<p>i'm a chinese female, junior, at a 45% asian school in California. our school usually has around 20 people per 450 graduating class admitted to UCberkeley. Each year, 2-3 get admitted to Stanford, Ivies, etc. </p>
<p>schoolwise - i guess i'm doing alright:
soph - 4.3 gpa, got 5's on AP Euro & Chem tests... 800 on Chem SAT II, 2190 on SAT'S
now i'm taking 6 honors/AP classes and surviving</p>
<p>extracurriculars are not that great - 150 hrs of community service, varsity tennis soph year but i quit; in CSF, Red Cross clubs, but not officers; </p>
<p>i want to know my chances for getting into top schools, whether or not Stanford is impossible, and if it is worth my time to retake my SAT I's. For example, whether or not i'm too ordinary or the typical asian student and will not stand out much... also, what things i should do to make myself stand out more?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance</p>
<p>I'd advise that you really improve your EC's by getting leadership positions and awards. Easier said than done, but if you really want to get into Stanford, you will AT LEAST need those to be very competitive. Your SAT is fine, although you can take it again if you think it'll be 2250+. If not, I don't think it'll make that big of a difference. Stanford wants diversity...so you really need to be different from all the other Asians at your school and around CA. Definitely emphasize something other than pure academics. Oh, and don't spread yourself too thin. I have a friend who did everything "well," but she was not good enough in any one area. Sports, politics, or whatever other field that is more or less unique for Asians would make for a good focus on your application. </p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p>Almost a year later, am i that better off?</p>
<p>My SAT is now 2260, I did research this summer (won a $3200 grant), volunteered more, continuing varsity tennis</p>
<p>am i still in the running?</p>