Thinking of applying early to Stanford (but not sure yet)
Senior in High School
Korean Male
US Citizen
Unweighted GPA(out of 4.0): 3.93
SAT: 2400
SAT2s:
Math Level 2 - 800
Korean - 800
Biology - 770
Chemistry - 770
APs: All 5s
Bio, EuroHistory, Chem, USHistory, English Language, Calculus BC/AB
Current Schedule: 7 periods, (5APS, plus 2 extras)
EC: Nothing really strong like Intel or interning for Google. Won some tournaments for Speech/Debate, Karate, and am an active volunteer for 2 organizations. All my activities are really 4 yr or long term commitments. Did some summer programs/camps related to engineering and computer science. Also won a scholarship over senior year summer. Leadership positions for speech and debate. My PSAT is 240 for anyone wondering.
I want to major in Computer Science and Stanford is probably my dream school. Looking at my resume should I apply early for Stanford(restrictive) or should I try a couple other schools instead?
Would love advice or recommendations for other schools!
A very small fraction of 1% of test takers score 2400 on the sat. And that being said you pass getting tossed into the direct reject pile…
Why should Stanford want to accept you?
Your academic credentials are fine. As an Asian male STEM applicant, you will be competing in a very strong subgroup. Where are you from?
Your debate and volunteer ECs give you a nice dimension outside of engineering/CS. Karate is fairly common among Asians.
Think about how you could differentiate yourself. Your essays need to get really personal and show some passion and engagement, but I think your basic credentials are strong enough to give REA a shot.
I’m from the Stanford area in the Bay Area.
I think I can write some very strong and unique essays. I know almost everyone now considers Karate to be really “common among Asians” and quite full of crap(as in some skinny 6th grade asian kid with a black belt).
I’ve competed in full contact fighting tournaments which place minors in age groups. I have gone against burly football players as well as lean killing machines. While I have not been severely injured, I have seen people break ribs, arms and get knocked out. I have also unintentionally hurt opponents–accidentally knocking them out and I once tore someone’s knee/ACL with a kick.
I plan on writing one of my essays on my experiences with competitive fighting and debunking many of the myths associated with modern karate and fighting in general. I think the essay would be very unique and show my character(no I’m not some sadistic, violent sociopath)
Another essay I would write for stanford is on my obsession with running barefoot.
I think it would be pretty personal and different 
It sounds like your karate is at a high level, and the full contact experience may be a twist - I’m not familiar enough with that to say. Just be aware of getting branded - “Asian male STEM for California who does karate” is a tough label. Don’t let your essays become cliche - dig deep and make them personal.
Karate is about control.
What CS awards or accomplishments do you have?
Karate tournaments(point sparring) and full contact are two different things. Point sparring emphasizes control and speed but neglects on many other aspects of fighting like cardio and landing damaging strikes. Karate also does not usually allow knees or elbows. Full contact is different in that you want to disable them efficiently and not take damage. Similar to MMA, but with no grappling–basically kickboxing with elbows and knees.
Well I don’t have any awards for CS if that’s what you mean. I always thought I would be a bio major until recently.
I got kinda interested in CS late sophomore year and I’ve taken online courses for it. Also, this summer I developed an RSA security software and wrote a research paper on it.(through a summer Computer Science program) I’m taking AP CS at my school right now.
Well then, shouldn’t you have done more damage? We see that much injury at traditional tournaments.
Is your research paper submittable, anywhere?
How far did you go in speech and debate?
Do you go to Gunn or Paly?
The worst “injury” I’ve seen at a traditional tournament is a guy getting kicked in the face and getting cut. Also, a few years ago, a dislocated shoulder.
Not sure what you mean here but I could submit it to colleges as a supplemental or extra.
Some semis and finals, plus a first at the Stanford tournament.
Nope neither school wrong area actually
Well, you did say ‘Stanford area’.
No, don’t submit it to colleges unless specifically asked. I was thinking about competitions.
[QUOTE=""]
Why should Stanford want to accept you?
[/QUOTE]
And why CS? Why not entomology?
You tell me. Isn’t that what this forum is for? I think I’m a hardworking student who brings something a bit different to the school.
I find cs challenging and rewarding. Doesn’t hurt that I’m also interested in a lot of cs topics like big data, ai, graphics,etc. Cs is also really good for entreprenerial opportunities
You have top stats, but this is a lottery school.
So would you recommend that I spread myself out and apply to a few schools early instead of stanford? Or just go for the reach school early and hope for the best?
@solar1019, you don’t have to declare a major to apply to Stanford, and given that CS is a relatively new interest for you it might be something that you don’t want to feature, given how Stanford is inundated with applications from people with very heavy CS experience. It’s not a given that you have to have such experience, but realistically, the competition can be fierce.
Your academic qualifications are fine, as I mentioned above, but that’s only a small part of the picture, particularly at Stanford, which tends to emphasize other characteristics. It’s the “I think I’m a hardworking student who brings something a bit different to the school” that you need to refine. “Why should Stanford want to accept you?” is a blunt way of asking what there is different about you that stands out from the hundreds or thousands of other equally qualified applicants. As an Asian with a STEM focus from California you will competing with some ridiculously qualified people. So how you present yourself will be key. You need to rise above the stereotype and present a compelling image of yourself as someone who does indeed bring something a bit different to the school.
[QUOTE=""]
Doesn't hurt that I'm also interested in a lot of cs topics like big data, ai, graphics,etc.
[/QUOTE]
Just a little? I’m being very harsh, but you’re choosing to apply to the big kahuna. Each of the areas you’ve mentioned is BIG. Now we recurse and ask why big data? why ai? why graphics? Do you want to program robots, do image processing, write fast code? Try to be a little more specific.
[QUOTE=""]
Cs is also really good for entreprenerial opportunities
[/QUOTE]
Yes but you can go to a CC and be a technician. The Big Kahuna needs to know why you’re interested in pursuing CS. Please tell us.
The goal here is not to haze you, but to make you sound like more than just your statistics (which are, of course, good).
@solar1019 this is your decision. I personally think it is too risky.
In the debate tournaments or karate matches, did you win at a high level, like regional, state, or national level?
@Data10 once went through a Stanford decisions thread and found that most admit/reject decisions could be predicted on whether the applicant had all three of (a) high grades (>3.8 after 9th grade), (b) high test scores (>2000 SAT or ACT equivalent), and (c) high level achievement in extracurriculars.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/16289290#Comment_16289290
@ballerina16 “Lottery” may be a convenient way to describe it, but it isn’t.
Here’s one approach: apply for early decision and write a thoughtful statement of purpose. Bring up your research in cryptography and have your research advisor write you a letter of reference. Indicate that you are interested in doing research in cryptography and that you would eventually like to pursue graduate studies. Provide a link/citation if you have one.