Some Reassurance

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Hello. I would appreciate any and all opinions on this problem of mine. I have two colleges that are tearing me apart because I can see how I would benefit from both. One of which is MIT and the other of which is Stanford. Therefore, though anyone can comment(if appropriate), I would prefer especially any type of representative of either Stanford or MIT. (I made sure to post this in both the MIT and Stanford forums because I want to get some responses as much on both sides.)</p>

<p>Firstly, I'll tell you all a little about myself:</p>

<p>I am currently a junior in a Massachusetts high school. What I love most about life is representative in my passions which I have tried to have the opportunity to embrace as much as I possible so far. I have fought tooth and nail to really be able to love learning without limit. I have had nothing really set upon my lap; I have worked for everything, and I wish to have as much opportunity out there in where I go. I took upperclassmen classes as a freshman and took AP Calc BC, Physics, and US history last year with which I got all fives. This year I am continuing the dual enrollment I started the summer of my freshman year doing Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, Intro to Philosophy, and Multivariable Calc all this semester. Next semester I am planning to take Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Mathematical Physics. By the end of this year I will have taken six more AP tests, and next year I plan to take six more. As well, I am hoping this summer I can do Analysis, Complex Analysis, and Partial Differential Equations, and in the fall to do Abstract Algebra, Modern Physics, and Metaphysics, and in the spring to do Abstract Algebra II, Topology, and Quantum Mechanics.</p>

<p>I love this stuff. My interests are Mathematics, Physics, Philosophy, and Psychology. I think everything is a type of Philosophy, and I feel everything resonates with me in my passions. I want to go into Theoretical Mathematics, Theoretical(Partical theory, Quantum theory, string theory) Physics, and more of Metaphysics, and Cognitive Psychology. My aspiration is to be a researcher of Mathematics and Physics mostly, maybe guest lecture, and be a writer with which I will have the opportunity to contribute to Philosophy and Psychology and as well share my talent of Poetry.</p>

<p>I have thought for quite some time that I would want to go to MIT and become a researcher there and live there. I love Cambridge and after visiting the campus I can see that the environment is really so so perfect for me. I love to think deeply and almost obsessively about everything. Others find my intensity overwhelming and my passions enveloping. MIT was a place where I felt the curiosity and intellectual stimulation. I loved it, I loved Cambrige(again, I repeat), and I felt at home.</p>

<p>But, I want to get the absolute most out of my education. Because I want to really focus on learning and am sure I will love that and eat it all up and as well considering the possible college credit I may enter with, I would have liked to triple major. Now, I know some of you may tell me that is unreasonable, but it would probably be in Theoretical Math, Focus Physics, and Philosophy. I think I could possibly do that or at least push myself further into my insanity. Either way, great fun! </p>

<p>If I were to double major, I would do it in Math and Physics and probably take a whole lot of Philosophy and Psychology classes. Also, if some of that credit were to be accepted, I would try hard to take graduate level classes in Math and Physics to get a head start. But, I also would like to get degrees in Philosophy and Psychology if I were to in fact have the requirements. I would like suggestions also here.</p>

<p>At Stanford, I would get as much as I put into it. I am not sure, but it seems more flexible in giving credit(and it should be in that some of those classes are EPGY). I haven't been there, but from what I can gather it seems less crazy but more well balanced(as I would like the latter too). I also know that I could do a Math/Physics double major more easily due to having a head start(possibly) and as well the requirements aren't too difficult(not too many relatively). If I had the time then, I might even have the opportunity to try to do the coterminal programs and get a Masters in Philosophy and/or Psychology as well. I looked into the requirements and it seems difficult but not impossible in my case. I would be doing classes all four quarters and for 20 units a quarter for maybe five years. That could possibly yield me( if I truly can get everything out of Stanford)a ba in Math and Physics and as well a ma in Philosophy and Psychology.</p>

<p>With that, I would probably see if I could go to MIT as a graduate for Math for a PhD. Then, later I would be interested in going further with my other degrees as I do research.</p>

<p>But, that is if I do Stanford....which is something I would have never went with a month ago considering MIT by far my dream school. I have always eyed Stanford, but now I am unsure of myself.</p>

