Can I make it here? ED?

<p>Hi all. I’m in the class of 2006 and am researching different colleges right now. I came across Brandeis after reading its name in many documents…</p>

<p>I’m a resident of Illinois, Korean American (1st generation).</p>

<p>My school is an extremely competitive public. </p>

<p>Here are my stats and such:</p>

<p>SAT I scores
690 Reading
650 Math
730 Writing, with a perfect score on the essay</p>

<p>ACT scores (Took twice)
National testing:
30 Composite
35 English
27 Math
33 Reading
26 Science
34 English/Writing combined score, essay was 11 out of 12</p>

<p>State testing:
30 Composite
32 English
30 Math
28 Reading
28 Science</p>

<p>Probably will be retaking both these tests. While we’re on the topic of tests, should I submit both my SAT I and ACT scores, even though I only need to submit my ACT scores since I didn’t take SAT IIs?</p>

<p>Will have taken 3 APs by end of senior year; my courseload has gradually become harder and harder (senior year will be the hardest year: 4 weighted/honors/AP classes out of 5); my counselor, whom I am very close to, can attest to this in her recommendation.</p>

<p>As for extracurriculars…</p>

<p>I’ve been a regular French club member for all 3 years so far and have been an officer for 2 years.</p>

<p>I started volunteering at the hospital sophomore year and have already acquired more than 100 hours. I will probably acquire about 250 hours around graduation.</p>

<p>I’ve been an active member on my national Pacemaker-winning high school newspaper, The Central Times. I was a news editor and circulation manager last year and I will be the managing editor next year. My advisor knows me very well and will be able to write me a stellar recommendation.</p>

<p>During my junior year, I also managed to apply for and receive a student grant for a club that I started called Mosaique. Basically what this club does is choose a classic piece of art to recreate in the manner of a mosaic. Each member takes a piece of the gridded piece and when everyone has created their respective pieces, we put it all together to create a reproduction of the original. I could probably get some great recommendations from my French teacher and Humanties teacher, both of whom helped me get this started.</p>

<p>In terms of awards…</p>

<p>I’ve received the 4.0 award for 4 semesters out of 6. My weighted GPA right now is a 3.8. I’ve been on the honor roll all of my high school years.</p>

<p>Last year I won an award for one of the pieces I wrote for my newspaper. </p>

<p>My advisor inducted me into the Quill and Scroll International Society for High School Journalism.</p>

<p>I was also awarded a badge for completing 100 hours at the hospital.</p>

<p>I was also inducted into French National Honor Society.</p>

<p>I was also accepted by Who’s Who and the National Honor Roll, but I think these things are not worth mentioning when I apply…since half the nation’s high school students get this.</p>

<p>In terms of hooks…I think I could use the Mosaique thing. Here are some additional things about me…</p>

<p>All my extended family resides in Korea, except for my dad’s older brother who lives in Boston with his family.</p>

<p>I was born in Korea, but came here when I was barely one or two. </p>

<p>Meh…</p>

<p>I want to study some field of biology and get on the pre-med track.</p>

<p>Thanks for reading this huge post.</p>

<p>would someone please answer me? help me out please!</p>

<p>I like your chances.</p>

<p>You will stand a very good chance of acceptance. My son was accepted to Brandeis off the waiting list with very similar standard tests (almost identical SAT, except reversed for math/verbal). I think it's a great school and a very good match for him. It is very strong in biology/pre-med if that is what you end up majoring in. You have a good EC spectrum and will be a good candidate for many schools. Are you considering ED for Brandeis?</p>

<p>It'd be a good idea to retake the SAT. What is a 'national Pacemaker-winning high school?' Of course I thought of the machine lol.
Anyway, I think you have as decent a chance as anyone. Brandeis loves Asians. Applying ED should help you out too if you're absolutely sure you want to go there and nowhere else.</p>