Question(s) about Stanford from a HS Junior- please help!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Hi, I'm a junior from a public highschool in the midwest, Stanford being my dream school.</p>

<p>I have a 3.642 GPA(9-11) as of the completion of 1st semester. I have a huge upward trend, from a 3.27(Freshmen Year)->3.796(Sophomore Year)->4.18(currently, Junior year) estimated GPA at the end of Junior year is 3.742, and first term senior year about 3.780. </p>

<p>My class rank is iffy at the moment, at 130/550(23.6%), it will be very close to top 10%(probably will make the 10% boundary, but definately not under 5%) at the end of first term senior year I estimate, but this obviously worries me. My UW GPA for Stanford(10-11) is about 3.935, weighted around 4.1 much higher than my GPA at my HS.</p>

<p>I have a 35 ACT, 800 SAT Math IIC, and taking SAT in late January.</p>

<p>Extra Curriculars:
Speech and Debate(attended Stanford Debate camp twice, definately using in my essay- had a very enlightening experience, will probably qualify to NFL nationals this year- I've been doing very well in my district, forgive the arrogance)
Current Affairs Club(applying for officer position)
Community Service Club(also applying officer position)
Foreign Language Club
Foreign Language Honors Society
National Honors Society
Varsity Tennis(not good enough for recruit)</p>

<p>I have also an upward trend in the rigor of courses. From no honors freshmen and senior year, to five AP's junior year(only person to take that many), and probably six senior year(I've slacked for two years, time for a change)</p>

<p>SummerCamps: I am applying to TASP, MITES, Stanford Summer College, JSA, and NLSC. I will have an internship at my parent's law firm over the summer also.</p>

<p>As for maths, I qualified to AIME(10) last year, and am studying again this year- I was close to USAMO last year, I hope I can make it this year.</p>

<p>Taking 3 AP tests at the end of this year, and 5 at the end of senior year. I'm a good test taker, so I assume 4-5's(once again, forgive the arrogance)</p>

<p>I'm just wondering if Stanford really will be out of my reach- this is the school of my dreams, and have already spent six weeks at it- willing to spend eight more over this summer, DEFINATELY.</p>

<p>Any tips or advice for someone incredibly worried about making it? Could I possibly omit my rank? Is there really anything I can do? Any and all posts are so very much appreciated, thanks a TON.</p>

2

<p>Don't bother taking the SAT dude. You'll most likely make your 35 ACT look bad unless you get a 2350+ SAT I score. Study for maybe a couple more SAT II's and you're set.</p>

3

<p>what about the GPA and Rank?? :(</p>

4

<p>Sadly, effective time machines aren't available on eBay yet. You still have a decent chance to improve your GPA and rank, though. + recent 4.0s will make you look very good. + Your ACT says alot = your current 3.6 can be easily overturned.</p>

<p>Some schools have APs with 6.0 possible in them, does your school offer any of those?</p>

<p>I posted a link in the transfer forum to a guide about transfer admission to Stanford, but I'm sure it has good info about admission in general.</p>

<p>Finally, come up with/attain a geniune 'hook' and emphasise it without lying. Google around generously and learn the how-to's.</p>

5

<p>It's all dependent on your essays, methinks.</p>

6

<p>Your ACT/SAT 2 scores are excellent. I agree with EAD that you should not take the SAT I with a 35 ACT (as long as the 35 includes writing). Take two other SAT 2s that you are likely to do well in instead. Your GPA is in range and if you are able to go to TASP, you will have an excellent chance. In regards to your rank, as long as you are within the top 10%, you should be OK.
I would encourage you to visit Stanford, if you have not done so, to confirm that it is your dream school. Also, keep in mind that admission to a school like Stanford is not guaranteed, even for candidates like you who have really good stats. Make sure that you apply to three or four other schools that would meet your needs, including at least one "safety" school.
Good luck!</p>

7

<p>Here's one thing to be careful about - doing summer programs (like SNFI or taking summer classes) at Stanford does not guarantee admission. From what I've seen, it doesn't even dramatically improve your odds of admission. Stanford simply doesn't care that you've spent a summer or two there before; unless you can get a good, thoughtful rec from a Stanford professor (very unlikely, I'd think), don't expect it to weigh tremedously in your favor.</p>

<p>I think qualifying for NFL nats and then placing well (like, top 10) would go a long way towards making your application. From anecdotal evidence, however, I've definitely seen many good debaters who placed very well at nats get rejected from Stanford - not really sure why this is, perhaps they presented themselves poorly on the application, who knows.</p>

8

<p>Stanford Admissions Office.....where awesome applications go to get rejected</p>

<p>Don't make the mistake of ever ever ever saying/thinking/feeling/sensing that Stanford is your dream school, no matter how impressive your stats. Unless you are a URM, don't count on getting in.</p>

9

<p>^^ one can still consider it to be one's dream school. Hell, even the kid with a 1.5 GPA can dream of Stanford. =p</p>

10

<p>PT1429, don't listen to oracle1's negativity - he sounds like he is bitter. Again, you have impressive stats and the only way that you are going to fulfill your dream is by applying. Good luck!</p>

11

<p>Indeed. You certainly don't have to be a URM to get in... that is nonsense... I can tell you right now that I'm Asian and a girl across the hall from me is Caucasian. The majority of the campus is made of Caucasians and Asians, I believe.</p>

<p>Of course, it is unfortunately true that there is not enough room for all the awesome applicants. However, bear in mind that 2,465 wonderful applicants DID get in this year... although it's hard to get in, it's not as if "no one" can. Keep up the hope, and work hard. I agree very much with MSMDAD; you can't succeed unless you try. If you don't try, you've already failed, and can you live with that?</p>

12

<p>apply for RSI if it isn't too late.</p>

13

<p>i don't mean to be bitter, but from friends of mine who have had their hearts broken from Stanford-- just don't fall in love with it because it is tough (amazing school, just very competitive)</p>

14

<p>Stanford does not consider 9th grade GPA. That should make you feel way better.</p>

15

<p>Apply ..and make sure to pour your heart out on the essays. Good luck.</p>