Stanford Chances and Decisions

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi! I am an upcoming senior, applying to college this fall! My dream school has always been Stanford.
I am trying to decide whether or not to apply Early Action or Regular Decision. Does anyone have any insight into one's chances for each? I think it would be best to list my personal achievements so you can give me educated insight into my chances and what I should do.
I go to a fairly small school in little ol' Jackson, CA called Argonaut. Unfortunately, we have literally NO opportunities here, no money, and very few AP classes (after next year I will have taken all). Most good classes are only offered 1 period, so if it doesn't work out, too bad.
I have taken 2 science classes each year and have taken 5 AP classes total.
I have Straight A's and am Rank 1 in my class. As long as I keep all A's next year, I will be Valedictorian.
I have only taken the SAT and ACT once, so I need to again (after studying this time).
SAT: Math 630, Writing 660, Reading 720. Total: 2010
ACT: Math 26, Science 32, Reading 33, English 35. Composite: 32
(I know I need to get my math scores up, etc., with studying, for I have a bad math teacher for all 4 years).
SAT II: Literature 730, Biology E 760
AP Tests: World History 5, Biology 5, U.S. History 4, English Lang/Comp 5, Environmental Science 5
Leadership (Clubs + Sports): Service Club Treasurer, Science Club Treasurer (2 years), Junior Class Treasurer, CSF President (2 years), Founder and President of Aid for Zimbabwe Club, Cross Country team captain, Tennis team captain, Science Bowl Team A Team Captain
Competitions: State Spelling Bee 2 years (placed 10th then 6th), Odyssey of the Mind 2 years (1st at regionals both times), STEM challenge 2 years (placed 4th), Science Bowl Sacramento Regionals 3 times (placed 4th last year), won 3 levels of Lions Club Speech contest
Community Service (Over 150 hours so far, going to get a lot more soon): Rehabilitation of raptors (hawks, owls, falcons) at my house, send hygiene kits to children in Zimbabwe through Mormon church (founded by me), 1 week mission to Mexico, vet clinic, on the 2013 committee for Camp Out for Cancer, Interfaith Food Bank food drives, E-waste drives, river clean-up
Other: COSMOS at UCSC 2011 (Marine Biology, monthlong summer program in dorms), Academic Talent Search Forensics class at Sac State, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), Girls State 1st runner-up</p>

<p>What do you think of my chances at Stanford? Should I apply Early Action or Regular Decision? What do you think I need to improve my chances.</p>

<p>Also, I am taking 3 AP classes for sure next year, and there is a 4th I could take online (AP Statistics), except that the class period conflicts with Student Government/Leadership (I was elected ASB Treasurer next year). Which do you think is more important, which would most add to my resum</p>

2

<p>Stanford: Reach</p>

<p>Don’t send that SAT score in- your ACT is fine. Don’t take the online course, AP Stats isn’t a big deal. </p>

<p>The only downside into applying EA is you won’t be able to apply to any other private school. If you don’t mind that, then go ahead (apply to a couple UCs regular decision for safeties).</p>

3

<p>Both your ACT and SAT are relatively weak for Stanford. Everything else looks fine. If you can raise your ACT a couple points (try to bring the Math over 30) in September, I think you may try SCEA. Otherwise, I would suggest to bring up your scores and do RD. With your current score, the chance for admission is rather low and you may risk to get rejected directly.</p>

4

<p>We just visited Stanford earlier this week. According to the Admissions people, EA doesn’t really buy you anything at Stanford, it just means you cannot apply EA to any other private school. Also, they say the admit rate is pretty much the same (<6%) for EA and RD. You may want to try and raise your scores and apply with your mid-year grades. They also said they don’t actually defer many EA applicants to RD…only a handful.</p>

5

<p>Highish Reach- it will be very hard to get in with those scores…</p>

6

<p>Alright guys, so I know that I really really need to improve my test scores. I went into both those tests first time without studying at all, and like I said I have a really bad math teacher for all 4 years :confused: I am retaking both those tests and I plan to study a lot. I am a pretty good test taker and have always been good at learning math so I should do a lot better. Thanks for the reality checks though.
But test scores aside, what do you think about my extracurriculars? Stanford claims that they are DEFINITELY not based solely on test scores, they like well-rounded people, so what do you think about that part?
I appreciate everyone’s input. Just for any future repliers, please just disregard the not-so-good test scores (I WILL GET THEM UP).
Any other insight into EA vs. RD and AP Stats vs. Student Gov/Leadership?
Thanks again everyone :)</p>

7

<p>RD may be better. You will have a couple extra months to take the tests a couple more times. I wouldn’t apply SCEA to Stanford. There’s a good chance you won’t get in, only 6% do; you should apply EA to your second and third choice schools.</p>