Hi CC,
I read these forums religiously in junior year, but never posted. When I read posts as a junior of how “2400 hooked legacies” get rejected everywhere, I was pretty depressed. So hopefully I can tell, in a sense, the “other side” of this story.
I’m an international Asian guy who lovesssss math. Never been on national newspaper/cured cancer/won international awards/did IMO/IPho/I-any-O.
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<li>Work Hard. Like, really, really hard.
I seriously decided to apply to US schools in the summer after grade 10. But once I decided, I worked my butt off, i.e. going ham in academics, playing sports, just hustling all around. It’s hard to describe working hard, but let’s just say if you wonder if you’re working hard enough, then you’re not. If y’all are looking for inspiration, check out Eric Thomas videos on YouTube. The dude’s legit.</li>
<li>Be genuinely nice to people.
This doesn’t seem to relate to college apps, but it helps sooo much to have friends and family support you throughout the process. They may not be able to teach you CR vocab or AP materials, but just having them there and rooting you on is worth more than anything. Some of my best friends I have today are those who helped me throughout this process.</li>
<li>Believe in yourself.
This relates back to College Confidential. It’s a great resource, but DO take most things you read on here with a huge grain of salt. Even the “stats”/”results” threads. Sure, they’re probably factual, and the “rejected” posts are probably of hardworking students who didn’t get what they want. But this is your dream and your goal, so nothing and no one should be allowed to ruin it. Call me optimistic, but it’s what gotten me here, and it can get you where you want to go too </li>
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That’s all. Best of luck to the Classes of 2019 and beyond.
Oh and if you were wondering, I’m 40%H/40%P/20%Y right now.