Want to get into Stanford bad!

Applying to College
1

<p>Just to warn you, I am a new member and don't know much about the formalities of this website. So if I make a mistake or fail to address something, please forgive me. </p>

<p>I am a junior at a fairly large public high school in Vienna, VA.
I have a korean american w/ f1 visa.
I have couple questions regarding my application to Stanford.</p>

<p>Just a little background:
I have an unweighted GPA of 3.8/4.0 scale (which will probably go up this year perhaps as high as an unweighted 3.85, weighted 3.95 or above) and my practice SATs always come out to be above 2200 (I hope to break the 2300 barrier soon).</p>

<p>I have only taken one SAT II, Korean, for which I got a 800.
I am planning to take world history and math2 (maybe chemistry after I finish AP).</p>

<p>I have taken AP World History in my sophomore year for which I got a 5.
I am currently taking AP Spanish, English, and Chemistry.
Next year, I hope to take stats, calculus, computer science, environmental science, and some other AP class.
Here are my first questions:
does taking many AP courses boost your chance? (in which I want to take macroecon after self-studyin)
What is the easiest AP class that you can get an A in? (I know it differs in schools, but based on the exam itself since the relative difficulty of the class should somewhat reflect the difficulty of the exam)</p>

<p>Honestly and I don't mean to sound like a snob ^^, but I am not worried at all about my application essays. And I don't think my stats above are horrendous (as of now- remember I am only a junior).
What I am worried about is my EC and recommendation.</p>

<p>Here is what I've done so far for EC:
Marching band (2 years- it's a time-consuming commitment), Robotics (2 years- went to regional, got a medal, nothing big just commendation of some sort), JV soccer (another big commitment), varsity soccer (I hope to contact the Stanford coach), math league, science olympiad (participating in 4 events, competition coming up, hope to win some medals), Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, and National Honor Society.</p>

<p>I know it's not much, but I am preparing to found the Amnesty International Club and the Computer Science Club for my school this year. And I am trying to take the AMSCO and whatnot math contests. I am also entering three essay contests (hopefully I'll win at least one)</p>

<p>I have many questions as a concerned junior. I am just extremely worried cuz I want this bad. I would really appreciate any effort to comfort me. Thanks ^^</p>

<p>1) how large of a factor is leadership? Does the school really expect all of us to be leaders? I consider myself an active part of all the ECs above, though.</p>

<p>2) how does my above criteria rank? I hope to use my leadership positions as a hook to show how I've matured over the years. If it is not good enough, is it too late to improve it, is there anything I can do? I'd appreciate any input.</p>

<p>3) I am trying to do the Stanford Summer Math Camp and I have been doing EPGY for a while now. Does that show my interest in the college and maybe boost my chance a little? Would RSI or other summer programs help?</p>

<p>4) What about work experience and internships? Are they any important? and I see some people publishing research papers on major publications, how do they do that?</p>

<p>5) Also about teacher recs. I have couple teacher that probably consider me a good student, although I am not like friends with them or anything (as I've heard other people describe themselves). Do you have to maintain an intimate relationship w/ teachers you want to get a rec from?</p>

<p>6) Many forums disagree over how hard it is to get into Stanford (it is undoubtedly harder than others I know this). In fact, in this one post I've read, it said that 2300+ and a 3.9+ GPA would get you to at least one of ivy leagues (w/ decent EC and recs although not outstanding). There is really no clear-cut consensus. What do you think?</p>

<p>7) My main concern is that most of the activities I've partcipated actively are in my junior year. This is partly because of my assimilation since I came to US 6 years ago. But I am trying very hard in all of my activities now, trying to contribute. What do you think and what can I do?</p>

<p>8) I am going to go talk to my counselor sometime soon. What are some good questions I can ask him?</p>

<p>9) Lastly, how do I emphasize that I am a good all-around student? (I've tried to show that by doing a wide range of activities ranging from spanish to math). I love and excel playing soccer and love managing my own website. </p>

<p>10) oh and what about early action? does that increase my chance?</p>

<hr>

<p>Sorry for being so wordy. Just wanted to cover all my bases. ^^ gosh that's long. I'd appreciate any help though</p>

