How am I doing so far?

Colleges & Universities Stanford University
1

<p>Hi, I am kinda new here. I go to an okay school in Santa Clara, California. Uh. . . here are my stats:</p>

<p>Freshman Yr:
4.0 GPA
3 / 489</p>

<p>Courses (Highest possible courses):
Algebra 2 Honors = A
French 1 = A
English 9 Honors = A
Art = A
P.E = A
Biology = A</p>

<ul>
<li>Note: I was ranked 3rd because two freshman took Algebra 2 over the summer and landed in Trig Honors which is weighted)
However, by next year, I look forward to become first</li>
</ul>

<p>Courses supposed to be taken next year:
Trig Honors
French 2
English 10 Honors
AP Comp Sci A
Chemestry Honors
AP European History
P.E</p>

<p>EC’s (I am always going to stick to these activities till I go to college):

  • Religious Activities: A half priest in Livermore Temple / Learn religious hymns passed down 10,000 years ago / Wrote articles in a religious magazine that is popular in India (It’s called The Walk)</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Chess: Founder of chess club in school / Member of the United States Chess Federation / Have entered and won regional chess tournaments</p></li>
<li><p>The Computer Building Club: I plan to join this in school next year when I become a Sophomore.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>So . . . how am I doing so far? Any comments? I prefer comments on how to recieve ANY OTHER outstanding awards that are as prestigious as National Merit and National Honors Society. </p>

<p>Oh, and I volunteer at a Science Museum called “The Tech”</p>

<p>But I am worried that this is the only science / math activity I do. Does Stanford care? Do they give more importance to math and science related activities as opposed to non-science/math activity?</p>

2

<p>You’re doing fine…but it’s far too early to determine if you’re set for Stanford yet. There are too many factors which will become important later (SAT, awards, commitment to EC’s). Keep up the good work though…it’s a solid start. It’s great that you’re thinking so far ahead. My freshman year, I had no ideas about college. I just wanted to do the best I could in school. </p>

<p>About your question regarding math and science, here’s my advice. If you like other stuff, or excel at something else, commit yourself to that too. While science and math activities will in no way harm you, I’ve found that they won’t get you TOO far if you haven’t won countless awards (which demonstrates your skill) or done something others haven’t. The thing is, so many people do science related activities. The whole field is a bit generic. Top colleges won’t go Wow! if you’re just a member of, say, Chemistry Club or Math team, which brings me to another point. Start looking for leadership positions now. Sophomore year will be important because if you don’t provide a good foundation, your work in 11th grade will be downplayed as resume padding. </p>

<p>Well, there are my two cents. Hope I’ve helped!</p>

3

<p>When I was a sophomore, I didn’t even consider applying to Stanford, and maybe that’s why I’m here now.</p>