Hey there - I know this is a fairly inexact ‘science’, but as an international student I really have zero ideas about where I stand. Thanks in advance, though :).
Demographics:
- Male
- International (New Zealand)
- Caucasian
- 18 Years Old (Undergraduate application)
Intended major(s):
- Computer Science
- Economics
Academics:
ACT: n/a
SAT: 1510/1600
SAT II: 750 Physics, 710 Literature
Class rank: 3/400 UW/W
GPA: n/a (International Student)
Coursework: IB Predicted 44 out of 45. HL Maths: 7, HL Physics: 7, HL Economics: 7, SL English Lit: 7, SL Chemistry: 7, SL French: 6.
(IB Scores are out of 7. Roughly, 7 = A+, 6 = A, 5 = B/B+ etc. Also sitting domestic scholarship examinations, which I guess are similar to AP? IB and these scholarships are the most challenging courses available at my school.)
Also, I would consider myself a good writer (essay wise). I’ve written my Common App and Supplementary Essays, and feedback has been very positive from everyone I’ve checked them with, including one woman who got into Harvard who has been helping me work things out. Hopefully my essays should be up to par.
Awards:
- Possible finalist in local University Engineering Competition (not confirmed yet, but have been told we have a really good shot... Waiting on this)
- Academic Colours (school-based award for top performing scholars).
- National Statistics Scholarship 2015 (sat the examination a year in advance and received the scholarship)
Extracurriculars:
- School Prefect (Leadership Role - not sure if Prefect is a 'thing' in America...)
- Run successful technology company (~$100,000/p.a. turnover). Running a team of around 5 full time. Have clients in USA, Australia, New Zealand, England.
- Sold previous technology company (amount and intellectual property covered under non-disclosure agreement)
- Involved with fundraising for schools in third world countries (created a fundraiser which also set a world record while we participated in it).
- Premier Road Cycling Captain at my school (5th at Nationals for Time Trial, 18th at Nationals for Points Race, so nationally ranked fairly highly).
- Was invited to meetings in Silicon Valley with Google, Google X, IDEO, Inflection and Stanford off the back of my entrepreneurial success - was flown up to North America for these meetings. (largely why I'm interested in Stanford). Do a lot of work in the international technology space.
- Local Economics Competitions (placings etc.)
- Triathlon (National Team Duathlon Champion 2015).
- Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver, Gold (might not be well recognised in USA, but this involves several 'adventurous journeys' - for me, this was tramping and kayaking for a week or so at a time), as well as compulsory service, sport and skill components which I haven't listed out here.
Schools:
- Stanford Early Decision
- Elsewhere? (Heart really set on Stanford...)
Questions:
Anywhere else I could apply to? I’m not pursuing financial aid, as I think it may hinder my chances of acceptance. Inspired by Stanford’s great technology influence and entrepreneurial culture.
Have considered MIT but unsure.
Wouldn’t go if it wasn’t somewhere fairly good because it’s just too expensive to justify otherwise - a long way from home!
Generally, I’m feeling a bit despondent…
I have offers from Universities ‘down-under’, but have set my heart on the US, and have seen amazing and super-qualified candidates turned down, so really have no idea where I stand.
Thanks for any help you can give! I’d really appreciate any ideas about where I generally am.
It looks like you are very good at sports and entrepreneurship, so I think you should include them in your application. I’d say I’m in a similar situation (astronomy and entrepreneurship)