<p>Stanford has been my dream school for a while. Though i always figured I had no shot, until my GC just told me there is a slim chance. I wanted to get your opinions on whether I hould even consider applying SCEA. If there is any chance, I would strongly be inclined to apply. </p>
<p>My first question though is how selective is Stanford in comparison to HYP? I am coming from the northeast, so will that affect my chances? Also does visiting the campus increase my chances? (I probably couldn't anyways ;))</p>
<p>My Stats:</p>
<p>Act: 35
SAT II's: Math 2c 800, Chemistry 770, Biology 760 ( I may take another one or two before I apply)
GPA 3.7-3.8 while taking the most rigorous schedule possible at a very tough school.
My school doesn't rank.
EC's: Nothing too special...I'm part of a bunch of clubs, really into 3 or 4, and have/will have leadership positions at 2 or 3. </p>
<p>Over the summers, I have/will have two internships (business and hospital) and tons of volunteering. </p>
<p>I realize the glaring problem in my app is that nothing really sets me apart, and my numbers to begin with are probably on the low side. So first i'D like an eval? Is it worth risking my early action school to be Stanford?</p>
<p>Also what suggestions do you guys have. I'm a junior right now, and am willing to do pretty much anything between now and application time (summer and school year) to improve my application. '</p>
<p>just work on your essays, make sure they truly portray who you are ... not who you want to be , or who you think THEY want you to be! (of course take that into consideration obviously)
get good recs ! (i guess thats not really under your control)
i'd say unless you write some damn good essays there is nothing that stands out... chances aren't very good</p>
<p>Yeah, I was afraid that'd be my biggest problem. I think my tests scores on with Stanford level, but my lack of a hook really holds me back. </p>
<p>Well, I'm still a junior and there is time. I realize I can't do anything remarkably distinguishing, but hopefully there is something. Any ideas? I am not particuarly athletically or artistically talented. Does anyone know of any national competitions (academics mainly) that people can compete in or something. I don't know, lol, I honestly don't have any idea of what kind of things I can do to distinguish myself ;)</p>
<p>honestly don't bother trying to enter some national competition in the middle of junior year, theres simply no way to win something big enough to be a "hook" unless you've worked on it for several years.
I would say just do some kind of community service project centered around something you love...
(i taught a rocketry class)</p>
<p>You've got a chance. Those numbers seem pretty decent to me. Certainly, don't give up on yourself. Not everyone has to do something spectacular to get into Stanford.</p>
<p>It's certainly possible to get pretty far in academic competitions if you just start your junior year, though it'd be a lot of work. However, you sound to me like you'd be doing it just to put it on your application, which is (a) a bad idea, and (b) not a recipe for success in such competitions. If you do one, do it because you enjoy doing whatever it is the competition has you doing.</p>