<p>Post your stats. I think this would be an amazing opportunity to demistify some rumors.</p>
<p>You could check the decisions thread...</p>
<p>People who don't get in will always look for someone/thing to blame...if using legacies/URMs/Recruits as their reason helps them get over rejection...let them. As URM, I do not have time to debate pro/con (s) of what different universities use to make their selections or educate the majority on the value of a diverse learning environment.</p>
<p>I agree.
While I suppose the idea for this thread isn't bad, it is not my responsibility to prove to anyone else that I got in fair and square or that I was just as qualified as any other applicant.</p>
<p>I'll bite.</p>
<p>Standardized Tests:
SAT I: ~780 math, ~760 verbal, ~720 writing
SAT II: 800 math IIC, 800 biology, 800 physics
AP's: 5 Calc AB, 5 Stat, 5 Computer Science, 5 Physics</p>
<p>School:
Class rank: 1 out of a bit under 300
Type: public
GPA: can't remember, but it was not a 4.0 or even close, though my weighted GPA was highest in the class (thanks to courseload, see below)
Courseload: I'm taking all AP's except for one subject this year. I've had four independent studies, including two this year.</p>
<p>Additional factors:
Original research. Comp sci / electrical engineering is major of choice (shortage at Harvard).</p>
<p>So anyway, that's me. Not perfect, but I don't think I'm unqualified.</p>
<p>Consider the fact that there are plenty of accepted legacies and URMs who would have gotten in even if they hadn't had that special status. By casting aspersions on some, you cast aspersions on all.</p>
<p>Being a legacy, URM, or a recruit is only a tip-factor... Hundreds, if not thousands, of other applicants applying can say they have that "edge" as well...</p>
<p>Yea, I think I'll bite too</p>
<p>Standardized Tests:
SAT I: 770 M, 760 V, 750 W
SAT II: 800 math IIC, 760 biology- M, 800 chem
AP's: 5's in calc bc, physics C-mech, compsci ab, us history, chem, statistics, and biology</p>
<p>School:
Class rank: 2 out of about 589
Type: public
GPA: does it matter?
I'm taking good courses. I'm in a sci/eng magnet program</p>
<p>Additional factors:
Some statewide science league type awards: 3rd, 6th in Merck State Science day, 2nd and 3rd in NJ sci league, etc.</p>
<p>-Attended Governor's school of Int'l studies and NC summer ventures in sci& math (mom lived in nc for 2 years)
-Parents are educated though not wealthy, and from brazil
-I speak/read/write portuguese
-Varsity Swim team
-atttend columbia science honors program (hey, its free, and kinda cool)
-tutor privately (i need to get to nyc somehow)
-volunteer tutor for east harlem tutorial program <--totally worth it</p>
<p>Nothing else I can think of....</p>