The big question: Can I make it into Stanford?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Hey everyone. Ok, so I fell in love with Stanford after I went to an information session about it. I did a lot of research on Stanford, and everything about it: the facilities, faculty, scenery, and location -seems absolutely perfect for me. Stanford is definitely my top pick school; I would go there, no questions asked, if I was accepted. However, I'm worried about my chances at acceptance.
**
So my main questions are:**
-What are my chances at acceptance?
-Is there any way (albeit, it is a little too late) to improve my application?</p>

<h2>Here are some of my stats and extra-curriculars:</h2>

<p>*GPA *- Weighted 4.0+
class rank: 10 of 898 (top 2nd percentile)
Am a senior in high school</p>

<p>Standardized test scores:</p>

<p>ACT score: composite score 31</p>

<pre><code>English 31
Math 28
Reading 33
Science 32
Writing (not yet announced)
</code></pre>

<p>SAT score: 1940 (retaking october, getting roughly 2150+ consistently on practice tests)
Math 680 (expecting about 760 on retake)
Crit reading 690
writing 580 (now consistently getting 700+ on practices)</p>

<p>SAT II scores: 740 Bio E, expecting 750+ on US history and Math IIC (I'm taking them in November; my practice test scores are consistently 750+)</p>

<p>AP scores: 5 in Biology and Chemistry, 3 in US history
-I am currently taking AP Physics, AP European History, AP calculus, AP English</p>

<p>Extra curriculars:</p>

<p>Volunteered at:
-Local hospital for 250 hours+
-senior center 60 hours(feed seniors, aid disabled, etc)
-volunteered at (all together roughly 80-90 hours of volunteering):
local health fairs
college fairs
park cleanups
school plays
school performances (dances, etc)
musicals
fundraisers</p>

<p>-Also, although I'm not sure if this is worth any merit, I helped my teacher start up a small volunteer program for the local hospital. Now twenty or so students go to the hospital after school on weekdays to help out there.</p>

<p>-Teacher for a day at local elementary school
-planning on volunteering at Cornell medical center for roughly 50 hours
-member of the key club for four years (offers volunteer opportunities)</p>

<p>-NYC brain bee competition participant - 2 students were selected from each public high school in the NYC region to compete. The competition was focused on neuroscience (not sure if it's worth mentioning because I didn’t win)</p>

<p>-Took two college courses at a nearby college - was accepted into a program and went for free during the summer
Courses are:
psychology 100 grade: 4.0
pre-calculus 100 grade: 4.0</p>

<p>Other information:</p>

<p>-I know my weakness is in extracurriculars. However, I've been responsible for my younger brothers ever since I started high school: I pick them up from school, watch over them at home, help them with homework, make lunch for them, and other such responsibilities. Both my parents work all day, so I've taken care of them for the past few years. I simply could not apply for sports and stuff during the school year because of my responsibilities. Is there any place where I can mention this on my application? Maybe a college essay?</p>

<p>-In my spare time, I self-studied Japanese. Later, I got help from a teacher from FIT University (my grandma's friend). Because I did not take a formal Japanese class in an educational institution, I have a recommendation from her saying how much time I put into learning Japanese and such. I would take the SAT II for Japanese, but I am not proficient enough to score well on it.</p>

<p>-Ethnicity: Korean (from what I've heard, I'm at a disadvantage because of my ethnicity.)</p>

<p>-Parents have not finished college (father dropped out to pay our bills)</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your time.
-Aaron</p>

2

<p>What is your UW GPA?
Your scores and activities seem to be average by Stanford's standards, but I'm sure you could do well in admissions with an essay that showcases your passion (i.e. volunteering?)</p>

3

<p>my unweighted GPA should be around 3.95-3.96 (my school doesn't do unweighted, this number is a rough estimate of my UW GPA)</p>

<p>On another note, I was thinking about writing my essay on my day as a volunteer teaching kids economics at elementary school. Was a memorable and, to me, eye opening experience. Either that, or I was going to write my essay on the hardships my family faced when I was a child (i.e. money, shelter, etc)</p>

4

<p>Stanford likes first generation college students. Your common app essay or one of the Stanford short ones should be about your family duties. Stanford does allow an optional rec, so you will be able to send in the one from your Japanese teacher. It is very hard to know anyone's chances at Stanford. If you don't try, you will never know. Your life experiences seem to make you stand out. Share them through your essays. Best of luck!</p>

5

<p>gonna be really honest here, i don't think you'll get in if you dont improve those test scores dramatically (i'm talking 200-300 points here)</p>

<p>the sad fact of the matter is that there are people with much higher test scores than you who have done much more impressive things.</p>

<p>just a little bit of straight talk.</p>

<p>if i do have one piece of advice, though, it would be to highlight that volunteer program that you started with your teacher in one of your essays. or ask that teacher to write you a good rec. in any case, make sure that THAT is one of the essential parts of your application.</p>

<p>good luck!</p>

6

<p>hmmm... I think I have a good idea on what I should do for the application and such.</p>

<p>I really appreciate all you guys' advice and help. thanks :)</p>