<p>'Typical CC Asian' would be a better description :)</p>
<p>sb- You are smart, involved in a lot of ec's, have a lot of accomplishments, and would obviously succeed almost anywhere..... just like many many many other applicants to the schools you have on your list (which is "prestige-heavy"). But my questions are: What distinguishes you from the others. Where is your real passion? If someone were to refer to you in an admissions committee meeting, how would they 'tag' you? Would they say the smart kid with lots of accomplishments? No, because that would not distinguish you. What really turns you on and how can you get that across to the admissions people? You don't just list science awards, but is there some theme through those awards that illustrate you as a unique person - something that you want to pursue in college and in life? Something you are passionate to accomplish?</p>
<p>If you are choosing a college because of prestige, it will shine through the app, and you will be rejected. If you want a college because that school is something you think is necessary to reach your goals, then that will also shine through. </p>
<p>Think of these questions: How would they refer to your application in a committee discussion and what would you bring to that specific university?</p>
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The open curriculum! And not because I want to avoid taking certain classes.
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<p>If the 'open curriculum' serves any other purpose, I'd love to hear it. By definition the only thing it does is let you avoid taking certain classes.</p>