@"Alex Divine" Thanks for the insight, that's definitely reassuring. What do you think about ED2 Penn with my stats? It's not my first choice over columbia/NYU but I'd be really happy to go there. Appreciate your input
@tringo335 sure! Because of my GPA, I feel like all my schools are kind of reaches. Reaches: Columbia, Chicago, UPenn, UVA, Berkeley, Georgetown, and NYU. Usual suspects type deal. My safer schools are WUSTL and Irvine.
I think it's useful! I've self toured NYU, Columbia and Fordham. I feel like it gave me a good sense of the campus life and will give me some specifics to write about in my Why X essays.
Very realistic with your diagnostic, if you're willing to work. But if you are set on NYU, Columbia, Harvard, or Yale, I'd aim a bit higher -- in the 172-175 range.