How do my chances look?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Hi, everyone. I've been lurking for a while but I finally decided to make an account.</p>

<p>Stats:</p>

<p>Major: Engineering Physics
Ethnicity: White/Asian (half and half)
State: California</p>

<p>ACT: 36 math, 35 science, 32 english, 30 writing - 33 composite
SAT I: 650 critical reading, 720 math, 690 writing - 2060 total
SAT II: 750 Math II, 760 Bio (molecular)</p>

<p>(I only took everything once)</p>

<p>Rank: 6/600. (I believe I'm in a 3 way tie for 3rd place, but that's how the computer works it out)
GPA: Around 4.5+ weighted, 4.0 unweighted. I've taken all the APs possible (without taking summer school to get ahead) and have gotten all As.</p>

<p>Senior year schedule:</p>

<p>AP Govt/Econ
AP Physics
AP Calc AB
Ceramics (to satisfy art req)
AP English
Culinary - I don't need this class, but who could say no to food? :) </p>

<p>Awards: NorCal Tennis Sportsmanship award, Varsity team sportsmanship award, National Merit semifinalist commended student, AP Scholar Award, National Honors Society</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: 4 year Varsity tennis player (have played my entire life), Varsity captain, Founder and President of Chess Club, have played piano my entire life + certificate of merit awards, member of remote control airplane building club.</p>

<p>Work Experience: Paid summer internship at Naval Postgraduate School physics department</p>

<p>Community Service: Over 200 hours of summer volunteer work at a Japanese cultural camp (focus of my main essay)</p>

<p>Summer Activities: Internship (mentioned already), volunteered at cultural camp (mentioned), traveled to France/Holland, Canada.</p>

<p>Essay: Wrote about the cultural camp and how spreading the Japanese culture is important to me and had taught me to pass on kindness and understanding as I transitioned from a kid attending the camp to one volunteering there.</p>

<p>What do you guys think?</p>

2

<p>your grades and ec look great! If you can pull out a great essay I think you should have a good chance!</p>

3

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Any tips for the essays?</p>

4

<p>You’re a great student, no doubt. But, your resume looks very similar to someone I knew at my school and he got flat out rejected. Your SAT scores could also be more impressive. Your extracurriculars are numerous and look good, but I’m afraid they’re nothing amazing to WOW the AdComs. You’re also White/Asian, which means you’re going to have to do much better than that. I’m sorry if this sounds mean, but I want to be honest with you. You should direct your energy to schools of another caliber.</p>

5

<p>Your profile is very similar to my profile. My SAT scores were a little better but I doubt those alone got me in. Be original and sincere in your writing and you’ll definitely have a shot. </p>

<p>Good luck! :)</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the additional feedback.</p>

<p>Yeah, I realize my SAT I scores are kind of weak, but they take the highest score between the ACT and SAT, right? I think a 33 translates to a 22-something on the SAT. =)</p>

<p>Sounds like it’s going to be up to the essays and ECs. I know Stanford is trying to accept you as a person and not just a collection of stats, so do you think my sportsmanship awards would have a good impact?</p>