<p>Please help me out here. I know I am young and may not know what I am talking about, but please then pity me and help me out. I want to learn. I am just right now unsure of the school I have dreamed of regarding whether they can give me as much as what Stanford could. As for Stanford supporters, please help me understand the school more and what I could get out of that I haven't already said. I want to know all the factors.</p>

<p>To break it down again:</p>

<p>MIT vs Stanford(have loved MIT for so long)</p>

<p>MIT: love the environment and philosophy and openness and the research there
dislike the lack of opportunity to get the most out of my classes</p>

<p>Stanford: love the flexibility and chance to do truly more of what I want to do, also like the well roundedness and variety of interests/passions, also i love learning and sometimes work but I have heard that Stanford isn't as work overwhelming(good thing!)
dislike the seemingly "too chill" character, and really the not MIT part of it, </p>

<p>Need help:</p>

<p>Pros and cons of each school regarding who I am as a student/person
Things that would compensate cons, make bigger the pros I could take advantage of
Any other things, like corrections of my foolishness but no harsh words or anything please</p>

<p>Thank you very much!</p>

2

<p>OK I’m not a school representative but with all those extremely advanced classes that you’re taking are you doing anything else, like sports, instruments, clubs, community service, school service, leadership positions or employment? I’m scared for you because you never mention any of these things and they are outrageously essential for acceptance into the tier one schools. And if you don’t have them then there’s still some time because you’re only a junior. Without these other components you will be viewed as extremely one dimensional. I’m not trying to be pessimistic its just that my S’s graduating class has a few kids that were similiar to you, in that they took tons of AP’s and excelled in all of them and actually had a very difficult time getting into top schools. Mind you they were the valedictorian and saludatorian and another kid ranked in the top 10 students out of over 600. Each one of these kids only were accepted into one school out of all their appliacation submissions. We were all shocked because they were brainiacs, hardworkers and extremely motivated but they didn’t come across as well rounded. Needless to say they were all devastated. So please be careful…</p>

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<p>P.S. For what its worth the only school that one of the kids did get into was MIT.But he was declined from Stanford. I know for a fact that Stanford wants more EC’s. They truly value a well balanced individual. The other two boys didn’t get into either Stanford, nor MIT, Princeton, Yale, or Harvard. The valedictorian got into Dartmouth and the other kid get into Columbia. Certainly great schools but the scary part was they didn’t get in anywhere else. They had no choices.</p>

4

<p>Sorry for that. I spent the time focusing on the things I really care about especially for what I want to do(occupationally) and went about this on the possibility I do get accepted to both. </p>

<p>As for the full picture of who I am:</p>

<p>I am a master of Tae Kwon Do and have been doing it since I was nine. I have helped out my martial arts class(for quite some time) and loved doing that. I have been an active part of leadership being a member since freshman year in Student Council and my Class Council. Also, I am a member of the Interact Club(and plan to be president next year) at my school and have helped out with the Special Olympics all throughout high school as well as other though lesser known projects. I love tutoring and love to work in changing how my school works. This year I will be the Co Founder of the National Mathematics Honor Society(Mu Alpha Theta) along with the Math department head(and because of that the president too of it). I also plan to be apart of the NHS and some other societies. This year, and I also plan to do it next year, I am(and hope to be)a confirmation leader at my parish. That is a really time consuming job as it is every week for the whole year with retreats and other things on top of that. As for other things, I am learning to play piano this year, continue to read poetry of mine at coffee houses, and am in chorus this year and next so I can try to learn how to sing(as I have never tried before). These are as well apart of my passions that I wish to develop and I believe show my many sides of interest and curiosity. Next year, I am also taking electives as well as everything else(instead of doing honors classes) like Art History, Asian Studies, and American Sign Language. All because I want to.</p>

<p>I hope this helps you out in order to understand me better.</p>

<p>Any other questions/comments/concerns?</p>

5

<p>OK so you are pretty amazing!! Do you sleep? My only question is this- When do you get to be a kid? When do you act 16 or 17? I feel that you take on a tremendous load but in the end may, unintentionally, come across as someone who lacks for a “passion”. I know you’re thinking I’m crazy for saying this because you’re ‘passion’ is doing all these things, but there’s no main focus. There isn’t ‘one’ main area that drives you and motivates you to the point of taking things to the next level. </p>

