<p>Thanks for all the comments!
Elodie-yeah, I've heard great things about Chicago and Cornell. I'm sure it'd still be very competitive to get into those (especially for science or engineering!) but they might be a bit less of a reach than the others; I'm definitely considering applying there. As for financial aid, I'll probably apply but not get much (or any)... I guess we'll just have to wait and find out how the money thing turns out.
MzLover3 - I understand what you mean... but at the same time, I'd like to think I'm not just "another Asian". While I'll probably be compared to other applicants, many of who will be Asians with similar interests, I'm hoping/thinking that they won't see that I'm an Asian and I play the violin and just disregard me as a person. (Maybe it's a little harsh to say violin is an ANTI-hook? Even if it doesn't help me, I doubt it'd hurt) And you're right, I'm not hugely outstanding in the high-caliber sea of applicants; and I'm not expecting to be "truly SAFE" to anywhere.
I'm just doing what I love, and if colleges like me for it, so be it. If not, I'm sure I'll live.</p>
<p>Just got back my Jan Writing SAT II score - 800.</p>
<p>Still open to any suggestions of other match or match/reach schools to consider. Thanks :)</p>
<p>Your 800 on SAT 2 Writing doesn't help or hurt your chances at the Ivies because its all going to come down to the essays at this point. Remember, Harvard rejects half of its valedictorians/4.0ers.</p>
<p>This person is lying</p>
<p>I recall a recent post by a Harvard alum and interviewer saying she comes across lots of Asian violinists; the parents start early thinking it'll be the hook down the line, but they all have the same idea. Personally I admire the dedication but it might not help much, hopefully you are continuing 'cause you like it.</p>
<p>I don't think there's any doubt you'll get into one or more top school, like HYPSM, most likely not all of them even with your amazing record. So as long as you don't fall totally in love with just one school, like Harvard, I don't see how you can miss.</p>
<p>she's lying</p>
<p>"she's lying"</p>
<p>I thought so too at first, too perfect, maybe I'm wrong but other than that I'm guessing she's for real.</p>
<p>over these days there were people posting fake posts with similar stats and so i believe this post is a complete lie.</p>
<p>
[quote]
You have the same chance as most applicants (ultra-qualified whites and asians) in the HYPSM lottery. Sorry to burst your bubble.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>MzLover3, I think you must have missed something.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Boston University Tanglewood Institute (in MA) (Summer 2004)
Advanced String Quartet Institute at Interlochen Arts Camp (in MI) (Summer 2003) - Only 16 violinists accepted nationwide
[/quote]
</p>
<p>From being a musician myself, I know that getting into Interlochen is RIDICULOUS. This is not something that everyone in "a sea of asians" can do. If you can get into Interlochen, you're more than just a violin god. </p>
<p>Saying that Interlochen doesn't make this applicant stand out is like saying that getting to the International Math Olympiad is like winning a school-wide award.</p>
<p>Joey</p>
<p>dont u think this person is a troll?</p>
<p>What a horrible post, MZLover. You have some valid points, but you're trying to make her feel bad.</p>
<p>Ok, you've got some really great things going for you. Although sometimes I think a 1590 is safer - that is, colleges don't love bragging about how many of you they reject - that 1600 is a sweet, sweet thing. It has the ring of perfection, which of course, you seem to be following. Your readers had better have a pretty good reason for rejecting a 1600/800 x 4, where it seems your'e heading. The nice converse of Harvard's rejecting half of their 1600s is that they accept half of them; you're already looking very excellent as a pure academic admit. And rest assured, all the top places DO have pure academic admits; they just have far fewer of them than hooked admits, and it's probably more random/based on essays at the very higheset level of the academic pool.</p>
<p>In the next part of your application, I think much of how you're construed musically will depend on who reviews you. From what I can see, and what I know of music programs, your music accomplishments are hella impressive, but not godly. Godly, in my book, is the sort of shelved insta-admit that I'm pretty sure happens occasionally at the elites, no matter what drivel they try to sell; top debaters, opera singers, IMOers get that magical nod, I'm sure. The stereotype of the Asian math, violinst might intially hit a reader not quite as immersed in the music culture as say, an evaluator purely focused on a music program. Then again, you're a VERY compelling pure academic admit.</p>
