<p>yes, a strange request...just bear with me...
I have no desire to attend an ivy league school as of right now, i am more interested in the merit scholarships at schools such as Washu, Duke, etc.
Without further ado, here are my stats:
Chinese Male from Midwest
SAT: 2360
ACT:35
SAT Subject: Math II 800, Bio M 800, Chem 790
AP: Chem 5, Bio 5, Gov 5, Comparative Politics 5
UW GPA: 4.0
Rank: 3/350
Most challenging courseload possible (3 science classes simultaneously)</p>
<p>Extra Curriculors:
Chess: Ranked in top 30 in my age group in the nation (USCF 2001 for those who care). First in state individual 3 years in a row- Team got first place 2 years in a row. Before I came, we never even placed at state. Attended Denker tournament (national tournament for state champions) in 9th grade- placed in top 20, was awarded a $1000 monetary award for being the youngest player to attend the tournament. In general, i have attended numerous local and other national tournaments that are not affiliated with any scholastic organization, have accumulated about $6000 in prize money over the years (if that matters at all). Of course, I am the president of chess club (lol)
Lab Research: Worked in a lab at WashU for the past 3 summers (8 weeks each summer). Accumulated at least 1000 hours total (paid work). Currently am listed as an author in 3 manuscripts (co first author in one, second author in the other two). One was sent out a while ago but the editor found some stupid mistakes for me to correct so it might be kind of delayed...the other two are ready to go out now. Am working on a fourth manuscript that will be submitted to Intel/Siemens. All papers should be accepted in relatively good journals (Impact factor > 5)
Science Olympiad: Several awards at local and state levels
Beta Chi Pi honors society: pres
NHS: secretary
English Honors Society: webmaster/technical liaison
AMC 10: 126 / Aime 5
AMC 12: 108/Aime 9
Numerous math awards at other local tournaments, including first places.
Hmm that's all i can think of at the moment....So please chance me on any merit scholarships at the level of WashU, Duke, Rice, etc and thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Wow. I would call you a troll but you sound pretty humble, so I guess this is all legit.</p>
<p>You have a pretty decent chance, I'd say. As good as anyone else. Know your deadlines and make sure your essays are strong, since your academia might not carry you by itself, esp. at schools like Duke.</p>
<p>WashU is an easy match, especially if you've already worked there.</p>
<p>you, my friend, are my hero! one of the few smartest asian people i have encountered (even if it's online) that doesn't wanna go to like the top top!</p>
<p>no, i live in missouri.
haha thanks for the praise..but its really beside the point..
How difficult is it to obtain a reasonably sized merit scholarship from the schools I have listed?</p>
<p>I think everyone is automatically considered for the Robertson, but you basically have to write a supplemental essay in order to have a real shot. </p>
<p>The research scholarship (still don't know the name) basically means you have to show a strong record of research and math and science knowledge (which you do). I think it's a separate application/essay.</p>
<p>Obviously, don't take my word for it :) GOOGLE SEARCH FOR THE WIN!</p>
<p>I'll start out by saying you are the MOST impressive person I've seen on CC by far. You clearly are talented, and judging based on your "strange" request -- you seem to be a really humble and nice guy who can get along with virtually anyone. Your GPA is perfect, and you definitely challenged yourself with AP classes. In fact, you're gonna get credit for those scores! Your SAT is very very good -- one of the top --- and so are your SAT Subjects. Don't bother sending in your ACT scores (those are awesome too) --- save few bucks by just sending the SATs! Your ECs are very nice as well, because you did a few activities, but you really really seemed to like what you did, and you demonstrate leadership in those ECs. To do lab work as WUSTL for such a long time shows commitment. Also, your honors and awards are probably what will set you apart from your competition. To get an 9 on the AIME is a very very difficult thing to accomplish. You should be immensely proud of yourself ... you are one of the best in the US! Btw did you get into USAMO? Please PM me and tell me how you are able to go so far! I can't even qualify for the AIME ... I feel like an idiot!! Anywho, great job on that. And to top it all off -- you must be a really great chess player! </p>
<p>Overall, you're a highly impressive candidate. You will go far in life, with your genuine humility. Really, you're a nice guy, but you should be proud of what you've accomplished in high school. (Right now, I'm shaking my head in amazement/awe/jealousy)</p>
<p>Chances:
Rice: In w/ a match for full scholarship (I knew someone who had a 3.9-ish and similar SAT who got this)
Duke: In w/ at least some merit scholarship if not full ride
UChicago: Safety w/ some merit possible (They'll like your personality as well)
Any other Top 10-20 schools: If you don't get admitted, I'll shoot myself. </p>
<p>Since I'm a MI guy, I'll chance you for UMich:
UMich: In + Honors Program admission + match for full ride scholarship (I think they might beg you to go there ... GO BLUE!!!) </p>
<p>Good luck ... for the merit scholarships! I really hope you do get some. You deserve to be recognized for your work. </p>
<p>I hate to break the trend in this thread, but quite honestly, I don't see anything "modest" in your original post...at least to me, you are trying to be sensible/practical, which is still a great quality, but a totally different one - I too am looking at top 20 schools that offer merit money so that I don't go in debt before I even start grad school (and I feel you have similar aspirations, professional or otherwise). Just because you have great stats and don't want to apply to HYPS doesn't mean you are modest...but that's not important.</p>
<p>I do have to say that your profile is really impressive, and you should get into all of those schools. Regarding scholarships, I know about WashU, and there are a few within Arts & Sciences that are specific to people interested in the natural sciences. There's also the Danforth Scholarship (primarily targetted for people dedicated to community service/outreach). Rice has a few things as well, but not in an incredibly large quantity. It's harder when you look at the really top schools for money, but I'd say you have a great shot at them - just make sure you fill out the supplementary material/applications needed (as you probably guessed, not all scholarships are given through solely the normal admissions process) - often, the material is required early on.</p>
<p>Thanks for chancing me before, and good luck to you!</p>
<p>I usually don't do the chances thing, but I will ask if you have any notable community service. Some of the big scholarships at WashU, Duke, Rice, etc. want to see a community service component, even if they don't explicitly say it. Go to their websites (or read their materials) and look at the student profiles -- those are the kinds of kids who get the big $$. </p>
<p>If you are looking at Chicago, they give out merit money without a separate application, and it seems to be largely based on academics. Don't treat Chicago like a safety. The school is not for everyone, but they know a Chicago soul when they see one.</p>
<p>Congrats on looking beyond the hype of HYP -- just remember that the kids who get those big scholarships are also getting Ivy offers. The competition is that tough (and there are those who would argue that it's even tougher to get merit $$ than into the Ivies).</p>
<p>(parent of incoming first year Chicago student who got merit $$)</p>
<p>A senior that just graduated, got a full ride scholarship to Duke with stats. a little worse than yours. I think you have a great shot of getting decent merit scholarships at Duke, Rice, and WashU. Your research at WashU will help you TREMENDOUSLY. chance me in return?</p>