<p>Hey College Confidential people! Im an Indian male residing in India (in the 9th grade - entered it 5 months ago) and am currently doin the the IGCSE curriculam. I just wanted to know whether Im on the right track for the colleges of my dreams (Stanford, MIT, Columbia etc). Before I continue, I would just like to highlight the fact that in places like India, oppurtunities are at their minimum - it is very tough to find enabling places, good facilities etc. (unlike in the US). Quality instruction is very tough to find and it is tough to pursue what you like. However, I have grabbed whatever oppurtunities that have come my way. Note: I have lived in NY for 3 years but that was when I was small (1st - 3rd grade).</p>
<p>A bit about myself: - I am a playful and carefree person who knows how to play hard. In fact, I find it kinda tough to sit at my desk and study - Im always looking for a good game of sports. However, whoever has met me has said that I am extremely,extremely bright.My teachers tell me that If I just spend a good 2 hours with my books - Ill surely be valedictorion. Anyway, heres what i got so far- please be as critical, honest and harsh as you like.</p>
<p>ACADEMICS: Our school doesnt rank or have a GPA system - but I would probably put myself in the top 5 of my class. I have taken the toughest courseload offered in the 9th - 10 classes (tough courses including additional mathematics). My school is an EXTREMELY competitive school (probably the best in the nation) and is well respected by colleges like Yale and Stanford. I have recieved some subject awards in the eight grade and have been selected for inter house quiz twice if that helps. :-)</p>
<p>EC’S - Throughout my life my main passion has been chess so far and i have stuck with it for some time now. (although it has been at a standstill due to my upcoming mid term semester examinations).</p>
<p>CHESS - INTERNATIONAL</p>
<li> Stood 7th Place in the Kansas City Chess Super Nationals USA</li>
<li> Stood 4th Place in the USA State Chess Championships held at Saratoga Springs</li>
<li> Stood 3rd Place in the Greater New York City Chess Championships</li>
<li> Was ranked in the top 10 chess players in the USA for 3 consecutive years</li>
<li> Was the highest ranked 9 year old in the USA in the U – 10 age group.</li>
<li> Was awarded the best chess player of the year by my school in the USA( 2001)</li>
<li> Have stood 1st in many local chess tournaments in the USA including tournaments in the famous Marshalls Chess Club.</li>
<li> Have 2-3 pages of mentions of myself on Google</li>
<li> Possessed a USCF chess rating – played in the Philadelphia Word Chess Open</li>
<li> Played against a chess grandmaster at a tournament</li>
</ol>
<p>CHESS – INDIA</p>
<li> Have stood 3rd in the U – 10 category in the Bournvita chess championships (considered as the city chess championships). </li>
<li> Have stood 5th in the U – 12 category in the Bournvita Chess Championships</li>
<li> Have placed in the top 5 in the MSSA interschool chess tournaments U -12 </li>
<li> Placed 1st in the Swiss league Chess Tournament held at Ghatkopar by scoring a perfect 7/7 ( received prize money)</li>
<li> Placed 5th in the Open Category at the Ghatkopar chess association</li>
<li> Name has featured in 2 press releases</li>
<li> Was selected to participate in the ‘ Advance Training Camp for Rating Aspirants’</li>
<li> Placed 1st in the Under 16 category at the Russian Chess Academy at age 9.</li>
<li> Have stood 1st in Group ‘C’ ( Open Category) of the Bombay Gymkhana Club twice</li>
</ol>
<p>I am also interested in music and have been pursuing it for approximately 3 years.</p>
<li> Cleared Grade 3 Trinity College of Music Examination Classical Piano Practicals with Distinction ( 90/100)</li>
<li> Stood 3rd in Bombay for Grade 3 Classical Piano Practicals Trinity College of Music ,throughout all disciplines ( including singing, guitar, keyboard) etc</li>
<li> Cleared Grade 1 Trinity College of Music Examination Theory with Distinction ( 98/100)</li>
<li> Also play the electric guitar </li>
<li> Will be giving the Grade 4 Trinity College of Music Classical Piano Practical Examination. ( November 2007)</li>
<li> Also know how to play the recorder.</li>
</ol>
<p>I also have other ECs like Karate: -1. Have cleared 4 karate exams ( All India Gojukai)
2. Am currently a Green 2 belt ( 2 away from black)</p>
<p>and Athletics: 1. Have won 2 gold medals in my school athletics meet</p>
<p>I have also been a part of school teams: 1. Was a member of the School Soccer team ( Grade 8)
2. Member of the School Chess team
3. Member of the School Cricket team
4. Am a member of the school Table Tennis and Badminton team.</p>
<p>I am also in to MUN: Was a delegate at YLS (Youth Leader’s summit), recieved a special mention in the DAIMUN - THIMUN and will be participating in the Indian International MUN.</p>
<p>I also hope to playe State Level Tennis Soon.
I have also been selected to participate in the School Science Fair for two years in a row now.</p>
<p>Well thats it - I AM REALLY SORRY FOR POSTING SUCH A LONG THREAD, this is my first time posting. Thanks for the advice in advance should you give any :-)</p>