Is being a recent immigrant a hook ?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I learned through CC that URM is a major hook, but I have the detriment of being Asian. However, I am not a native-born Asian; I have only been to the U.S for 5 years. Basically, I am like another Lucasz Zbylut with an unpleasant test score (does anyone know what he got on his SAT? )
Now, let's say I got a 2250, which is not a desirable score, on my SAT (most of the point deficit came from CR ), but manage to graduate as #1 of my semi-competitive public high school (around 6 National Merit Scholars/year) with a weighted numeric GPA of 106.45 and score 5s on all of my AP tests (11 APs upon graduation). Assuming that my essays are sincere (not great, as I am not a good writer, but really sincere. My counselor cried when she read them) and my recommendation letters are great, do I have any chance for getting into Stanford EA?
After I saw CCers' stellar test scores, I feel like I have no chance of getting in . With my SAT score as my only weakness, should I retake the test in December and apply for regular decision? I am afraid being rejected in the early round would leave me devastated since Stanford has always been my dream school. </p>

<p>Also, I am a first-generation college student from a low income family. If my chance is higher than 30%, I will go ahead and apply. :]</p>

2

<p>Recent immigrant is not a hook. If you're not a permanent resident or citizen that will make things exponentially more difficult for you, since you'd be considered an International. First-generation and low income are both boosts, though. </p>

<p>Stanford EA is rough; it's really just accept or reject, very few deferrences. When you say that you're like Lucasz Zbylut, do you mean the awards and ECs as well? If so then you have as good of a chance as everyone else, if you don't have any ECs that's going to be a major problem.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, I definitely think you have great chances.
I don't think being a recent immigrant is a hook, but the fact that you excelled so much even though you are not native will look extremely good.
Good luck!!!</p>

4

<p>I am a permanent resident, therefore, not an international.
As for ECs, I am leading most of the science/math related clubs/organizations at my school and have won 2nd place at international science fair (I am heavily involved with independent research since physics is my greatest passion). I think my grades are okay, 99 unweighted and 106.45 weighted.
Thank you for your encouragements.</p>