<p>I am white, 2070 on SAT (590 CR, 790 math, 690 writing) and 30 on the ACT. I’ve taken SAT2 Chem and got 720, my gpa is > 4.0 and I’m shadowing a doctor over summer. Also, I’m working with a scientist to study nanoparticle physics and biochemistry. I have taken AP Chemistry and am taking AP calc bc, ap bio and ap stat next year (senior year). This mentorship project will allow me to enter NYCSEF, Siemens and INTEL. Last year I got into the finals round of NYCSEF and got 3rd place. I have been in a school play where I was part of the band (guitar). I have work experience with air conditioner repair and installation.
My regents scores:
Spanish:84
Physics:100
Chemistry:92
Geometry:100
Algebra:96
Living environment:96
Trigonometry:98
Global history:97
Us history:94
English:89
I have taken science research for 3 years.</p>
<p>I think that you should retake the SAT and get increase the CR score by at least 100. Then, that would open up your opportunities to better, more competitive schools. You’re ECs show that you are passionate about science, but perhaps expand a bit more on that passion. You’re GPA is fine, but might not be enough for top schools. Maybe take a look at NYU?</p>
<p>Does financial aid play a role? Also, what are you looking to major in? Do you have any preferences for size, location, etc.? A lot of different schools can be recommended simply based on test scores and grades. What differentiates them is your personal traits and what you’re looking for in a school.</p>
<p>I’m looking for a school that’s in-state and is centered for science
I’m not sure if I should retake the SAT Since that was the second time I took it and no matter how much practice I do, I can NEVER break 600 in CR
Math I always get 800 and writing in the 750s
Reading is usually around 600</p>
<p>Ok well what’s your state?</p>
<p>Since you took the Regents, I’ll assume you are from New York. Check out the SUNYs. SUNY Binghamton has a strong science program which might interest you. Cornell as a whole may be attainable, especially if you apply to the in-state part, which would give you the ability to pay in-state tuition rather than the cost of a private education. I don’t know if you’re against private universities, but if not, you might want to look at Syracuse as well. Colgate and Columbia are also in New York, but Columbia is incredibly difficult to get into and your SAT scores would put you on the low-end of their applicant pool. However, you might be able to put it on your list as a mid to high reach school. You may also want to check out Ithaca and Marist if you’re interested in a private university as well as NYU. However, be aware that all of these colleges are incredibly different. You would have to do research to understand those which you liked and didn’t like and reasons why, etc.</p>
<p>Cornell huh?</p>
<p>It would be a reach on your list, but if your essays and recs are strong, you would have a chance at the state part, I’d say. It would be a reach, but you’d have somewhat of a shot.</p>
<p>I don’t get it. What do colleges want at all? I worked my tail off at school and extras and I’m still that far from Cornell?? Do they want perfect robots or something?</p>
<p>They want that CR score to be higher…</p>
<p>Any tips on improving CR, I’ve tried everything to no avail</p>
<p>I don’t know that Cornell would be terribly far away simply based on statistics. Like every other competitive institution, it could be a crapshoot. I’m not trying to say you are far away. I’m just saying that it’s an incredibly competitive applicant pool. I know people with 35 ACTs, over 4.0 GPAs with hours of volunteer work and extracurriculars who weren’t accepted. Also keep in mind that they re-weight your GPA, so over 4.0 might not translate to a 4.0 on their scale. You have as good a chance as anyone–it’s just ultra competitive.</p>
<p>So no matter how hard you work, it’s never good enough?</p>