jonathansuhr

I'm a senior and am applying Early Decision for Emory. Here's some info:
-Korean male, fluent in Korean and English, born in the U.S.
-State of residence: Washington state
-Education: Two years private Christian school (freshman, sophomore year), two years community college courses through public school program (junior/senior). Basically I take all my high school courses/requirements at community college.
-Family: Mother graduated from NC State, father graduated Duke med school. Both parents Korean immigrants. Brother attending University of Washington, Honors Program.
Religious affiliation: Christian

-GPA:
Freshman= 3.3
Sophomore= 3.7 (about 3.8 weighted?)
Junior= 3.7 (4.7 weighted?)
Senior= projected to be about 3.7 (4.7 weighted)
Unweighted cumulative GPA: 3.5 (not including senior year)
Weighted CGPA: 3.9 or 4.0

12 community college courses (including Fall 2009 quarter)
2 Honors credits

English: 6 credits of English, plan on taking up to 8
Math: 5 credits, currently taking Calculus
Science: 3 credits (2 lab sciences), planning on taking physics next quarter
Social Sciences: I think 3 credits?
Language: 3 credits, took third-year Spanish
Electives/Arts: Jazz band (2 years), 3 credits Philosophy and Anthropology

SATI: 2170; 680R, 760M, 740W
SATII: Mathematics L.2; 800. Literature taken October; projected 730-60
EC: Never really been involved in school. Spend most of my time volunteering at church, shelters.

-Core member at church, close to 14 hours a week devoted to church.
-Spent my summers going overseas for community outreach programs; been to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Mexico, South Africa, Oman. Also have devoted a lot of time to a medical supplies distributing program that sends medical supplies to Africa, Southeast Asia, and other needy countries.
-I have placed in national Taekwondo competitions, won 1st place at some.
-Have been involved in Korean Community Counceling Center, a rehabilitation program for immigrant Koreans going through drug habits, family issues, etc.
-Interned at Microsoft sister company, MAQ Software, for a summer. Currently working at a sushi restaurant as of this past summer.
-Have played guitar for eight years, substitute guitarist for a regularly national-touring alternative rock band.


So, I'm applying Early Decision for Emory.

Also plan on applying to:
UCLA
UC Berkeley
UCSD
University of Washington

I have little doubt that I'll get accepted to UW, as it's substantially easier for Washington residents. Would like to get chanced for Emory considering my relatively mediocre GPA, and strange education background (attending community college for high school career, Christian school), and lack of involvement with school.

As a side note, I'm not applying for any financial aid.

Thanks in advance,
-Jonathan Suhr

mk150890

To put forth an honest evaluation of your statistics, I must begin with the obvious weakness. I must say, of course, I do not mean to be rude in any of this. I solely intend to be honest and give you realistic expectations for your admission decision. Your GPA is on the low side for Emory, that is without a doubt. The fact that you are Korean will be partially detrimental (in combination with the low GPA) to your chances as well. This is mostly because this place is OVERFLOWING with Koreans (both international students and permanent residents) with abnormally high STATISTICS (no correlation to true academic aptitude, btw, do not let college counselors fool you). Now that I have gotten the negative out of the way, I can say that there are numerous positives in your prospective application. You certainly have a diverse academic background and you have experienced quite a bit in terms of differing curriculums. Your SAT score is strong (on par with Emory's numbers) and your out-of-school involvement seems extensive. On the surface, I think you have a fairly good shot at admission. Reading between the lines, however, especially with your financial aid situation (namely your nonexistent need for money which is clearly juxtaposed to Emory's insatiable hunger for additional funds), I feel like you have over a 90 percent chance.

jonathansuhr

Anyone else? Starting to get nervous, ED is right around the corner..