<p>Thank you all I wish best of lucks.</p>

2

<p>your total best bet with Stanford is to be a recruited athlete—and even a recruited walk-on for soccer. If you don’t need the scholarship, you have a great chance at being a recruited walk-on–they love those at Stanford and you can get in under an athletic admit. But, contact the coach NOW and if possible go out there on an unofficial visit this winter. The sooner, the better. The coaches email addys and phone numbers are on the athletic website. Email the coach and follow it up with a call saying you want to come and visit…maybe catch a practice? Let him/her know that you have you have no problem being a walk-on. If possible, send a DVD if you can get any film from your coach. good luck. Stanford admissions are quirky but from people I know, athletics are the surer way in.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, but how is my chance w/ the above criteria? I don’t really want to be a recruit necessarily, just want to use soccer as a way to help me get there.</p>

4

<p>Your other stats are good, but so are EVERYONE ELSE’S who apply there…it’s mind-boggling. Admissions at any top school is a crap shoot at best even with the best stats. I just know that Stanford loves athletes…esp. those willing to pay their own way. Admissions criteria is not nearly as tough. They get an early read (apply on pink forms no less) and know by Aug. 1 after junior year if they are in or not. Sweeeet deal. You say you want to use soccer as a way to get there—THEN USE IT. Contact the coach ASAP and start planning that unofficial visit.</p>

5

<p>its hard to just use soccer to help you in if you aren’t going to play there, very hard. </p>

<p>And seeing above as you weren’t a 4 year varsity starter, i think you’re going to find tough luck being recruited by a D1 school. I’d try a different route.</p>

<p>I think that you have a semi-decent shot, though nothing stands out as exceptional.</p>

6

<p>Stanford is tough for anyone. Remember the Harvards and Stanfords of the world can throw out all accepted and accept the second tier of applicants and still have as strong of class. NJ169 is right, the only to be a lock is the soccer, look at Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie, they may be intelligent but sports guaranteed their acceptance. W/o the soccer it’s a coin toss and you are one of many very qualified applicants. It’s impossible to predict, period. But if you want to use the soccer you better get a hold of Coach Simon (I don’t know the women’s coach if you’re female) ASAP; if you don’t you’re just another well-qualified applicant of whom there are probably 5 for each spot.</p>

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<p>honestly I am not sure whether I want to play soccer for Stanford. That’s the thing. But I see your point that sports will give you the edge. Is there any way that I can make myself exceptional?</p>

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<p>Wow, you seem like an incredibly intelligent, hard-working, AND well-rounded student. Of course, most people who apply to schools like Stanford are all of these things… but you seem to think of yourself as average, while I’m sitting here looking at the screen like O____O. </p>

<p>I’ve read enough on this website to know that a great way to apply your extracurricular experience (of which it seems you have plenty) is to focus on one or two things and go really in-depth as to what you’ve gotten out of them. 'Cause yeah, a list of things is great, but it’s even better if you can show that you’ve put yourself out there and really gotten involved in something! </p>

<p>It’s great that you’re already looking into this stuff so much as a junior (I’m a junior, too, and I’m clueless!). I wish you good luck, and I think that you’ll be successful in whatever you do. Don’t be so hard on yourself! >:|</p>

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<p>Thanks a lot Poseur and others for a postive feedback!</p>

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<p>To tell you the truth, I think it’s a reach to reach for you.
We had a guy with 4.9/5.3 GPA with 2360 SAT and awesome EC (soccer, newspaper, yearbook, a lot of awards [like a whole lot], and many leadership..) but he didn’t get in. </p>

<p>But yea, I say you should work on your EC. The ones you’re doing for junior year.. do them all for senior year ..to show commitment.
Also, EA barely helps you at all.. like barely..</p>

<p>Make sure you have another school you’ll be very happy with though. Most high schoolers I’m sure have a school they reallly want to get into but understand that there are other schools just as good.</p>

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<p>Thanks, I appreciate it. But I also know kids with worse records getting in. Do you think that “guy” might have had a bad essay or something? Cuz essay is what really ties together your ECs. And there other factors too like the rigor of classes and such.</p>

