Chances with Weak EC's

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>GPA: 4.0 UW (School doesn't do weighted GPA)
SAT I: 2270 (CR: 750, M: 800, W: 720 [8])
SAT II: Math II: 800, Physics: 790
AP's: (10th) WH: 4, Phys B: 4; (11th) Stats: 5, Calc AB: 5, Phys C Mech: 5, Phys C E&M: 5, Comp Sci: 5, USH: 5, Eng Lang: 5; (12th) Calc BC, US Gov, Macro, Psych, Env Sci, Eng Lit
School: Top 5 Public School in US (#1 in 2012)
Essays: One of the strongest parts of my app; definite voice & personality
Recommendations: One strong, one very strong
EC's: 1st in State Geometry & Algebra I competitions; numerous awards & co-captain for Academic Decathlon; State Competitor & co-captain for Quiz Bowl; State Competitor & VP of Destination Imagination; President of Science NHS; 4th place team Global Statistics Competition; 1st place team National Physics Competition; peer tutoring; founder & organizer of a successful study group; Key Club; Red Cross; Organizing for America
National Merit SF, National AP Scholar
Hook: None</p>

<p>So, as you can see, I have decent objective stats, but I have no hook, and my EC's are quite weak in comparison with a lot of people who have started a business, done extensive research projects, etc. Obviously this lowers my chances of acceptance to a degree, but are my chances completely ruined by my lack of both a hook and a spectacular/unique achievement?</p>

2

<p>yeah, sorry.</p>

3

<p>You act like the average applicant accepted into Stanford has to have won a Nobel Prize to be even considered.
Any school that’s as selective as Stanford is essentially a crapshoot, but you seem solid all around.</p>

4

<p>Judging from the average CC chance thread, it does almost seem like that. But either way, thank you both for your input. Greatly appreciated.</p>