<p>Before I begin, I must bring to attention that I have made a similar post considering chances, however I lacked the sophistication to fully articulate my thoughts. Thus, I re-write, hopefully expecting more solid criticism. Here is my current status:</p>
<p>SAT: retaking for a possible score of 2200+
UW GPA(expected at the end of senior year): 3.83/4.00
IB Diploma Candidate(first group for my school): Striving to score around 38-42/42
Ethnicity: Primarily African-American/Korean
Korean SAT II: 630/800( no professional help, only learned and progressed from my mother)
Will be taking: Math 1 and Biology M
Income: Approx 55-60K
Intended undergraduate goal: Pre-Med -> then perhaps a field in neurology to become a pediatric neurosurgeon assistant( if such an occupation exists)</p>
<p>EC:
-Piano(Overall 10 years, 8 under mentor, now playing recreational and at small recitals)
-Cello( Overall 5 years, 2 under mentor, now teaching my self; am currently 1st chair cello at my orchaestra( Inland Valley Youth Symphony)
-Tennis( Overall 5 years, 3 under coach, was in school’s varsity tennis team since late freshman, won MVP and small auxillary awards. School is not nationally ranked, by competitive among districts)
- Guitar ( Overall 3 years, 1 year under mentor, playing as recreational after that)
- Tae Kwon Do ( Approx 7-8 years,Black Belt Third Degree, won many medals under poomse criteria at championships)
-California Scholarship Federation(3 years, Treasurer 1 year, running for President this year)
-National Honors Socity (2 years)
-Inspire Club: Non-profit and community based club, holding a perm. position as secretary</p>
<p>Volunteer: +120 hours
Mostly comprises of:
-Worked as a student instructor/ overseer at my dojo. Dictated activities, rotations, cleaning, closing, etc.
-School hostings ( RELAY for LIFE, Blood Drive Hand holding, club opportunities, etc)
-HOPE Drive ( Served donated food to economically unfortunate people young and old).</p>
<p>As previously mentioned, I do not want to convey a sulky impression, however my junior year was very harsh: Teachers only had a summer’s worth of criteria training for the IB Program so their standards most of the time did not meet with those of the IB’s. Parents getting old, I had to take care of my mother and provide for my little sister ( and my father sometimes when he visited from his job at a psychiatric ward prison, he is a medical nurse there). Mother had alot of health issues. Also, school proved no less better: victim of a lot of social ridicule from my peers, whom I sit with every day.</p>
<p>Why UCLA?
- Reasons for UCLA is because it is a place I see myself thriving in. The competitive atmosphere, the engaging assessments, surrounded by creative and academic minds. Campus is also quite nice. Also being close to home, I have the privilege of visiting home to check on my family.</p>
<p>Why UCSD?
- Similar to UCLA, it is close to home and has many good programs. However, having visted the campus recently, I was not entirely intrigued by the atmosphere and the layout. Their academic philosophy is quite interesting however.</p>
<p>Why Stanford?
- Before I have not imagined choosing Stanford, because of it’s public reputation and its expenses, I felt that no matter what, I was never going to get to that level. However, it wasn’t until recently did I consider even mentioning this college on my list of choices. After analyzing many experiences of the alumni, current students, and admissions interviews, Stanford was the ideal dream school I had longed for in years: Not only being around just intellectuals, but being with scholars who have paved out their purpose in life with expressive passion and not just looking for the big things but progressing and perfecting the little things. Forgive, articulating myself is very difficult because of the immense awe I am sopped with when imaging how far my potential as an individual and as an erudite scholar can broaden with Stanford’s resources.</p>
<p>Why Berkely?
- A bit of personal reason, I would like to see how their resources will fair for me.</p>