<p>All my young'uns in the application process (even friends back at my old high school) are stressed just like I was at this time. I'm willing to help out.</p>
<p>A little bit about me: I had pretty good ec's, great test scores, but a mediocre GPA (extenuating circumstances). So yes..you can get in if you have valid reasons. I've met some people that slacked off in their freshman year but were absolutely brilliant. </p>
<p>The process is really random but it certainly is holistic. The university wants a diverse class...so keep that in mind. </p>
<p>I’m currently like halfway through all of my essays for the supplement. The thing is, everything I’ve written (including the common app main and EC essays) except the Intellectual Vitality, is focused on this same concept and I think that I may be driving it too hard. Obviously it’s hard to judge unless I actually put up my essays, but in general do you think it’s a good idea to keep such a prevalent theme throughout the entire application, or should I tone it down and try to diversify my application a bit more?</p>
<p>I think I have unique essays, and a lot of life experience for a 17 year old (so I guess I’m one of those special students or whatever). My GPA is so so (I’m international though so not the same system), and my SAT is next week. I’m thinking I’ll get a 1800, that is kinda freaking me out. And lately I got into this mood that I can’t study for it at ALL. How much will SATs affect me?</p>
<p>@AKShockwave it depends on the focus. If it really is focused, that could make or break you (know what I mean?) Diversifying your application wouldn’t hurt, but go with your gut feeling. Your voice is more important than what you THINK the committee wants to see. You are your application…not your application is you</p>
<p>@Posterguy We have a pretty diverse class. I can’t speak for other schools to be honest. I think in general, URM students need to be within a certain standard deviation in order to qualify for admission (this is ivy league policy, I believe)</p>
<p>@JemDkyl the SAT is a part of the application. Most students have excelled prior to matriculation. This means that if you do have a glaring weakness in your application, it should be addressed by the other parts. The committee takes into consideration GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, strength of character, background, and extenuating circumstances. Some more than others, obviously. An 1800 is certainly weak and below the interquartile range for Stanford matriculants. And as an international, that doesn’t really help you much more. I would start praying. Admission here is never guaranteed to anyone, whatsoever…but having glaring weaknesses does certainly lower your chance. Don’t worry so much and apply to many different schools…you never know…</p>
<p>thanks for replying. I am a URM from west Africa. I got 4 A* (A plus) and 5 A’s in my IGCSE.
my EC’s are better than Most if not all of my peers’.
Do you think i have a decent chance if i score 2000+ on SAT’s</p>
<p>@JemDkyl yes, bring up your scores and apply RD. You’ll have a little bit of time to prepare as well.</p>
<p>@Murphy600 well, I was first-generation. It was a moderate hook but I also was very involved in interfaith activities as that was my real calling in my community</p>
<p>@Posterguy you have a decent shot. Once you get past the academic barrier, it all comes down to who you are and your recommendations</p>
<p>that’s great to hear I have asked some of my classmates and about 4 others are applying to Stanford. If i top all of them does that make me stand out even more?
I have 3 leaderships positions while they have none. My IGCSE grades are much better than theirs.
What SAT score would i need at this point to stand a very good chance do you say?</p>
<p>@Posterguy as an international, you will be competing against other applicants from around the world. Leadership positions–almost everyone here had one in their secondary school life. But it’s the IMPACT that matters, not the title that comes with it. In general, the committee will see if you are competitive academically and then try to figure out what sets you apart from the rest of the applicants. An SAT score of 2100 will be fine. 2300+ would be excellent, but keep in mind that it’s not just about scores. You want to be excellent across the board in all parts of your application…in order to have a real shot of getting in.</p>
<p>I thought i would be competing against other West African applicants?
I know its not just about the title, i had quite a big impact with each one. Yes i know its not just grades. I think my essays are quite good and i still want to get to know my teachers more before i get recommendations. Will i have an advantage if i take 3 subject tests instead of 2?</p>
<p>I think sadisticsurf would have better advice than me but I think there would be very little difference (if at all) that you take 3 subject tests instead of 2. Once you pass a certain threshold, it’s all the same. I suggest you start working on your essays now if you haven’t already, they’re a massive part of the application and certainly you could work on your essays instead of studying for a third subject test. Time is precious after all :)</p>
<p>Ok, I’ll play along, I am curious at how one might make himself stand out. For instance, I started a chess club, to teach little kids how to play the game, and I also started a “program” (not really a program) to which students can come and get help with any class, and so far I believe it was more or less successful. I do not want them to be just passby’s that an admissions officer skims through, but I have to say, I don’t know how to do that. Should I write an essay that shows why I did it, or maybe there is more to it?
Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Sorry for the late replies guys! I was writing a paper the last few days and was really busy…</p>
<p>@Sergey it would be great if you could somehow demonstrate how much of an IMPACT all those things had. Or how they changed you/gave you a new perspective on things. That’s the most important thing to consider :-)</p>
<p>@amy0827 I did not apply EA. I applied early to MIT as a legacy and was not accepted. :-(</p>
<p>@wildcat0 it is very subjective to say “my ECs are weak”. Everything is relative. Some ways you could make it up are obvious…exceptional academics/test scores/awards in contests, etc. Don’t pout over ECs SO much. You don’t have to cure cancer. But you do have to do a few things that you genuinely enjoy doing and do well in them. Think about things that you may have done that probably haven’t even come to mind as an “EC”</p>
<p>I mastered a artform uncommon to North America, and with that I co-formed an organization that has members across the world(UK,China,Hong Kong,Brazil,Japan,South Korea to name a few). We are known worldwide in the artform for promoting, archiving, and helping the general with said artform. </p>
I have asked some of my classmates and about 4 others are applying to Stanford. If i top all of them does that make me stand out even more?