<p>Hi ALL,</p>
<p>Well, I am going to be a senior next fall and I'm really starting to feel the dreaded COLLEGE PRESSURE. I haven't thoroughly researched all my options, but the following colleges are the one's that interests me the most: UPENN, U. of Chicago, JHU, Rice, and UT-Austin. </p>
<p>Now, I've been doing of lot of researching on the general admissions process of each of these university. The usual concepts always surface: Gotta have a solid GPA, SAT scores, outstanding essays and EC's. I understand that concept very well, but I also realize that many of the applicants who apply to top universities have these STATS. How do admissions officers discern which students are right for their college? How do they single handedly pick every student, without acknowledging that the other cannidates are just as qualified? After pondering this information, I came to a unique realization: Most colleges have an Idea of what kind of students they want in their school, its obvious. Thus, in every application, the admissions commitee looks for students who have the same qualities present in their university, or look for students who have a unique perspectives/ ideals that can benefit their institution. In addition, diversity is a key point in a university and most try to represent as many minorities as possible. They also probably look for students who are outstanding muscians, athletes, leaders etc....Most importantly, they look for candidates who are unique, special, insanely bright and innovative; people who are truly going to change this world.</p>
<p>Perhaps, this is why thousands of numerically qualified students get rejected to universities and why other unseemingly candidates get chosen. </p>
<p>I'm sure you all are all thinking, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, but what does this have to do with you or this forum?". The idea is, I don't know how I fit into the mold of each top tier school I've chosen. I haven't quite realized what my true passions are, and I'm not sure what I can bring to the table to a uiversity like Penn. All I know is that I have a 4.0 GPA with an impressive course load( I'll be graduating high school with an Associates from UT at Brownsville). I also know that I have a decent SAT score (1900-2000, I'm not sure because I just took the exam today, but that's my estimate). I am confident, and Intelligent. I know I can think further and deeper than other students my age and I am very driven; once I set my mind to something, there's little anyone can do to stop me. I am focused and mature, and I know that want to be a physician. I want to help others and learn as much as I can about the human body and all of it's mysteries. I want to be able to communicate with patients on a much deeper level, and I want to travel the world using my skills and knowledge to help others ( I guess I do have a passion). I want to volunteer at a hospital, but I do not have the time or transportation, but will that make others think that I only want to be a doctor for the money? I hope not. After all, I do live in an underserved area with limited opportunites...</p>
<p>But how unique am I from the thousands of others who want to do the same? What makes me different? Is it because I'm an African American from Benin, Africa? Or is it because I am a student who thinks beyond her age? Could it be because I am a Saxophonist(first chair two years in a row and in the top band) I do not know, and quite frankly how will the admissions officers? I guess what I'm trying to say is "HOW AM I DIFFERENT FROM THE THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS THAT APPLY?"</p>
<p>That is where I am feeling pressure; to dinstinguish myself from others. To individualize my characteristics from the general population, and to make people see that I am not the average joe.</p>
<p>So, what do you guys think? Do I have a shot at any TOP TIER school? or any ivy leagues?
If you guys want, I can post a bit more stats.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>