<p>I’m trying to figure out my options for college. I’m a very lopsided individual when it comes to comparison of my achievements - academic and extracurricular / outside of school. Here’s my situation. I jumped on SAT / ACT late, and took it this January (The 22nd), and unfortunately most colleges have already stopped accepting applications. I’d like to get into a prestigious school such as Harvard / Stanford / MIT for Computer Science. I’m currently looking at ending highschool with a 3.0 GPA, minimal class load and volunteer hours. Before you consider labeling me as a mediocre student with impossible goals…</p>
<p>Here’s some of those outside of school achievements that I’m hoping weigh in my favor for wherever I apply…</p>
<p>I’ve been interested in computer science since before I can remember, I learned my first language - VB6 in 4th - 5th grade, and have learned many since.</p>
<p>At the age of 16, I started a full fledged online based company called Momentum Auto Works. The company dealt with the sale of aftermarket car parts. I don’t want to get into the details of the site, but it grossed 5 figures for the one year of being online. I had to take the site down because it was impacting my academics.</p>
<p>Recently, I have created a Social Networking website (All coded by myself) that has received nearly 100,000 hits for the first week of it being live, and a large amount of user registrations / active users. The site is, [Welcome</a> To The SocialCork](<a href=“http://www.thesocialcork.com/]Welcome”>http://www.thesocialcork.com/) </p>
<p>I’m currently in the process of starting a computer science club at my school as well.</p>
<p>Anyways, I’m sort of “screwed” for colleges I’d like to apply to, I’d like to hear what some of the users of this forum have to say about my options…</p>
<p>Just look around for decent computer science schools that have not reached their deadline. Apply ASAP. Get good grades your first year there, or even for two years, and you’ll be set for a transfer application to a top tier school.</p>
<p>You and me are similiar, I’ve also started my own business online and have a “decent” gpa, “pretty good” SATs and are applying to top colleges for computer engineering.
IMO, your out of luck for this year for MIT, Stanford, and Harvard. Take a gap year or go to CC for two years then try to transfer.
You can apply to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, they are really good at Computer Engineering and am guessing Computer Science and accept applications up til 3/1</p>
<p>Rose Hulman looks promising. Although I’m kind of unsure because of the location. While I really shouldn’t be too picky, something inside just dislikes Indiana… I’d prefer to be somewhere near the coast.</p>
<p>Harvard, MIT, and Stanford are almost certainly off the table, despite your remarkable extracurricular achievements. That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t some fantastic schools for you. Your situation reminds me a bit of Ben Casnocha’s: he too was a young entrepreneur whose grades were seriously impacted by his business. You can find information about his college journey on his blog ([Ben</a> Casnocha: The Blog: College Process](<a href=“http://ben.casnocha.com/college_process/]Ben”>http://ben.casnocha.com/college_process/)). He ended up at Claremont McKenna in Southern California after a carefully considered college application process. The bottom line is that someone with your low grades and high achievements is going to get mixed results from the admissions process, and you need to apply accordingly.</p>
<p>The problem is that it seems like you’re currently a senior. Not only have most colleges stopped receiving applications, but many require SAT Subject Tests, which it doesn’t seem you’ve taken. My advice would be to take a year off (indeed, if you haven’t applied anywhere, this may be the only option) and retake the SATs if need be as well as two-three Subject Tests. (Of course, you may not need Subject Tests depending on where you apply.) Work very, very hard on your essays–you have a unique story, and adcoms are going to need to hear it from your perspective. And, of course, you’ll need to spend the year doing something productive, probably something business-related in your case.</p>
<p>^ There are a number of good schools with Feb 1 deadlines, so you need to move quickly. Your high school guidance counselor probably requires some advance notice to submit transcripts and reference letters. If those will be slightly late, don’t let that stop you from applying to a school, since most places are more flexible on receiving the full set of materials, as long as the application is in on time.</p>
<p>I have some experience with Digipen, through their workshops for high school students. They are heavily focused on games and animation, so you should ask yourself if you want a broader computer science degree before you consider going there. </p>
<p>It is a small school without the traditional feel of a four-year college, but I believe the program is very good. PM me if you have more questions.</p>