<p>"Don't rely on race to get in, as Sephiroth advised, but race does matter. My opinion is that if you are not an URM, then there is a total different ball game for you. We are Asians from a comperative district, and my child got into 5 out of 10 schools he applied. Among them, 1 for 1 safety, 1 for 1 match, 2 for 2 lower reaches (Berkeley and Middleburry), and 1 for 6 high reaches (2 waiting lists). He has almost perfect GPA and SATs, a national merit scholar semi-finalist, and good activities too. If he didn't pick more high reach schools at the time, he would have to settle for a lower reach school."</p>
<p>Yes, but how many asians have those same stats? The trick to getting in isn't necessarily that one dimensional. (i.e. I have higher stats so I get in) It is more about distinguishing yourself that getting stats.</p>
<p>Here's my take on it. Colleges want "diversity" but that is a general term that extends beyond just race. I like to imagine applicants as competing against clones moreso than the whole applicant pool. There is someone bound to be nearly the same as you so the one with stronger stats gets in. The problem with the asian applicant pool is that they often focus on (stereotypes aren't always true, but there normally is some truth to them) math/science with high grades; essentially, they excel in many of the same areas. There are asians that get into good schools with "low" stats as well, which, according to popular thought, cannot be explained except with legacy, money, etc. The truth is, that those asians with subpar stats get in because they were different and were academically strong, but not necessarily perfect. The reason URM's get in easier (I hate to say this because it is not true since people go based off of stats solely) to top schools is because fewer apply therefore the chance for one to stand out and be unique is much greater. There are only a finite number of traits that can make up an applicant--the greater the pool the harder it is to stand out because of a particular trait.</p>
<p>If you are low income then the applications that would normally cost like $50 won't cost you anything? Which is why most people say that if you are looking for financial aid then its alright to apply to many schools? Or is there another reason behind this?</p>
<p>"If you are low income then the applications that would normally cost like $50 won't cost you anything? Which is why most people say that if you are looking for financial aid then its alright to apply to many schools? Or is there another reason behind this?" A-san</p>
<p>Personally to help answer your question, I was a low income applicant and i was able to get all of my 8 applications waived... (by low income I mean less than 25kper year for fam of 4)...... umm honestly there's no way i would have ever been able to pay for the applications if it were not for the fee waivers....
soo def take them if you can get them...</p>
<p>Also, I would strongly advise seniors applying to college to look for FIT...you have to figure out what you want in a school.....
please do not base it purely on ranking/ prestige... you must find somewhere where you will thrive..... i am extremely happy with my choice and am glad taht i took the time to research and find the right school for me... honestly, i couldnt see myself at any other school..... but anyhow good luck to you seniors..</p>
<p>Another reason low income students should apply to many schools is that certain college may offer better financial aid than other schools. One school may offer half tuition, while another will pay for 75% of it. Check it out.</p>
<p>Thank you! You're like my intellectual soul mate. In a couple hundred words you said everything I've been trying to tell my friends for the past couple weeks as we go through the admissions process. I do have one comment though:</p>
<p>"The problem with the asian applicant pool is that they often focus on (stereotypes aren't always true, but there normally is some truth to them) math/science with high grades."</p>
<p>You probably shouldn't complain about people being upset with affirmative action, and then go about sterotyping people. That person has a legimitimate concern: affirmative action isn't fair (and of course its mostly for rich, white atheletes and legacies so the race "issue" isn't even the real problem)!</p>
<p>All of your points are valid, but studies that attempt to control those factors (and yes, that is difficult) coupled with the blunt statements from admissions officers and former officers (e.g. Michelle Hernandez) show clearly that race DOES matter completely aside from that minorities are, well, different. Plus, the color of one's skin have to do with the diversity you were talking about. That is personality and character, you were talking about substantive things that actually matter!</p>
<p>I agree with just about everything you said- except the part about waiting until you're a junior. While a freshman or sophomore shouldn't ask about chances (it's too early to know), they should be looking in that general direction. If you don't think about what you want to do to get into colleges until junior year, it's way to late at that point. A lot of people would save themselves a lot of trouble if they followed your advice- especially about realizing that no one's guaranteed into any school except safeties, there are always weird things that happen in admissions processes.</p>
<p>oh damn, i was reading this, and then i realized who you are seprioth. i won't say for anonymous purposes i suppose, but im sure you can guess who this is based on my sn. ha, your thread made the the homepage of the cc forum. take care man.</p>
<p>You fill me with hope. I was very worried about my less than perfect grades in 10th, but after seeing your 2s I am filled with hope (mine were a bit better). And even I won competitions!! wow!! And my SAT score was 2170... God bless you... I still have a chance...</p>
<p>Sepiroth I am having a tough time on my college admission essays... please help me... I really can't understand what to write and I am worried I will sound all fake....</p>
<p>jdhutching, the reason I say wait until you are a Junior is because, although it is late to adjust yourself to get into top colleges if you're not already on track, you shouldn't have to adjust yourself. The point is to get in because you are smart and do what you love and go at your own pace. If you do this you will find the right college, whereas if you try to be something you're not and force yourself into one of the top 25 colleges you will, in my opinion, do worse and be more unhappy.</p>