Will this be the "push" to get into Stanford?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>Hi, I am a freshman in HS, and I have been saying "Stanford or Bust!" for a long time (4 months actually), to the point where it's driving my parents crazy. So, recently, I was transferred to this school (It's for good reasons, not something like a suspension or fight) that is going to be involved in the AP|Cambridge Capstone Program: The</a> College Board and University of Cambridge International Examinations Announce New Education Program for High School Students</p>

<p>So, I was wondering, will this be the push? These are other noteworthy things I have done:
• Diagnosed with cancer at age 10, propelled me into the field of medicine (Don't worry, cured now).
• 8th grade SAT: M=650 CR=520 W=540
• Play 2 instruments
• Going to CTY-JHU summer camp this year for physics
• Loved computers since I was 4, and have learned HTML, C++, Java, and Python so far.
• Boy scouts (Trying to get Eagle quickly)
• So far, 50 Community Service Hours (trying for 500).
• GPA=3.9 (I will definitely not be lower than a 3.75; I have Middle Eastern parents).
• Reason I chose Stanford: Addresses my love for computers (Silicon Valley) and medicine (South San Francisco: The birthplace of Biotechnology).
• Involved in a few clubs. I do a lot of work, but I would never be chosen as a leader due to "oh, you're a terrorist! We're not electing Al-Qaeda's president!" (And no, I am not Afghan)</p>

<p>So, how is it? Will it be enough? You cannot believe how much I want to get to Stanford. I would like honest opinions and how to improve myself. What can I do? I really need to get away from the East Coast and into a school where I can actually learn? Honestly, I am one of the top kids in the 9th grade class at my school, and I can't get much learning because the (sorry if offended) slower kids can't seem to fit a simple formula into their heads!</p>

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<p>There are lots of kids just like you who want to go to Stanford or another similar school. Admissions are so competitive that no one can predict where you will get in. Just do your best, and you will end up where you are meant to be. That may or may not be Stanford. Btw, there are many, many other top schools in CA besides Stanford, and you can’t generalize the whole east coast as bad. I guarantee that you can “actually learn” at most colleges; to say otherwise is ignorant and naive. You are too young to be obsessing about one school, it’s unhealthy. Live your life, do your best, and see where it takes you.</p>

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<p>OP, not only is alwaysleah correct, but you might want to develop some humility along with your academic and EC profile. There are loads of kids who score <em>way</em> higher on the SAT’s in 8th grade than you did, and loads more who are fluent in several computer languages, etc. There are kids everywhere with all kinds of exceptional accomplishments, and Stanford draws these applicants from all over the world, so it’s best not to become too myopic based on your own school. Good luck, and I hope your good health continues!</p>

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<p>I cringed at this. If you like volunteering and doing community service that’s fine, but you shouldn’t try to set some arbitrary goal solely for college admissions. IMO, that would be more harmful than helpful.</p>

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<p>^agreed. I highly doubt Stanford will ever looks at your CS hours.</p>

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<p>^I think it’s rather strange that all these people post “oh I got 1000000 comm service hours” on the chance me threads and admission results threads when no one explicitly asks for it :/</p>