Stanford University Transfer Hopeful? Chance me please?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

Hello everybody,

As you can see by the thread title, I am a applying as a transfer student to Stanford University.

So here is a little about myself:

Right out of high school I joined the Army. For four years I spent my time deployed in Afghanistan as a medical infantryman with the 82nd Airborne division. For the previous two years after departing the Army, I have spent my time in college at Hamline University, a private liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minnesota and I’m currently majoring in Biochemistry. But I have felt that this college isn’t fitting my academic standards nor is it allowing me the chance to do what I want which is researching cancer cells and infectious diseases.

So some stats about me:

Race: Hmong (a minority within the Asian-American community)
Personal Income: $250,000 +
Parent’s Income: >$30,000

High School
High School GPA: 3.21 UW

Nothing really extraordinary here

SAT I: 1660 (original score in high school)

College
College GPA: 4.00 UW (Summa cum laude distinction)
Current courses:

Honors Multivariable Calculus
Honors Advanced Organic Chemistry I
Honors Advanced Human Diseases and Infections
Creative Fiction Writing
Honors Advanced Cell and Genetic Biology

SAT I: 2310 (retaken during freshman year in college, and yes I felt really awkward while taking it)

SAT IIs:

Mathematics II: 780
Mathematics I: 800
Chemistry: 800
Arabic: 800

Applying for financial aid: Yes.

Extracurriculars:

I started a non-profit free mental health clinic in Minneapolis to help veterans suffering from PTSD and other traumatic experiences.

I founded a computer security and programming business here in Minneapolis. The company generates more than $10 million in revenue each year and is one of the fastest growing companies in Minneapolis.

As said before, I do my conduct my own research on cancer cells with the minuscule funding from my college and also from my income generated through my business.

I volunteer every weekend at a VSC (veteran service center) at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College, tutoring mathematics, science, and writing subjects.

Special things about me?:

I can speak five languages fluently: English, German, French, Arabic and Spanish.

I am a avid charcoal drawer, my interest in this includes drawing hyper-realistic drawings of the human body and face. Some of my drawings have sold for $1,000+ at art shows.

I had a pretty rough high-school life, which I began working a full-time job at age 14 to help my parents pay for their mortgage, medications, and food.

I’m a black-belt in Taekwondo.

Also, from my military distinctions, I have earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart while in Afghanistan.

Thanks everybody!

2

@VeteranStudent. I rarely chance any student on CC…and first and foremost, I must commend you for your outstanding service for our country right out of high school!

Having read through your profile…you show great maturity, depth of purpose, and have a very interesting and highly COMPELLING application.

If your essays and recommendations are just as poignant and striking as your accomplishments during and after your great service to our country…representing the best qualities than spans dedicated community service to entrepreneurial success to biological research…

I would not be surprised that you are under SERIOUS consideration to join the incoming transfer class!

Best wishes and good luck!

3

I agree with @gravitas2 Your qualifications and background seem very compelling.

Based on what I’ve read, I don’t think your parent’s income will play any role in your financial aid. I don’t believe you are still considered a dependent.

Best of luck!

4

You have a very compelling profile, but I am confused as to why you would want to even go to Stanford or any college at that. You already have a million dollar start up. Why go to Stanford where you would like be a full pay student. You are currently living the life most Stanford applicants are trying to get!

5

@CaliCash. I’m sorry, but contrary to popular belief some students actually want to attend Stanford to get a great liberal education with the opportunity to focus on any of its top ranked departments in ALL areas of human endeavor that opens up their horizons even more…not all Stanford students want to become a high tech entrepreneur/venture capitalist…

6

And…going back to my original point about why this applicant is particularly COMPELLING…is because he is independently financially successful as it is (he definitely doesn’t need a college degree for affirmation)…but, he wants to continue his education at a challenging outside-the-box thinking institution that represents the pinnacle of this new century…that makes it even more compelling!

7

Wow, thank you for your chance gravitas42. I’m quite flattered by your responses. I never really thought of my ambitions as a compelling story. Thanks.