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<p>1) how large of a factor is leadership? Does the school really expect all of us to be leaders? I consider myself an active part of all the ECs above, though.</p>

<ul>
<li>Top schools do not expect everyone to be leaders, and on the contrast many show their best potential working alone. It’s not a “requirement” for admission but something that show more about you. But its definitely a plus to have some leadership. </li>
</ul>

<p>2) how does my above criteria rank? I hope to use my leadership positions as a hook to show how I’ve matured over the years. If it is not good enough, is it too late to improve it, is there anything I can do? I’d appreciate any input.</p>

<p>-You’re fine. </p>

<p>3) I am trying to do the Stanford Summer Math Camp and I have been doing EPGY for a while now. Does that show my interest in the college and maybe boost my chance a little? Would RSI or other summer programs help?</p>

<p>Maybe. Better than not I suppose. But Stanford app. results are something you can never predict…</p>

<p>4) What about work experience and internships? Are they any important? and I see some people publishing research papers on major publications, how do they do that?</p>

<p>-Work experiences can be a sign of responsibility and commitment but many choose volunteering instead. Publishing research requires content that is truly amazing/innovational with a genius mind. Remember that many people here really are geniuses. Don’t stress over that. It’s not a common thing for a high schooler to get research shown on a major publication. </p>

<p>5) Also about teacher recs. I have couple teacher that probably consider me a good student, although I am not like friends with them or anything (as I’ve heard other people describe themselves). Do you have to maintain an intimate relationship w/ teachers you want to get a rec from?</p>

<p>-No, not really. But it would help… </p>

<p>6) Many forums disagree over how hard it is to get into Stanford (it is undoubtedly harder than others I know this). In fact, in this one post I’ve read, it said that 2300+ and a 3.9+ GPA would get you to at least one of ivy leagues (w/ decent EC and recs although not outstanding). There is really no clear-cut consensus. What do you think?</p>

<p>Sure. But the Ivy League is just an athletic conference. They differ in style, size, focus, location, and numerous other factors. Each individual school has something unique to offer. A 2300+ and 3.9 GPA are not everyday achievements you know. Any school would be interested. Also remember that Stanford is not an Ivy League school. Don’t embarrass yourself with that misnomer. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>7) My main concern is that most of the activities I’ve participated actively are in my junior year. This is partly because of my assimilation since I came to US 6 years ago. But I am trying very hard in all of my activities now, trying to contribute. What do you think and what can I do?</p>

<p>-Nothing now… You’re doing fine. </p>

<p>8) I am going to go talk to my counselor sometime soon. What are some good questions I can ask him?</p>

<p>-Nothing really. How good is your counselor? For mine, the best advice I’d get is for UC’s and CSUs. Nobody in my school applies to Ivy Leagues or Stanford. My counselor thought that I was joking when I mentioned my future plans. </p>

<p>9) Lastly, how do I emphasize that I am a good all-around student? (I’ve tried to show that by doing a wide range of activities ranging from spanish to math). I love and excel playing soccer and love managing my own website.</p>

<p>-Essay, teacher rec… they’ll usually be able to tell from your lists. </p>

<p>10) oh and what about early action? does that increase my chance?</p>

<p>-The general consensus is… No. EA has a stronger applicant pool which detracts any clear advantage this route may have. But why not? It shows clear interest for the school and might as well get your results early. </p>

<p>Have fun fellow Korean/Junior…</p>

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<p>OMG thanks a lot u actually took time to answer all my questions. Hmm… you are korean too? What school did u get into? BTW, I knew Stanford wasn’t a Ivy League School but it is definitely a ivy-league caliber school. Thanks for all your inputs.</p>

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<p>I’m not too sure about the guy though. I’m pretty sure his writing is really good. Plus, he was valedictorian and took nearly all AP/honors classes.. (for example, he took two science APs (in addition to other AP classes) in one year and made 5’s)
I think it’s because Stanford doesn’t like our school.. maybe. We get several people into Harvard… who were rejected from Stanford..
He went to Cal Tech, though</p>

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<p>Do what you have to to do and PRIORITIZE!
I think you have a good shot at stanford from what I’ve read</p>