<p>I suppose this is some what like the typical chance me threads. I'm more wondering whether or not I should bother paying the 90 dollars to apply. I recently applied to Carnegie SCS and I was denied admission- but I have legacy to Stanford. My mom also worked there for a few years for Campus Police/disaster preparedness. </p>
<p>I'm sure most of this has to do with my 2030 SAT and 3.7GPA. My SAT breakdown is: 730 Reading, 680 Math, 620 writing. </p>
<p>Subject tests: 680 Math II, 700 Physics</p>
<p>Although unlikely, I have a plethora of EC worth noting including winning second place at a National Science Fair my freshman year, attending the White House Science Fair for a telepresence robot I designed and then tested with the elderly, being on an FRC team for 4 years, being published by Intel twice, creating a robotic nurse, being chosen to be on a soon to be aired TV show like fashion runway except making, being chosen to mentor a contest for disney, etc. </p>
<p>I guess I just never felt like it was worth spending my time studying for the SAT as its really supposed to test aptitude.. I much rather spend my time working on expanding my real world skills. In retrospect, im not sure that was the correct path. But too late now!</p>
<p>I did an on campus interview which I think went pretty well, and my why carnegie essay was extremely good..</p>
<p>I'm taking both AP Physics courses right now in addition to AP Calculus AB. I've already taken AP Computer science.</p>
<p>Is it worth $90? What schools are good at computer science and could be considered likely/safety? </p>
<p>first of all, congratulations on your accomplishments! they are truly amazing :)</p>
<p>secondly, yes i definitely think you should apply even with (in top college standards) mediocre scores/grades. stanford is one of the few top colleges that takes a holistic approach. they care a LOT about the person themselves and what they will do/accomplish at the school. meaning they are heavily interested in what the student does outside of the classroom. your ec’s may just be able to make up for your other lacking areas. stanford is no guarantee for anyone and nobody truly knows how the admission process will go, but i think it’s worth a shot no matter what. you’ll regret it down the road when you see friends/family get in and you’ll wonder what could’ve happened if you applied. you would not be the first student to get in with those scores; there are those few students out there who have outstanding ec’s and colleges can’t help but recognize their extraordinary skills. if nothing else, you’ll learn a good lesson and move on knowing you tried your best. </p>
<p>Thanks so much for the reply. It’s hard wondering “do I think too much for myself” I guess I just wanted to hear that I wasn’t crazy from someone else.</p>
<p>@benx97 I totally get it, I’m applying just based off my EC’s (and we have practically the same stats–so weird LOL) as well haha. I’ve heard too many stories of people getting in solely on amazing EC’s to not give it a shot. In fact, it just happened at my school last week with a girl who had mediocre scores (worse than us) and she got in REA for her EC’s. so it happens!! </p>