Chance Me - CA resident (Bay Area), 3.7UW [3.98 weighted-capped for UC/CSU], 1540 SAT, for Mechanical Engineering

[chuckml97]

I agree. But SDSU should be more likely to OP then top 6 UCs and SLO.

[aquapt]

@brl2006

I was considering writing about my mixed race upbringing and how it led me to join music to find a place to fit in, but I’m not sure how effective this would be. It’s for the culture question on the personal statement.

I think there’s a real risk of overplaying your hand with a topic like this. The Bay area is positively teeming with “Wasian” kids. (I’m a parent of two of them.) The premise that this loomed large in terms of motivating you to get involved in music may not only seem a bit forced, but may also detract from other, potentially more compelling reasons that music is important to you.

JMHO, but I think fitting in a passing mention of your racial identity is fine, but any more than that is excessive unless your situation is truly unusual - i.e. there are significant culture-clash issues in your background/upbringing, not just mixed genetics. Otherwise, presuming that you’re unusual for being white+Asian might play well at very low-diversity schools, but otherwise not so much. And it may give the unfortunate impression that you couldn’t think of anything more interesting to say about yourself, when in fact your extracurricular pursuits are really interesting!! I’d be looking for essay fodder there, and letting the “diversity” stuff take a back seat.

[AustenNut]

@brl2006

Good engineering program in terms of facilities and faculty. Smaller school and urban location preferred. Would like a diverse student body.

Have you thought about Worcester Polytechnic (in Worcester, a city less than an hour from Boston) or Wentworth (in Boston)? Worcester has about 5200 undergrads and you can cross-register for classes at Clark or Holy Cross. Wentworth has about 3700 undergrads and also has cross-registration opportunities.