<p>I'm planning to apply SCEA to Stanford in the fall. I'm just wondering what I should do to make me the best candidate possible. Here are some stats:</p>
<p>Pacific Islander Female from well-ranked school in Southern California
GPA 4.75 W/ 4.0 UW
Our school doesn't rank
32 ACT (retake?)
800 SAT II US History
710 Math IIC (am retaking)
will probably take literature or math IC too</p>
<p>APs:
5 - Calculus AB
5 - US History
5 - US Govt
5 - Environmental Science
4 - English Language
4 - Comparative Govt (taken Sophomore year)
3 - Euro ewww (taken Sophomore year)</p>
<p>*I'm taking the most difficult courseload available to me</p>
<p>ECs...pretty good
Dancing intensively since the age of 2
some clubs with one leadership position
over 300 hours of volunteer work....all connected to education
very involved internship with an entertainment corporation
MUN
some more smaller things</p>
<p>Essays will probably be pretty good (I used to have cancer...will probably write about how overcoming it made me a stronger person)</p>
<p>Recs will be great.</p>
<p>Anyway, my question is: what tests should I retake? People keep telling me my ACT is a really good score, but I honestly feel I could do better. I got 35 Reading 35 English 32 Math and 25 Science :(. Also, would taking the Math IIC help me out more?</p>
<p>Overall, as it stands now, is Stanford too much of a reach for me?</p>
<p>Here are a few things you could do:
Re-take math IIC and get an 800. Stanford will like that. It's not too hard to get an 800.
Re-take the ACT and raise your score by 2 or more points. Study the science section really hard!
Have you considered taking the SAT? You might do better on that.
You didn't discuss your rank. What is it? If it's in the top ten, you're fine.
Emphasize the internship when applying. Get an extra rec from your mentor type there.</p>
<p>wow, your stats look pretty good to me, but you never know. i agree with zephyr about it depending on your rank and that you might consider taking the sat.</p>
<p>the cancer thing is a good emphasis because it's very unique, especially if you show how much you have overcome and how well your doing...</p>
<p>you seem very impressive to me, but no one on here will be able to tell you anything for sure, so give it your best shot :)</p>
<p>I don't think Rank seriously is that much of a big of a deal. It's so misleading.
You should look for another alternative besids math I... how about a science?
But overall, I think ur chances are pretty good even if you just stand pat and don't retake.</p>
<p>thanks for all the input. Unfortunately, my school doesn't rank but my counselor has told me that I'm in the top 1% of our incoming senior class. I am planning to study Meylani's tests and the Barron's study guide for Math IIC and will take that in the fall. I'm considering taking the SAT but I'm not sure because I've never even considered that as an option. So I'd basically be going in with almost no prep (compared to many) and I really have no idea how I'd do. </p>
<p>Anyway, I really appreciate all the input and I'll definitely look into your suggestions.</p>
<p>There is a large disconnect between what is considered a good score on CC and what is a good score everywhere else. Your ACT score is good, but it is below average for Stanford applicants. It might be OK if all your scores were 32 but that 25 could hurt you, especially if you are thinking of a career in science. If you think you could do better than definitely go for it. Simply having already taken the test can make you more comfortable and boost your score. And don't listen to the collegeboard lies, prepping helps... alot.</p>
<p>Retaking the Math IIC is a good idea. Anyone who could get a 5 on the AP Calc test can get 750+. I wouldn't recommend taking the SAT IC math, it's not really any easier, it just covers earlier courses (ie trig and geometry). Since you're taking the most advanced courses IIC would be easier because it covers your more recent subjects. Try out the SAT II subject practice tests on the collegeboard site and see which ones you think are easiest. Biology E might be a good choice.</p>
<p>Your ECs look good. Keep up the activities and the grades and I think you have a good chance. Your cancer could make a great essay, especially if you can connect battling the cancer to your passion for an activity, such as dance, since I imagine it was difficult to continue dancing (or any activity) while undergoing treatment. Good luck.</p>