. If I had done something, she would’ve had to sacrifice a ton of sleep, which she already does. (hope this doesn’t sound like an excuse)

These are the colleges I have in mind:
(I’m not exactly sure how to sort them, I think they’re mainly reaches if I’m going to be honest)

University of Michigan, Vassar College, Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Pomona College, Wellesley College, the University of Rochester, and Bryn Mawr College

Anyway, I feel like I’m shooting for the stars trying to apply to these colleges. The ones I mainly have In mind are Wellesley, Bowdoin, Pomona, and Amherst. If you guys could be brutally honest that would be great. It would also be nice if you could suggest some unis/colleges that I actually have a chance at. Thank you!!

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You have a chance - especially at the LACs.

I don’t see where Michigan fits in - it’s so much bigger than the rest, and unless you’re a Michigan resident, I’m 99% sure you won’t be able to afford it.

Your issue with all these is affordability most on your list don’t have merit aid. So you need to factor that in.

Has your family done the Net Price Calculator for each? Here’s a sample one.

You might take a step down - schools like Franklin & Marshall, Union, Wooster, Kalamazoo, Allegheny - but it will depend on your budget and can the schools meet said budget.

For publics, Arizona is phenomenal in physics - but if you’re not a resident, unlikely to meet budget. UCSC and Colorado are two others - and likely your home state flagship is very good - but not sure what that state is.

Good luck.

Welcome | Net Price Calculator (collegeboard.org)

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For most of these, I used the Net Price calculator and it actually wasn’t too bad, especially for the LACs, since most of them (the one’s I listed) are very generous with their need-based aid. Michigan was kind of random, I read that they have pretty good physics rankings, but cost of attendance is a bit eye-watering, so I’m considering removing it from my list. If all else fails, I do have my state schools which offer me automatic admission, but I’m honestly trying to get out of my state (I live in Texas).

Thank you!

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The below was posted for another OP with an interest in physics. Perhaps a few of the suggestions will be relevant to you as well:

Wesleyan, for example, might be very receptive to a student with your academic accomplishments.

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Thank you! I will definitely be looking into these.

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I didn’t bother to note that some of the suggestions appear on your list already. But that’s plain for you to see. :slight_smile:

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If this is significantly higher than your HS average it might be in your benefit to submit.

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My HS average is a 1072, would submitting my score benefit me?

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I believe so. Several AOs (Yale podcast, Dartmouth podcast, etc) have indicated they are specifically looking for those students from under-sourced schools who can score 250-300 points above their school average.

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