so the cycle continues...

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>this is not so much a chances thread, as it is an appeal for information regarding how to improve my application for consideration next fall. I know that these things get tedious to read, but any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated.</p>

<p>Will be applying Yale EA next fall. Also seriously considering Columbia, Cornell, Princeton, Stanford and others. </p>

<p>White Iranian-American Male, Long Island, NY
17yrs, Bilingual (English + Farsi)
Prospective Major: Physics</p>

<p>Stats:
Anticipated Rank: 2/~280, relatively under-achieving public high school
SAT: 700M + 750CR + 800W = 2250
SATII: Bio-M: 750, IIC: 800, Physics: 800
AP: Env. Science: 5, Biology: 5, Phys. B: Will find out in July. 5 Anticipated</p>

<p>Toughest courseload available, taking 4 AP's next year including CalcAB and Physics C</p>

<p>'Legacy': Neither parent attended school in US. Sister -> Cornell U. '07, Brother -> Cornell U. '02, SUNY Buffalo Medical School</p>

<p>EC's: (Abridged)</p>

<p>Science:
Columbia University Science Honors Program: Attend weekly classes in NYC on Particle Physics and Astronomy</p>

<p>10-Day long internship at Brookhaven National Labs last summer building and learning about cosmic ray detectors. Installed them in my HS and collected data throughout year. Will be going to BNL again this summer for a much longer period of time, continuing and expanding my work.</p>

<p>Volunteer Environmental Educator (Through Stony Brook U)
Attended weekly workshops learning about Long Island's groundwater system, and the importance of groundwater conservation. Visit lower schools in district to teach kids about responsibility and conservation...will be doing a few public demos as well.</p>

<p>Music:
Guitar: 10 years private study in classical, jazz and contemporary styles
HS Jazz Ensemble (9, 10), All-County Jazz Ensemble (11, 12) LIKELY All-State Jazz Ensemble Next Year (Received perfect score on entrance evaluation)</p>

<p>Bass: Self-taught during last summer at director's request to fill empty position. HS Jazz Ensemble (11, 12), HS Orchestra and Choir Accompanist</p>

<p>Trombone: 8 years study, HS Wind Ensemble Principal Seat</p>

<p>Computers:
Experienced programmer. ASP, VB, SQL
M.I.S Technican for my school district, working 10 hrs/week...Will be taking over responsibility for district web site
Co-Founded online community site w/brother, net. 180K/year
Started independed online community site, net. 16K/year</p>

<p>Misc: Varsity Track and JV Tennis in 10th grade, 510 hrs. volunteered at local hospital from 9th grade to present, DECA Club, Math Team, Academic Team</p>

<p>...I used to feel fairly confident about my chances, but some the results that have been posted this year have managed to completely destroy that feeling. If you've read this far, I would GREATLY appreciate anything you have to tell me. Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>You have as good a chance as most anyone. However, that means no better than 20%. Do apply, but also do find some other schools you can be happy attending (other than HYPSM). Have at least a couple of schools where you have a better than 50% chance of admission. One should be a near lock.</p>

3

<p>thanks for the feedback.</p>

4

<p>Agreed...you shouldn't have this tunnel-vision of the Ivies. You need to apply to other schools, but also at the same time apply to the Ivies just to see if you are that something special they are looking for. Keep up the good work! Never give up, if it is your passion.</p>

5

<p>im a counselor, and i try to advise my students to "think outside the ivory box" in a brilliant and devilishly perceptive metaphor of my own invention. so, give serious consideration to such gems in the rufffff as:
Penn State
North Carolina State
South Dakota State
Oregon South Central State (this is a really good one, dont let the name deter u, the SAT median is a mindblowing 360!!!!)
ok, so heres some suggestions fro matches/semi-reaches
BUT, on the other paw, a good essay and interview can work wonders at Oregon South Central (OSC) given that u suck up to the interviewers mega-time; good luck with your pursuit of the above holy grails; just remember, not all of us can scale the heights, but for those who do, the bells ring out all the clearer
ciao, and good luck down the "Oregon trail" hahahahahahhahaha</p>