How're my chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Here goes:</p>

<p>Canadian Student (therefore international)
Applying for Financial Aid (yup, I know that less than 10 Canadians get in with aid at Stanford)</p>

<p>7th in my class out of 350(ish)
3.97 GPA unweighted
2320 SAT
-Critical Reading 760
-Math 780
-Writing 780 (11 Essay)
Subject Tests: 770 Physics, 790 Math 2, 800 French</p>

<p>Rigor of my High School Courses: All Sciences (Bio, Chem, Phys.) (all AP), AP Calculus and Vectors, AP English, AP French, therefore basically as hard as it can get at my hish school.
Even though this doesn't really count for much in the admissions process, I'll be writing AP Exams for Calculus BC, Physics C, Biology, Chemistry, English Language & Composition, and French. (This depends on how I feel; I may forget about writing two or so of these exams).</p>

<p>Arts Supplement: Piano Performance at one level below concert-level. (Grade 10 RCM).</p>

<p>My two teacher recommendations are absolutely glowing. I've known both of the teachers since 9th grade and one focuses on my musical ability and humility with kids with disabilities, while the other talks about me and my organization (coming up!).</p>

<p>My application essay(s) is still being refined, but I'm sure the finished product will be comparatively superlative (big words not intended--just the best fits).</p>

<p><em>Important factor that sets me apart</em>: I'm a founder of the organization FeedFour, which is one of the largest food sharing programs in Toronto, and still gaining popularity (my friend and I actually started it up not very long ago at all, but it's amazing how well known it's becoming. <em>Knocks on wood for TV interview</em>.</p>

<p>Participant (hopefully some sort of award recipient) of Harvard Model United Nations Assembly next January, 2010. My high school will be representing Yemen. Watch out for us if you're there.</p>

<p>So, those are the things that I'll definitely tell Stanford about. But on top of those, I have:</p>

<p>I'm identified as Gifted and was inducted into the program after only the preliminary test (CCAT test) because I scored 100%.</p>

<p>I'm a competetive swimmer, cyclist and runner. (Yes, triathlete as well). But not quite good enough to get an athletic scholarship.</p>

<p>I volunteer coach the Variety Village Sunshine Swim Team (SWAD Swimmers-Swimmers With A Disability).</p>

<p>I've teamed up with my old swim-mate, a blind swimmer, and we go around to elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools and give speeches (he on the challenges he's overcome, me on environmental awareness-my passion has always included the environment).</p>

<p>I tutor and babysit a child with cerebral palsy whose mother has cancer. (Not that it matters).</p>

<p>I'm a 'study-buddy' at my hish school. It's sort of like a reading buddy, but in high school, and with any subject.</p>

<p>I'm a lifeguard/swim instructor with the City of Toronto, and at Variety Village, though I hold the same position, I also teach children with Asbergers, Autism, Down's Syndrome, Non-Verbal Autism, and Cerebral Palsy how to swim, in private, one-on-one classes.</p>

<p>My elementary school awarded me with Musicianship and a Recognition Award from my Catholic parish's Catholic Women's League.</p>

<p>So, out of the things that I've sort of decided on not mentioning, is there anything that Stanford would definitely like to see?
And, of course, the ultimate question: do I have a legitimate shot at Stanford, the school of my dreams?
Let me know!</p>

2

<p>grade-wise, i’d say yes, you’re definitely qualified.
I think the organixation you set up will be a huge plus to you too. same with the sports.
I think you’ll have a pretty good chance : )</p>

3

<p>Wow… That’s an amazing app you’ve got there! Good luck! Hopefully we’ll meet at the other end!</p>

4

<p>I’d say you’re a low reach, and I’m sure that your teacher recs that focus on specific accomplishments rather than a generic list will help you. That organization you founded will help a lot as well. Your courseload/grades are great. Best of luck!</p>

5

<p>less than 10 Canadians get in with aid at Stanford?
really?
Im screwed…</p>

6

<p>yep. SO disappointing.</p>

7

<p>I thought aid isn’t extended to International Applicants?</p>

<p>But if so, I think you have a good shot. Good luck!</p>

8

<p>They do offer international aid, but they have a really limited supply.
This is how they handle it:
If you apply for international aid, it makes your A LOT WORSE.
But if you’re one of the exceptionally lucky acceptees, you’ll be eligible for full demonstrated need, AND you get very near the ratio of grants to loans that U.S. citizens and permanent residents get. A.k.a. ~$30,000+ in grants, and ~$5,000 in loans.</p>

9

<p>Oh, and I also feel the need to mention that in 2006, before the economic crisis, Stanford was endeavoring for need-based policies for international applicants. If they’d gone through with it, they’d be one of 7 States colleges that do the same (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, MIT, Amherst and Williams.)
Also, I was also disappointed to find that even some schools with not-as-large-as-Harv~ endowments such as Columbia offer need-blindness to Canadians.
But, alas, Stanford does not.
This upsets me.</p>

10

<p>Cornell does too. I believe</p>

11

<p>If you’re a Canadian citizen living in California, you would be under the Canadian category right…?And Canadians are separated from the rest of the Internationals category?</p>

12

<ol>
<li>Yes, even though I’m not living there yet.</li>
<li>In Stanford’s eyes, Canadians are treated the same way as every international applicant.</li>
</ol>