<p>Is it possible to get into Stanford if you didn't have good grades freshman year? I had a 3.39 because it was my first year at this competitve private high school even though I came from a crappy middle school. I know it's not an excuse but it was definitely a hard transition. I didn't play a sport or have very many ECs besides volunteering, piano and a few clubs. Sophomore year I had AP and honors classes plus cheerleading, and TONS of volunteering/ECs (helping people is what I do best!). I got a 3.51 first semester and most likely a 3.71-3.75 second semester. If I continue to take honors/AP classes and get a 4.0 throughout my junoir and senoir years of high school, will I still have a chance at Stanford? I'm going to apply either way but today I had a meeting with my counselor and she kept talking about all the people at my school with perfect SATs/GPAs that got denied from Stanford. What do you think? </p>
<ul>
<li><p>I'm studying hard for the PSAT/SAT and I've taken a practice PSAT at my school so I'm hoping to get a 200 for PSAT and 2000+ for the SAT</p></li>
<li><p>If I don't make a 3.75 this semester then I am not eligible for NHS but I will be when I am going into my senoir year </p></li>
<li><p>My ECs:
Piano for 12+ years and I received some descent awards for it
Varsity cheerleading + lettered first year/have awards and am trying to be captain next year
American Red Cross Club (running to be president)
American Red Cross volunteer (185+ hours and counting)
50+ hours of misc. community service (and counting)
Habitat for Humanity Club
Taking a community service class at my school
Applying for a volunteer job as a patient care assistant
Faith in Formation (leadership)
Helping to organize the African-American Summit at my school
Applying for the National Youth Council of the American Red Cross (might not make it because of my age, but I want to become more involved with the RC)</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I might do more if I find something interesting but this is it for now.</p>
<p>Additional info:
+URM - African-American/Female
+First generation, but only because my parents were too poor to afford college...they are really smart people
+If it matters, my school is quite rigorous and lacking of AA population
+And if it helps any, I love to write and I've been told that I'm really good at it. I heard that Stanford admissions places a lot of emphasis on essays...</p>
<p>As you can see, all my ECs are centered around my faith, volunteering, leadership, and cheerleading; I only do the things that I am truely passionate about. </p>
<p>I plan to major in African/African-American studies and become and emergency room doctor (so pre-med track). I'm a really simple girl and just want to go to a good college, study hard, and help people! </p>
<p>I know I don't have solid numbers to work with because I haven't taken the actual PSAT/SAT etc. but based on this information, what are my chances right now and what should I improve on? I need to know because my counselor basically told me that I shouldn't even apply, but I really want to go to Stanford and I need to know what it will take for me to be a more competitive applicant.</p>
<p>“I got a 3.51 first semester and most likely a 3.71-3.75 second semester. If I continue to take honors/AP classes and get a 4.0 throughout my junoir and senoir years of high school…”</p>
<p>You have an upward trend… If you get the 4.0, that’ll be great. You seem to be somewhat well-rounded. A 2000 on the SAT won’t cut it, though. The average applicant needs 2250+, but since you’re black, I would suggest 2100-2200. good luck.</p>
<p>Yeah I know a 2000 won’t do it but I think thats what I will be able to get as of now. What can I do to raise my score besides reading the Princeton Review book, reading more in general, practice tests, and maybe a few classes?</p>
<p>NOOOO. Dont use Princeton’s “11 practice tests 2009”. It’s inundated with mistakes and mathematical errors. Buy the collegeboard blue book “Offical Study Guide” or maybe Barron’s 2400. Yeah, read more. Vocab lists, mathematics here and there… the whole nine yards. Im sure you can do it. good luck. And remember, Stanford is very tough (7.5%acceptance this year), so just hope for the best and expect the worst.:)</p>
<p>Oh okay, I will keep that in mind! I had the Princeton book for PSAT but I can’t really tell if it helped or not because I just worked through it and didn’t get to the 2 practice test before we had the practice PSAT testing at school. And yes I am quite aware of Stanford’s ultra low acceptance rate! Can I ask where you are applying/applied because it really seems like you know your stuff!</p>
<p>Yeah I tried ACT and I liked it better because it seemed to be a lot easier, but I think colleges prefer SAT over ACT.</p>
<p>I hate to be the debbie downer here but someone has to say it: everyone has a low shot at Stanford, and I would say you have an extremely low shot. I know it’s harsh but you wanted honesty, and i just don’t think you’ll get in. I would definitely look at some less competitive schools. Don’t get me wrong, you’ve done well but Stanford admits are the best in the world and with a low gpa and low SATs from a tough school with other great applicants and the whole nine, it just doesn’t seem likely. but hey, affirmative action has worked out miracle cases before so give it a shot</p>
<p>Hmm yes you basically said the same thing my counselor said but I do appreciate your honesty. Of course I have a list of other colleges that I’m also applying to, it’s just that Stanford is at the very top! The numbers are definitely weighing me down but it’s been sort of an uphill battle for me…but now I am doing everything that I can to make it to the top!</p>
<p>And I DON’T want to get admitted to my dream school because affirmative action needs to fill it’s quota…that just isn’t right. I am just hoping that Stanford will find something they do really like about me. With that said, I will still continue to work on test scores/GPA as well as doing more things that will make me stand out, most likely with the Red Cross/volunteering. </p>
<p>optimisticgirl, i would say (based on what little I know about you in the grand scheme of things, so I could be wrong but here it goes anyway) that your best shot is your essays. Sure, try and bring those numbers up. But just here on a forum your personality and drive come through clearly (and in a very positive way). you’re very likeable. if you can make that come through in the essays (which Stanford takes VERY seriously), you’ll be in the competition. I’m pulling for ya, good luck!</p>
<p>Oh thanks that is really nice of you to say! Yes, yes, yes, essays are definitely one of my strong points; I love to write! I even found something I might want to include in one of my essays from a response I did for an English forum I did earlier this year. But I still have a year to go so I’m sure that a lot of things will change for me (hopefully for the better) and my writing will develop even more!</p>
<p>I have a lot to think about in the future in terms of whether or not it would be better for me to apply SCEA or RD, and other picky things like that. But right now my junior year is looking pretty bright so all I have to do now is work extra, extra hard to make it all happen! And I will, you can be sure of that. :)</p>
<p>Thanks! That means a lot coming from you since I just read your profile and I can tell that you’re very accomplished! Have you figured out whether you are applying SCEA or regular yet? Any advice would be helpful. And good luck!</p>
<p>Well…I mean I have to check off African-American because it’s what I am and I’m very proud of it but I don’t want it to be the only reason I could get into a top school. Can you give me feedback on the other parts of my stats, please? </p>
<p>GG = good game, used commonly to signify the absolute end of any discussion.
I too think you are in, not only because of your ethnicity but also because you are a first gen college student…absolutely huge bonus right there</p>
<p>Yes, my parents were way too poor to graduate from a 4-year college but they still tried hard and now and make over 50k each. So I’m not poor if that’s what you guys were thinking, being a first-generation and all, I’m actually more towards upper-middle class. I don’t know if that takes away from the hook of being a first-generation applicant but I don’t care either because I think I have more to offer!</p>