Do I even have a chance at Stanford?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>So, I never even bothered to think about applying to Stanford because I assumed that it was impossible for me to get in. I've loved it, but it seemed like a far-off dream. However, a bunch of people told me to try for Stanford just too see if I get in. Well, here goes nothing.</p>

<p>Rising Senior
Top Boarding School in Pennsylvania
Asian
Location: CT</p>

<p>Class Rank: Anywhere from top 5-15% for Junior Year
SAT: 1st time-1870 with no studying. (770M- 550R- 560 W)...Over the summer I raised it to
770M- 670R- 750 W. (On practice test). 2190</p>

<p>SATII scores: 790, 720</p>

<p>Sophomore Year: GPA (3.06...Long Story, more about this later).</p>

<p>Junior Year: GPA (3.90)</p>

<p>Senior Year Projected Schedule: Projecting above 4 GPA
AP Microeconomics
AP Macroeconomics
AP Statistics
AP Chemistry
Pre-Calculus Honors
English Electives</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Varsity Hockey All 4 Years (TAKES UP ALL OF MY FALL AND WINTER, no time for other ECs)- Ranked Top 10 Hockey Teams among Independent Prep Schools
International Club- Executive Member and Country Representative- 3 years
BBoying/Hiphop dance club- Founder/President</p>

<p>Summer Internships at Yachiyo Corporation in Japan
Volunteer work at Church
Volunteer coaching for club hockey teams.
USA Hockey 1992 Birth Year Select Festival Camp in Rochester NY and St. Cloud MN- (Ranked as number 5 defenseman in the East coast in 2004,2005,2006).
Invite to tryout for Japanese U-16 National Hockey Team.</p>

<p>Story:
I came to this boarding school in Pennsylvania as a recruit for hockey. Known for having the best hockey program in the state of Pennsylvania, people from all over the world (as close as Pennsylvania and as far as Russia, Czech Republic, Canada...etc) are recruited there regularly. In 2004, I was selected as one of the top six defensemen in the Mid-Atlantic Region (NY,NJ,PA,MD,DE) and was asked to play in many showcases. This continued until 2006 and I moved onto the new school. I had high hopes of being a pro, the first Japanese NHL hockey player. My focus was always on hockey, I had very little interest in academics. I was heavily recruited to many schools, and I knew at that time that I would go to college for hockey. Then during my sophomore year, disaster happened. I had a season ending injury, and I required surgery. My grades at the time weren't absolutely atrcoious, however, my surgery required routine check ups back home in Connecticut, I missed tons of school due to the fact that I had to travel home every week and my grades dropped horribly. Not only that, recruiting stopped, I was depressed and was a horrendous mess. I then soon realized that I need to change my focus from athletics to academics. Ever since then, my academics and attitude towards school have improved dramatically.</p>

<p>Essays: I will write about how my injury caused me to open my eyes and to step up.
Teacher Recs: will be VERY STRONG (one is my advisor who watched me through the whole maturing process)
Counselor letter: He will write about how my academics dropped due to my injury and extended absence from school.</p>

<p>Hooks: I think I'm pretty damn unique compared to some of the other asian applicants. Will that make me stand out over the other (I play piano, I play violin, I'm in the asian club) asians? </p>

<p>Should I even bother applying to Stanford? How much are the essays worth to Stanford? I feel that my essays will really really make me standout despite my grades (Especially the Common App, Why Stanford and Future Essays). I feel that Stanford's essay topics specifically touch me.</p>

<p>Thanks all.</p>

2

<p>Definitely apply. Your unique story does give you a chance. I recommend trying out the ACT though, many people find it easier than the SAT (I did).</p>

3

<p>Hmm most of your stuff looks good. I would try to improve your SAT…get it to a 2250 plus. Also, I would apply RD rather than SCEA. </p>

<p>Now, here is the deal. Stanford, like HYP, are a complete crapshoot for everybody. If I had to bet money, I’d say you wouldnt get into Stanford…but I would make that bet against 99% of people applying to Stanford. With that said, work on your test scores and you will have very competitive for the elusive HYPMS.</p>

4

<p>So lets say I dont get this 2250+. Would it be a waste of time/money to apply?</p>

5

<p>Lol absolutely not. You are very competitive. Its just hard to look at any one of these top competitive colleges and say “ya you are probably getting in.”</p>

6

<p>yeah, just make sure you let yourself shine through in your essay, like you have here. Stanford is my dream school too…good luck!</p>

7

<p>If you cant get that 2250, at least try to get a 2100. your practice tests indicate you can do that (or better) and it would at least partially fill in a significant gap in your application. i wholeheartedly agree, you do seem like a unique candidate. congrats on all the hockey eliteness</p>

8

<p>^ ok what was the relevance of that link?</p>

9

<p>free advertising. I bet you clicked on it (maybe not, but I did).</p>

10

<p>I’d pretty much never click a link from someone like that (1 post, bad grammar, the link name doesnt make sense).</p>

11

<p>haha, you’re right. i did click it :)</p>

12

<p>yeah, you’ll definitely be unique compared to the rest of us “piano-playing” asians :slight_smile:
But I notice you’ll only have taken precalc by the end of senior year. If you’re not going into math/sci, that may not hurt you that much. But if you are considering a technical major, you should self-study or take summer classes in calculus, at least. Or else, even if you do make it in, you won’t be competitive with other freshmen.
best of luck!</p>

13

<p>I don’t think Stanford has a Div. I hockey team. So why would hockey be a hook for the OP?</p>

14

<p>^Why is IMO a hook if Stanford does not have an organized math team?</p>

15

<p>@Zinja, I plan on doing that.</p>

<p>@Jameschen, I dunno, I supposed it would be a hook considered I completely turned my life around to academics despite the fact that I was a recruited athlete. I figure you didn’t exactly read my little story at the end.</p>

16

<p>Stanford’s Putnam team finished 4th this year. Even if they don’t have an organized math team, I bet they still like exceptional mathematicians and exceptional problem-solvers.</p>

17

<p>Genre-Of course you should apply and you have a decent shot. The top schools are a crapshoot for everyone, as was said earlier.</p>

18

<p>^^just like how they like well-rounded people and athletes that devote(d) a lot of time to their craft.</p>

19

<p>stanford is very well known for liking what they call well-lopsided applicants: people with a specific passion that correlates with something that can be done at Stanford.</p>

<p>u need to bring out that passion to make up for academics. honestly, they dont want excuses for dropped grades: in the end, it is still your fault, but you are making a great choice to show how you turned the trend upwards.</p>

<p>however, if you apply, i would strongly suggest RD</p>