Basically, a process appears random when the observer has one data point and incomplete knowledge of the system. Universities are trying to create a balanced, well-rounded class, so there are a lot of factors that go into that optimization process. It’s not random, but for the purposes of an applicant, even if you’ve done everything you can to prepare, it might as well be.
A related fallacy:
- "You will easily get into [super reach college for you] because you are [some kind of URM]."
129: never said that at all. Just commenting on the fact that most New Jerseyans on CC are urged to stay in-state when most of their in-state options aren't even good. If they want to go OOS, let them.
As the parent of a URM and one that knows many URMs with great stats that were rejected, 166 really annoys me.
@ucbalumnus Yes! #166 is very annoying. So many people said that to me since I’m an URM
You admit that NJ has 3 - 3! - very good public options, which cover a variety of sizes and academic strengths. Often students from NJ come on here with a ridiculous urge to attend OOS colleges - usually in CA - which they cannot afford, and are counseled to strongly consider their in state options because they are good and affordable. Honestly, I cannot find sympathy because people have “ONLY three good public schools” (with two med schools).
Sorry for going off topic.
Can’t blame people for wanting to get out of Jersey 
- Anything below Calculus 1 is a remedial class in college. The real answer is it depends on your school and your major. Most colleges and most majors don't require any math over calculus.
- Self-studying for 15 AP exams will impress Ivy League schools.
The advantage of URM’s in elite admission is an irrefutable fact and not a myth. Yes there is no guarantee of admission to HPYS but URM’s with top stats will virtually always end up at a very elite school which is not true for non-hooked students. The actual myth is that applying as an URM is not a major advantage. Being a URM is the best hook other than being an athletic recruit or the child of a major donor.
Please, let’s not make this yet another thread about race in college admissions.
I used to believe elite admissions was a crap shoot — then I met a few unhooked middle class families that sent each and every child to elite colleges.
@marvin100 have you spent a lot of time in New Jersey?
132....
Added #169 the Ivy League schools, Yale in particular, are filled with screaming, entitled brats who are ruining their school by protesting. They should learn to be grateful for what they have even though none of us thinks what they have is worthwhile…SNOBS!
Just a joke, @Postmodern , just a joke. (But not really–couple weeks all told, probably).
That’s how my (unhooked, lower-middle-class) family ended up: Williams, Stanford, Dartmouth.
@usualhopeful um, not “three very good” options. More like two pretty good, and one decent. However, the obsession with CA colleges is absolutely ridiculous, I agree with that. But instead of always being pointed to in-state schools, they should be encouraged to look at more OOS options, like schools in NC or VA. NJ isn’t at all a great place to go to college lol.
@marvin100 spot on. the place literally reeks lol.
Which brings me to the next fallacy…
- CA colleges are all super sunny and are right next to beaches and everyone who goes to a CA college is super chill, brah.
@LBad96 #170 we are brah and we are always secretly located near an Inn N Out
In theory, a high school student at normal level in math who takes the typical college-prep course selection including four years of math will complete precalculus in 12th grade (meanwhile, posters on these forums fret about being “behind” if they are on track for precalculus in 11th grade and calculus in 12th grade). This means that s/he should be ready for calculus as a college frosh. Of course, not all college students need to take calculus for their majors. But those who do need calculus should theoretically be able to take it without having to take additional preparatory / remedial math courses before taking calculus.
@tonymom Cookout > In and Out