nj_azn_premed

if anything is to be learned from the most recent admissions cycle, it's that you shouldn't expect anything. Don't make the mistake of submitting yourself to an attitude of entitlement. Apply to your schools, cross your fingers, and (even if you are rejected) realize that it means very little.

llpitch

bump again

llpitch

1 more bump!

pearandson

None of your hooks are really hooks. The fact that you independently studied some APs and endured a lot of educational transitioning is pretty cool, though. I think that proves two awesome things about you: a) you are intellectually self-driven and b) you can adapt well to almost any environment. Make sure your counselor mentions those two things in his/her recommendation. That could be extremely helpful.

Overall, there's nothing about you that's particularly unique. The fact that you come from Hawaii is helpful, but it won't be enough. Over the summer, work on crafting your own idiosyncrasy-- demonstrate in your essays that you are passionate or humorous or something else that's sweet. I think if you really give your essays some thought and have some good recs, you have a great shot at any of the schools on your list. Best of luck with your journey!

llpitch

Yeah I didn't really mean "hooks", just things that make me me. Also, how would I make sure that my GC/teachers wrote those things on their recs?

Thanks for your great post!

llpitch

bump i guess

computergeek173

Stanford - Medium...ish Reach (hard to really tell Stanford)
Harvard - Reach
Princeton - High Reach
Yale - Reach
Duke - Match
Pomona - Low Match
U Chicago (EA) - Match
UPenn - Match/High Match
Washington University at STL - no idea
UC Berkeley - Low Reach?
University of Washington - Seattle / Honors (Match) << yeah
UC San Diego (Match) << yeah
University of San Diego (EA, Safety) <<mmm, pretty much


You could probably get into stanford SCEA

rollingonddubs

do you consider yourself an URM? i have the exact same ethnic background as you, and i keep hearing conflicting opinions

llpitch

I dunno dude. At the top colleges we probably would be, or we would just be lumped in with Asian Americans.

>_<

piccolojunior

Dont fret man...people told me Harvard was a big reach this time last year. Just have great essays and as chappelle would tell you, "keep it real."

momreads

llpitch,

Do you plan to do anything with music in college? I ask this, because it has been such a huge part of your life. I would encourage you to continue. Perhaps, you should contact some of the schools' band directors. That could open a door. They might want a CD of your performances.

As for your recommendations, speak with your teachers. Give them your resume. Some teachers may not be aware of your background. Let them know you moved plenty. My son wrote an essay for English about changing schools -- he has gone to seven schools. He talked all about moving and how it shaped him. His classmates were blown away -- most had never moved. They been friends with the same people since kindergarten.

You should be commended for what you have done academically/ECs. Being from Hawaii also will be a help.

Best of luck.

Irene

Just to note:

Pomona has an acceptance rate in the mid teens. It's not a match for anyone.

llpitch

Well I'd be interested in performing in a concert band, but I'm worried that I won't be good enough. These are the top schools in the country, don't they have the best of the best music wise?

llpitch

bump 10char