Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

I'll be a senior Fall 2002. I have a 1560 on the SAT I (800m, 760v).

SAT II's

math iic - 800
Chemistry - 740
Writing - 720

I got a 224 on the PSAT.

My GPA is about 3.8. I moved to the U.S. from India at the start of ninth grade and have been doing well ever since (will this help me if I mention it in my application?). I am a strong math/science student and that is where my passion lies, although I am also a proficient reader and writer. I've wanted to go to MIT since I was about 10, and I want to know if that is justified. I am also applying to Columbia (Fu SEAS), Brown, Cornell, UPenn, WPI, BU, and UMass-Amherst. I am captain (as junior) of my high school Academic Decathlon team (we are a perennial contender), captain of the JV tennis team, co-captain of the high school Model UN team (Outstanding Delegate award twice), Elected Treasurer of NHS. I have about 75 hours of community service, both at my Hindu temple and through the Jimmy Fund.

My class rank is 15/435. I have taken all honors and AP courses throughout high school.

My schedule for senior year is as follows:

AP Physics (takes up two periods)
AP Calculus BC
AP US History
English 4 Honors
C++ Honors
Free period (I'll probably end up tutoring other students during this period)

All I want to know is whether or not I have a realistic chance at getting into the above schools, especially the top-tier ones. Should I apply to more "right-fit" schools?

Thank you to all of you who took the time to answer me.

Doubtful in Massacusetts

By helper on Sunday, July 07, 2002 - 02:14 am: Edit

your choices seem very realistic. your high testing scores will help you a lot. make sure you talk about your heritage, that should give you an edge. talk about the difficulties you had adapting to a new culture-- that should help.

By Mark on Sunday, July 07, 2002 - 10:58 am: Edit

In my not-so-expert opinion, I think you might even be a little overqualified for UMass at Amherst. Is that your "safety"?

From the UMass Amherst admissions website (http://www.umass.edu/admissions/prospective/faq.html): "In 2001, the average SAT score was 1118 for entering first year students were 510-620 Verbal/ 520-620 Math; the average class rank was 27%."

By San man (Scared) on Sunday, July 07, 2002 - 01:17 pm: Edit

Yeah, UMass is definitely a safety. I'd rather not go there but if I don't have a choice, I guess I'll have to.

Thanks for all your replies. I really appreciate it.