chance me for stanford :)

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi so I’m a Korean rising senior living in South-East Asia. I go to a pretty competitive international school taking full IB.</p>

<p>HL: math. Econ, history
SL: Spanish, Biology,
And I take an extra beginner’s Chinese class. (which hurts my GPA because it is not weighted)</p>

<p>( I took IB French during my sophomore year) </p>

<p>GPA: 9th grade ( I was in a Korean public school… so the calculating system is different but I believe it must be around 3.9)
10th grade: 3.74
11th grade: 1st semester- 4As and 3A-s (4.09 weighted/3.87 uw)
2nd semester-2As and 5A-s (4.0 weighted/3.78 uw) ouch…</p>

<p>SAT: 2290 (CR/math/writing)=(750/800/740) (essay11)
I took it three times already. </p>

<p>SAT2: French with listening: 800
Math2C: 800
Spanish Reading: 680 (planning to take it again on October)
I am going to take English Literature and Chinese with listening as well. </p>

<p>AP (self-taught since I take IB):
Psychology: 5
French language: 5
And I took Microeconomics, Spanish language, English Language and Calculus AB last May. I think I will get 3,4,5s. hopefully ☺</p>

<p>EC/Awards</p>

<ol>
<li> Language related activities</li>
</ol>

<p>a) I am writing and hoping to publish Korean folk stories written in French. I originally began to write them because I am visiting a French elementary school in my neighborhood for story-telling session with the kids. I will also distribute the final product of folk stories to people learning French in my school. </p>

<p>b) I will create a new section on the school magazine next year. It is one designated for works in foreign languages. </p>

<p>c) Officer of Spanish Culture Club. I will organize several events that promote Spanish culture next year. </p>

<p>d) Language qualifications : DALF C2/C1 (highest level of French qualification)
I will take DELE B2/B1 and HSK level 3 or 4 as well soon. </p>

<p>French honor society- member</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Writing (no leadership position)
a) School newspaper staff writer (grade 11-12)
b) School broad cast system script writer (grade 11)
c) School magazine staff writer (grade 12)
d) School literature magazine staff writer
e) Local broad cast system translator (English->Korean)
2-3 articles a week
f) Attended short journalism camp last year (three days lol)
g) School English department award
h) internship at magazine company and news agency during summers</p></li>
<li><p>Service
a) I am involved in a student-led organization that is aimed to distribute story books in English to underprivileged kids in Korea. I am the team leader of the Creative Writing Department.
b) Volunteer at two service centers
c) Online-translator for a service organization
d) Church service volunteer</p></li>
<li><p>Summer activities
2010- Paid internship at news agency for 2~3 weeks
Volunteer at an NGO concerning laws</p></li>
</ol>

<p>2011- Internship at magazine company for 2~3 weeks
Story telling at French school
Student-led organization volunteer
Extended Essay on English : P
College touring : )</p>

<p>I am considering SCEAing Stanford … but I have yet to visit the colleges ☺
Stanford is my top choice but I am also planning to apply to Brown, Northwestern, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Columbia, U Penn, Georgetown… maybe Harvard or Yale : P</p>

<p>Where should I early? Please chance me for these schools ! Thanks !</p>

2

<p>well, you’re pretty good all around, have some decent ECs, but your GPA kind of fails (don’t know though b/c I don’t know your rank…) Applying internationally from asia is not going to help either… i say stanford and the like are mid reaches, you’ll have a slightly better chance at G’Town and will likely get into Cal and UCLA. Also you have a decent shot at NW.</p>

3

<p>yeah my GPA is pretty much of a fail : P Hope I can raise it during my senior year. Does Stanford SCEA take into account senior year first quarter GPA ?
I would appreciate any other input… will chance back !</p>

4

<p>Academics: SATs ok, gpa bad so academically leaning weaker.</p>

<p>ECs: Leadership weak. Focus is there, but not much else other than writing and no major accomplishment or leadership w/ writing. So generally also weaker</p>

<p>Applying internationally from Asia, esp. if you ask for financial aid, along w/ weak gpa and average ECs make Stanford a very high reach. HYPC also major reaches. Better chances at the others, but they are still reaches. The transcript doesn’t look so good (are you even taking the most rigorous courses offered)? You better have some safeties lined up. U Penn has a good ED advantage so that would be a good one to apply early to.</p>

5

<p>I did take the most rigorous courses that are available (full diploma+extra language class) I am not going to apply for any financial aid. I hope to raise that GPA during my senior year… any changes?
Oh and… will speaking five languages help for Stanford?</p>

6

<p>I’m sorry I can’t back this up with any evidence, but I think you would have a really good shot at Brown ED. Stanford EA would still be a reach-- it’s so much harder for international applicants.
Work on your leadership within your ECs. I see your an officer of Spanish Club which is a great start.
Focus on your love of language in your essays in a unique way and admission will definitely work in your favor. Good luck!!</p>

7

<p>I wouldn’t waste your SCEA on Stanford either. I don’t mean to be mean, but you’d be a substantial reach for Stanford being a domestic applicant (like everyone’s a huge reach for Stanford). I know international applicant admit rates are supposed to be WAYYYY lower than domestic applicant admit rates. I’d definitely apply to some easier schools than the ones you’re applying to.</p>

8

<p>thanks for the input guys! I am college touring next week- hope to find some colleges that are more realistic :)</p>

9

<p>bumpp bump</p>

10

<p>If you’re trying to get your gpa up don’t apply SCEA! Wait for regular decision and then they will take your first semester grades into account.</p>

<p>btw-I like your EC’s; you definitely show passion!</p>

11

<p>“I wouldn’t waste your SCEA on Stanford either.”</p>

<p>I agree with the advice.</p>

<p>Chicago, MIT, Cal Tech, Georgetown and ND have EA without any restriction.</p>