There Is No Luck In Admissions

chocobok
Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:57:53 +0000

I totally agree about the niche theory and how you are competing against people in your niche. To me, it makes complete sense. I view it like this:

If you’re a asian good at math/science you’ll probably be competing against 5,000 people (the numbers are off, I know, but just to give an idea) who beyond good GPA, test scores have similar math/science ECs. What will make you rise to the top is either being absolutley outstanding and better than everyone in your niche, or being more unique.

Now, if you’re a cheerleader, humanities-loving asian (quite an rarity) with good GPA/test scores you might only be competing against 100 other people. You have a much better chance of getting in.

You just have to stand out in your niche by either being outstanding, unique, or able to make your EC’s come alive with a great essay. Just my 2 cents (and take my insights with a grain of salt because I haven’t even gone through the admissions process and will probably be proven wrong when I get a bunch of rejections ;)