<p>Do you understand? I swear I’m not trying to be mean (you are fantastic) but in two postings you speak about levels of math that are incomprehensible to the average person, to philosphy, poetry, psychology, martial arts, singing, religion, art history, sign language etc etc etc. The list goes on and on. You are a jack of all trade and perhaps even a master of many but in the same respect you are spread out all over the place with no clear direction. Even according to your own words you want to major in 3 or 4 very distinctly different areas. </p>

<p>A love for learning is great and even a gift. However, you need to think about narrowing your scope. Again, as a junior iyou have the time to develop a few of these areas that you’re curious about and move forward. </p>

<p>For example, as a master in Tae Kwon Do maybe you can begin you’re own program, where you give lessons to underpriviledged kids for free. Raise money so that you can purchase equipment, like mats or punching bags etc. Get a sponsor. Help build character and confidence in these kids. Give them an outlet for their energy and a place to come after school, rather then hanging out on the streets. Offer them free tutoring too. </p>

<p>Thats just an example of how you can take your passion and make a mark in your community. Instead of doing tons of things that just take up lines on a resume sheet, fill your resume with things that you have created. Use your gifts, talents, and time to make a difference. By doing so it demonstrates your ability to be creative, share your passion, interact with indivduals, leadership, community service and hardwork ethic.</p>

<p>I hope this helps.</p>

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<p>^He has his whole life to do things like that :slight_smile: Nothing wrong with waiting till you’re older to make an impact, because–as you put it–you need time to “be 16 or 17.” You are giving good advice though.</p>

<p>I second Dungaree’s comment that you’re amazing. Just try not to lose yourself in all of this :slight_smile: </p>

<p>-CoughshamelessplugforReedCollegewithassurancethatyou’llbeamazingwhereveryouendupCough-</p>

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<p>^ You’re right. I confused the matter. What I want to say is chill out. Enjoy being a teenager. Take some time to exhale and instead of doing a tons of things, bring it down to one or two and do them well.</p>

<p>Is that better… sorry:(</p>

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<p>^I wasn’t yelling at you! That was more trying to reassure acasadonte. We’re on the same page :)</p>

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<p>^ I know and I appreciate the fact that you mad that point. </p>

<p>In the long run I just want acasadonte to feel good about his/her accomplishments.</p>

10

<p>Oh my god, I love you guys. Well, you can call me Anthony. But, I would like to address all of this since you both put so much heart and sincerity in your embracing my post and also…the effort first to read it.</p>

<p>Thank you for all the flattering opinions: that I am amazing and such. But, in fact, I want you to know that I do not do what I do just because I like it and that I think I am amazing in what I do and get amazing results(etc etc), but I do what I do thinking that I am not at all amazing but much more importantly that I am not amazing enough(I am proud of that reason)! I will elaborate on this, so hold on and be patient. :)</p>

<p>I do not think you are crazy Dungareedoll. I understand your perspective of how my passions are atypical and therefore seem to be obscured and then lead to an opinion(by most)that I lack passion. But, see me in a room, meet my gaze, or just hear my voice, and I assure you that I will ooze passion. I see that on paper I may not seem to have it so much so as those that do the types of things you suggest, but I have that passion and I find it to be oddly enough somewhat narrow in theory! haha</p>

<p>When I said, I do things because I like them and find myself not to be amazing enough, there is a greater truth in that. My quest and adventure for growth and knowledge is apart of my spiritual and philosophical belief set(that I have created for myself) in that I feel that there is a duality between what the world creates, inspires, and develops, or more so what it gives, and what I create, inspire, and develop, or rather what I give to the world. The world may give me knowledge, but knowledge is special to me in that I can give with it, through inspiration, through development, through creation. I love to learn not only because it empowers me but more so externally how it empowers me to move the world and so give back. I feel that I am not amazing enough because I do not give back as much as I so receive, I do not inspire as much as I am so beautifully inspired, and I do not change and create as much as how beautifully the world and things have so changed and created the person I am now. That is a gift I have been so blessed with that draws me to give to others. I feel not amazing enough, not deserving of things at all, in that I feel so blessed by things that in order to feel so deserving I must return the blessing at least in how much they have been a blessing to me.</p>