<p>By the way, I noticed you took AP Calc BC in your sophomore year. That's great - did you continue taking math classes, like Multivariable Calculus/Differential Equations? That would be very excellent, because the higher you go up the math ladder, from what I've seen, the more chance the college has to go for a pure academic admit. </p>
<p>All in all, I think you're pretty golden. People on this website often tend get dazzled at the very highest level of performance, which you are clearly at, so try to ignore "you're going to get in everywhere!" mentality. It can really get to you if you search for it too often.</p>
<p>Being as honest and forthright as possible, I think your only fairly probable chances of rejection are at four schools: Harvard (most probable), Yale (slightly less probable), MIT (rare), and Stanford (I'm not sure). You're not straightforward guaranteed to get in everywhere - but you could. From what I can see, I think you'll probably pull off the two latter ones; I like the way you modestly evaluated and presented yourself, so I don't think you'll have any glaring personality problems that the "Asian stereotype" seems to suggest. You seem like a decent writer, as well, so essays won't be a problem; I think you should just really focus on doing what you do best. Don't look for much opinion on chances again - these things just tend to consume you and probably this late in the game, those chances can't be helped. Definitely apply early, however - I'm positive you'd be accepted Princeton ED, and there's a fairly high chance at Harvard or Yale EA. I can't say anything about MIT and Stanford - they seem to be more fickle and more unpredictable, for me at least. Reading Matt McGann's blog, at the MYMIT website, miight give you insight. MIT's app, which I think guages passion very well, will probably favor you.</p>
<p>If there was ONE thing I could suggest that could really make you hot, it would be a USAMO qualification or some high profile debate championship, but I think those thiings wouldn't be you.</p>
<p>Anyway, g'luck. Don't stress; your past hard work will get you where you need to be. You need not end up at Schreyer's. =)</p>
<p>In Hoc Signio Vinces.
- Xander</p>
<p>y r u guys taking this post so seriously? I still think this post is a lie.</p>
<p>primitivefuture, you've made your point. You don't think this person is telling the truth. Thank you for your input.</p>
<p>Now please stop spamming the thread.</p>
<p>Asian violist/pianist is slightly cliche, indeed. However, you're just good enough that it might not be a problem. I'd suggest making sure your essays are full of personality so that the adcoms will have trouble writing you off as "just another asian applicant." </p>
<p>A personal essay (preferably either funny or moving) coupled with your great stats would be a killer combination. Good luck!</p>
<p>what does hypsm mean????</p>
<p>diet coke drinker: hypsm = harvard, yale, princeton, stanford, MIT</p>
<p>Wow, thanks for all the posts!
First off, primitivefuture-haha I'll take it as a compliment that you think I'm lying. I'm not, but I probably won't convince you, so I'll just leave it at that.
2331clk, man<em>on</em>fire, raven001- I think you guys make great points. I'll definitely try to make my essays stand out and bring me alive. And 2331clk, yes, I play the violin because I love it. Of course, I started it because my parents suggested it, but I don't think I would have been able to bear all the practicing, frustration, and heartache if I didn't genuinely love it.
jprencipe, thanks for the support ;-). Interlochen was such a wonderful experience; you should consider going there yourself.
KingErdosII, I especially appreciate your objective and thorough evaluation of my circumstances. I agree wholeheartedly with everything you wrote, especially your honest opinion on my chances. As for what could REALLY make me stand out: you're right - a national debate award would not be a very me thing to do. haha and as for USAMO... I wish! And yes, I took Calc BC in 10th grade and I loved it; unfortunately, I would only have been able to continue with higher level math classes if I had gone to Penn State to take them. I couldn't fit them in my schedule (transportation and timing issues) so I'm taking Comp Sci this year, which is fun. I do miss having a real math class though!
Seriously, thank you for all your input. You have all been a huge help!</p>
<p>Go see Zuma's Stat Roster in the Harvard forum for more insight Yen, the profiles of applicants already accepted EA to Harvard are listed there.</p>
<p>Go for it girl. Your EC's are stunning. I'm a musician too. Now go reply to my thread.</p>
<p>i was the only one who believed your stats all from the beginning.</p>