What's my chances for Stanford SCEA

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Hi all! </p>

<p>I am a student currently studying in RJC (a school in Singapore) and a year-one, i.e. 11th grade. Firstly, Stanford is my #1 dream school, and I definitely want to go there :) . However, I am disadvantaged because I am an international student and probably requires financial aid >< </p>

<p>I wonder what my chances are for Stanford's SCEA 2012, and how I should make myself more competitive amongst international students? (ie. like what type of applicants will appeal to the stanford officers?)</p>

<p>SAT I: have not taken yet. Plan to take once this December and probably another time in next year Jan(if i don't do well). Any tips?
SAT II: Only taken Bio since i do not take Bio now - 790/800. Plan to take Physics Chem and Math II next year May. Hoping to get high 700s/800</p>

<p>Academics
+Taking A-level General Paper, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics - it's a pretty challenging course, I would say harder than the average American course. Taking "heaviest" workload of 12 academic units (although most people take 12 also)
+Secondary school GPA, i.e. 10th grade - 3.90/4.00 - but i guess our GPA calculation system is quite different from the GPA system in US. Anyway I got A and A+ for all subjects
+O-level Higher Chinese Language: A1 (basically i can speak English, Chinese and Japanese)</p>

<p>ECs
+School Career Club - President (9th, 10th)
+Organized events in school like Careers Forum, Work Exposure Program, Careers Quiz Blitz and exhibitions to showcase what the club does
+Singapore Red Cross Youth - Sergeant
+School Red Cross Unit - Quartermaster (9th, 10th)
+Attained various national awards as a unit, including Excellent Unit Award (Gold) 2003-2006, Community Service Award (Gold) 2003-2006
+School's Founders’ Day Parade
+School Chemistry Club (11th, 12th)
+School Econs/Current Affairs Society - Committee Member (11th, 12th)
+Peer Support Leader - providing support and guidance for juniors during and after their school orientation
+Facilitator for Southeast Asian Youth Conference 2007 - helping out with this inaugural program to promote education in Southeast Asia
+Year-long commitment at YMCA Child Care Center, giving free tuition to lower-income family kids weekly
+Stanford University EPGY - Quantum Mechanics Camp
+School Physics Olympiad Training
+Participation in various community service projects - around 300 hrs so far
+Worked at a restaurant in one summer
+Plays soccer, violin/viola in my free time
+Represented school in many other competitions, albeit without much sucess though<br>
+Will probably have a longer list by next year...</p>

<p>Research Experience (i am really into research)
+Science Mentorship Program (9th): Conducted research on anti-fungal products at local polytechnic (Presented project at local Youth Science Conference)
+Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Youth Research Program (9th, 10th, 11th): Conducted research on biosensors and nanoporous materials
+Completed self-initiated project in school on peritoneal dialysis (10th)
+Nanyang Research Program (10th): Conducted research on memory devices at Nanyang Technological University (Presented projects at SSEF)
+Science Research Program (11th) : Currently conducting research on mesoporous materials </p>

<p>Achievements
+Research Science Institute
+A*star Science Award - basically a scholarship given by the research institute for excellent science students
+Edusave Scholarship for Integrated Program - basically a scholarship given by the government to cover school fees
+Gold Award for Nanyang Research Program - given for excellent project done in local university
+Promising Young Researcher Award - given for excellent project done in local research institute (selected to present on Young Researchers' Nite)
+School Merit Award - given for contributions to school club
+JLPT Level 3 - international Japanese proficieny test, there are 4 levels, 1 being the highest
+HSK Test Intermediate - international Chinese proficiency test, 394/400
+Best Poster Award in IEEE National Science Symposium
+Distinctions for various random competitions, like Australian Math Competition, UNSW English Competition, UNSW Math Competition
+Will be trying to represent Singapore in international programs...</p>

<p>So please chance me on whether I stand a good chance for Stanford SCEA. If not, how should I stand a higher chance for Stanford or what other schools should I apply for?</p>

<p>Thank you very much! I would really appreciate your feedback!! :)</p>

2

<p>bump? </p>

<p>pls give me some advice</p>

3

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I say you stand a good chance, but do remember that at the end of the day, it is still a crapshoot. :)</p>

<p>By the way, since I am from Singapore too, I wonder how you intend to get admitted into the Class of 2012, given that you are a J1 now. Does it mean you intend to attend Stanford before doing your 'A' Levels?</p>

4

<p>agree with ^</p>

<p>In addition, I would like to point out that I am 99% sure that you can only apply SCEA if (i) you are a US Citizen or Green Card holder or (ii) you can prove that you pay for the school without asking for aid.</p>

<p>From what I read, you are neither.</p>

<p>But you still have good chances at RD</p>

5

<p>ooh iicic thanks for the information... i didn't know that.</p>

<p>so does both rules apply to all ED/EA schools? like yale SCEA also?</p>

6

<p>Why did you say that you'll "probably have a longer list by next year?"</p>

<p>Try to focus on three, maybe four Ecs.</p>

7

<p>cos I am trying to start my own research club (i really like research!) and probably lead an community service project...</p>

<p>other than that, I hope to have won something at the science fairs (local and overseas) or other competitions :)</p>

<p>plus, i would have taken the SATs</p>

<p>what's ur advice on me? esp for someone like me who loves research?</p>

8

<p>I think you stand a great chance. It's already very strong. Just keep it up.</p>

<p>P.S. Were you in RGS?</p>

9

<p>I am pretty sure that the rule applies to most if not all ED/EA SCEA apps</p>

10

<p>RSI=instant win. Congrats.</p>

11

<p>The last acceptable test date for early applicants is October, so December is too late for SCEA.</p>

12

<p>Ah I didn't notice the RSI! Congrats!, My friend got it too. FFBurger is right, RSI=MITan (and probably Stanfordite as well). Either way, I don't think you can apply SCEA/EA</p>

13

<p>You have a Huge shot!..Go ahead! I am pretty sure you will end up in a really good one (like Stanford :))..</p>

14

<p>I'd be extremely surprised if you got a rejection letter.</p>

15

<p>After what happened to chillaxin, I wouldn't.</p>

16

<p>ooh thanks for the comments... i do hope that you guys are right...</p>

<p>and it's really great at rsi right now :D</p>

17

<p>and btw, do you guys think that applying to need-blind schools will give me a significant advantage?</p>

<p>i mean, even though i would love to go to stanford, i do have to consider the cost and my chances of admission ><</p>

18

<p>You can apply to Stanford SCEA and HYP (need-blind) and other schools RD.
Although HYP are need-blind I know only a handful of international students who got in -- and I know a myriad of STELLAR internationals who got rejected...</p>

<p>It's a crapshot.</p>

19

<p>ouch that sucks ><</p>

20

<p>Does an American student living abroad and attending an international school count as an "international"?</p>