<p>I aspire to inspire and to create. I absorb and embrace knowledge for it makes me so happy and at a greater, deeper peace of existence with the world. I am then motivated and inspired to have the opportunity to absorb and embrace knowledge in that not only I can obtain that and develop that which I had so stated before, but in that much more so I can then share that happiness and peace with others. My knowledge to become their knowledge. My happiness: their own. My passion is to share the blessing and divinity of this world and the sacred things in it with the inspiration of perspective. I wish to offer my perspective and create things that hold the perspective I have been blessed with that has made my world so fulfilling and special to me so that others may have the opportunity to have that same happiness and fulfillment. My passion is to develop and learn to share that perspective with others.</p>

<p>Well, I have been doing that my whole life. My inhalation to absorb and to feel blessed with, to receive, and my exhale, to inspire and to give. That is what I love doing and what I have had fun with. I could certainly hold a certain happiness in a moment playing football with friends, but I choose to hold another type of happiness, the same type of happiness I wish to give to others. The one for example I did not expect to have in one instance so far this year. I have never sung before this year, though I have been so inspired with all the beauty and feeling of singing, its passion. That is why I wanted to learn. Two weeks ago I felt a happiness that was truly invigorating and one that made everything look so new and so special. I had finally witnessed in that day how much I had grown to recreate that beauty that I hear in the voice and in song. I began to appreciate and like my voice and feel inspired by it. And, in knowing that, I felt like I could inspire others somewhat as I have been inspired by the beauty I see in the voice of passion. That did it for me. So, certainly I could play football and be 17, but why do that when I can have a piece of heaven on earth?</p>

<p>My focus and direction is this. My love and single passion is this. I find in all things I have passion and direction through this. I wish to major in maybe three, four things because I want to develop myself as much as I can for others. Like my poetry, I wish to paint with the colors of who I am, as I do with my words, a sea of inspiration and beauty for others. I go crazy if I cannot take something that is special to me and channel it through my expression for the purpose of making it special to others. In that I do this, I take upon me no great load unless it is but the burden of being limited to do this very thing. I do what I do and want to do it because of all of that. I am not just interested and curious about things, but with the inspiration of them, I am apart of them and they apart of me. Their part in me is special and makes me deeper and happier. I wish to provide for those things which are apart of me the same depth and happiness I receive by being apart of them. That is why I wish to study those things. Those things(psychology, philosophy, mathematics, and physics)are at the root of my passions and my perspective. They are also all one in the same and with union with each other. I see as much a physics of psychology as a mathematics of philosophy and even a philosophy of mathematics and a psychology of physics. That is why I love the theoretical and abstract. That is why I wish to research and then be able to maybe guest lecture, write books, and write poetry and of course discuss with other researchers and thinkers.</p>

<p>So I shall say one last thing: that a love of learning is indeed a gift, but, to me, it is a great, but necessary, burden if I am unable to share that love. What I want to do is share that love and develop it further so I have more to share. And, if I can share and give as much as is shared with me and as much as I have received, I can say I am worthy of the gift and it is truly a gift that I am proud and happy to have.</p>

<p>If any of you wants to talk with me more in depth, which I would be happy to do, you can skype me(skype name: anthonycasadonte) if you have one. Or, you can also reply, but I am just saying that I wouldn’t mind talking instead of spending so much time typing.</p>

<p>Thank you guys again and especially you Dungareedoll for caring so much! :D</p>

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<p>Haha I wish my webcam still worked, otherwise I’d add you on Skype in an instant. I wanna say some things that wouldn’t really be appreciated here (not because they’re insulting to Stanford or anything, though). I’ll PM you.</p>

12

<p>Thank you! But, you can still add me for a skype audio call! But, I would appreciate a PM too. Thank you. :)</p>

13

<p>Hahah no mic. My laptop’s fairly basic :P</p>

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<p>Wow!!! You are fascinating. That is a truly amazing outlook on life. I wish more people felt like you. And for what its worth, I think, unknowingly, you just wrote your college essay :)</p>

<p>Good luck with everything. I can’t skype on my computer but keep up the good work. You’re an inspiration to all.</p>