<p>@alwaysleah I’m sorry that the OP does not try as hard as you or as some others at getting good grades, because maybe they have better things to do with their lives then study 5-6 hours a night. We all know simply having the grades is not enough, and with that study time I’m sure you do not have much time for EC’s, at least for ones that matter. I personally have a lower GPA cause I spend many hours for incredibly demanding EC’s that I love as well, as well as the fact that I take an extra 0 period class that lowers my GPA. I have also taken multiple community college courses (passing with A’s) that took time away from my highschool work but do not get factored into my GPA. Do not lecture me on your perfect academic record when I probably work just as hard as you do but have a wider range of areas that I put time into and so have a lower GPA, as may the OP.</p>
<p>Quickly, @YuhikoJay, that’s the last thing they’d ever think of. They see a bright student who’s been lazy, uninterested, or unchallenged, unless there’s a legitimate reason for the discrepancy. I’ve actually never heard of “test-prep machine” before, so kudos to you for such creativity!</p>
<p>Yes, and you have great ECs that you work very hard on. I don’t think academics are everything, I really don’t. I think it’s very important to follow passions and that having amazing ECs will make up for slightly lower grades. I wasn’t trying to lecture you. And I agree that you probably do work just as hard, if not harder. My only point with the gpa was to say that it could and is being done at OP’s school and at similiar schools, so I don’t think going to mission is an excuse for getting multiple C’s and so many B’s. I think it’s okay to have B’s and even a C or two, just not at that volume. That’s it. I’m seriously not trying to offend anyone. </p>
<p>I do have ECs (I work 15 hours a week, have an internship, play an instrument, volunteered 400 hours, have a couple leadership positions in clubs) but I agree that they are probably not as good at yours. </p>
<p>I just think that getting into Stanford requires more than what the OP has accomplished. That’s all. OP asked for an honest opinion and i gave it. I also don’t think Stanford or ivy’s or whatever are everything. I think going to a college that is a good fit and where you will thrive is more important than going somewhere because it is well known or highly ranked.</p>
<p>I’m sorry for my frrustration, and I agree with you on many points. Stanford is highly unlikely for the OP, and their grades are lower than they should be. I wanted to make the case that a person’s worth is not equal to their grades, and there are many sides to every application. I am sorry that I attacked you, and I likely don’t have as good of EC’s. (I play 4 instruments, have 200 hours of community service, participate in Odyssey of the Mind, pres. and founder of clubs, etc.). I congratulate you on your ability to maintain a perfect GPA and have great EC’s, so you probably do work harder, but that does not make me a worse person, or even applicant. I truly wish you the best, and the OP the best. I would love to see the OP apply to lesser schools that fit them but that should not discourage them from applying anywhere they like. I applied to many reach schools that I am continually realizing I will not get into, but have applied to matches and safeties as well. I’m sure my frustration at my inability to be accepted at so many places is what fueled my comments, and once again I am sorry.</p>
<p>Hey it’s totally fine I understand the stress gets to everyone. A gpa, EC’s, a college, eventually a job or the amount of income a person makes doesn’t make up their worth. I know so many amazing people that don’t care about school and that’s fine. </p>
<p>PAGRok I truly wish you the best you sound like a great applicant and I hope you get accepted to your reaches :)</p>
<p>OP I really do wish you the best as well.</p>
<p>To you too! I’m sure any institution would be proud to have you as a student. 
I enjoyed our debate, my ranting. Haha, it left me with a great feeling of contenment, but I don’t think we helped the OP much. Oops.</p>
<p>I made two mistakes in my OP…I do Odyssey Of The Mind as well and that was meant to be 300hrs/yr for three summers.</p>
<p>===</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for the great responses, I see that Stanford is impossible-ish but there is a chance for Cal if I try really hard and do excellent on essays etc.</p>
<p>Wow. Thanks for the sarcasm. Might I rebutt your argument by saying brilliance and disinterest are no reasons to slack off.</p>
<p>@wizkhalifa1</p>
<p>And OP: Good luck!</p>
<p>I never said they were excuses, but they are legitimate reasons why someone might.</p>
<p>I think you stand a fine chance at Cal, with your excellent test scores and diverse background, but probably not at Stanford. If you haven’t won a national title or started a business or invented a neurotransmitter or something, it’s almost impossible to get in.</p>