Another math major chances thread.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>Ethnicity: Chinese Male
Residence: New Orleans, LA (will this help me?)</p>

<p>Background info:
I came from China in Jan. 2004. My family stayed in Memphis for a year after Katrina (10th grade year). We came back and now I still go to my original school.</p>

<p>Essays:
Big one: about how Katrina benefited me.
Small one: my mom's inspiration in my life.
Attached a short answer on common app for "what do you do for fun": volleyball since 2nd grade and how I continued to practice despite the lack of men's volleyball teams in New Orleans.</p>

<p>GPA:
4.0 Unweighted, 4.8 weighted
Rank: 2 of 329.</p>

<p>SAT:
R740, M800, W800 (12 Essay) == 2340 (single-test-date)
SAT II:
Math 2- 800, Physics- 800, World History- 800, Chinese- 800
ACT: 35</p>

<p>AP:
Calculus BC- 5
Physics B- 5
U.S. History- 5
European History- 5
Physics C Mech- 5
Physics C EM- 5
Statistics- 5
Chemistry- 5</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities:
Mu Alpha Theta- 9~12. Re-founded (is that even a word?) the club after Katrina, President (12), VP (11)
Engineering Club- 9~12. VP (12,11)
Student Council- 9~12. Treasurer (12,9), VP (10)
Quiz Bowl-9,11,12. Captain (12)
Varsity Soccer- 9,11,12
Volunteer TA for American students--Memphis Chinese Academy-10th grade-120 hours
Volunteer at local hospital-9th-120 hours.</p>

<p>Awards:
USAMO Qualifier (2006)
National AP Scholar (2007)
National Merit Semi-finalist (2007)
Silver Medal, USA Math Talent Search (2006)
1st, 1st, 2nd, individual tests, Mu Alpha Theta National Convention (2005)
1st, Individual, Mu Alpha Theta State Conventions (2005-LA, 2006-TN, 2007-LA)
Poster Contest Winner, Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium Summer Internship (2006)</p>

<p>Summers:
2006:
-Research Internship at Tulane University Health Science Center--Heavy metal carcinogenesis;
-Physics course at University of New Orleans
-Repairing my own house damaged by Katrina.
2007:
-Same internship--human bone marrow stem cells.
-Carnegie Mellon University Summer Programs for Diversity--AP/EA. I took Intro/Interm. Programming and Intro Ethics and got As in both. I already mailed in the transcripts.</p>

<p>Teacher Rec's:
1. Math teacher of 9th grade and sponsor for Mu Alpha Theta for 9th, 11th, and 12th grades. He will emphasize on personal qualities.
2. Euro His/World His/Economics teacher who's also sponsor for Quiz Bowl team. He will emphasize on academic abilities (regarding history, esp.).</p>

<p>Tentative Plans for Major/Career:
Applied Math, Economics, maybe Operations Research
I'm planning for a career in quantitative finance/operations research/financial engineering (whatever that means. I'll find out in college).</p>

2

<p>I like your chances. Your scores are solid, though SAT I could be higher, and USAMO from LA certainly helps. Good luck</p>

3

<p>
[quote]
I'm planning for a career in quantitative finance/operations research/financial engineering (whatever that means. I'll find out in college).

[/quote]
</p>

<p>You know what you want to do yet do not know what that job entails?</p>

4

<p>He knows he wants to make money. :D</p>

<p>I'd say your chances are very good, especially with an effective Katrina essay.</p>

5

<p>
[quote]
though SAT I could be higher

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Good God, please don't retake a 2340. Your test scores are very impressive. Take all the time you would have spent on your test studying and put it into your essays. I like the idea of your Katrina one: it takes something negative and addresses it without falling into the "Poor Me" trap so many do. Good luck!</p>

6

<p>You have the grades, you have the ECs (USAMO =O), and you have the hook.</p>

<p>If you don't get it who will?</p>

7

<p>^^ Sorry LLpitch, but there are too many people at the crown of excellence for the OP to feel as confident as you are about his chances. I personally know MOPPers who were rejected from Princeton with higher test scores and yes, involved ECs and stellar essays.</p>

8

<p>thanks guys. i wish time can go faster--i cant wait till march/april. ehh... well, i think i wish for luck more than immediate response.</p>