[Mariah4life]

the smart girls here

[Blade]

Originally posted by Citrus

My parents are divorced, so they add all my mom's, dad's, and stepmom's assets. According to them I make like 220k a year, nnn.

That's horrible. I hate the way they calculate FA. I didn't know that they used your parents' income before taxes to determine FA as if we have the extra $20k that is deducted. Luckily I still get about a third of my COA paid in scholarships.

[Citrus]

Originally posted by Blade

That's horrible. I hate the way they calculate FA. I didn't know that they used your parents' income before taxes to determine FA as if we have the extra $20k that is deducted. Luckily I still get about a third of my COA paid in scholarships.

That's good, I'm similar with what my scholarships would cover if I choose Columbia. It's just hard to say no to that experience for Ohio State. Like I know the debt will be bad but like...I'm thinking it may be worth it.

[LaNathan]

Originally posted by Haus

Early action is a great idea IF: 1) your stats are at their absolute best and you don't plan on taking any more standardized tests and 2) you have perfected your essays and you don't rush them to meet the EA deadline.

The acceptance rate can be quite a bit higher for early action, and it shows that you have more interest in the school than an average applicant, but if you rush your application you might screw yourself over.

If you're a junior right now and want to apply to Stanford this fall, you better have your essays started and if your ACT/SAT isn't 33+/2200+ you should do as much prep as you can to raise them. Also make sure you have a fairly busy summer EC/volunteer wise.

Learn from my mistakes

Omg, I knew you would respond to me haha! Thanks so much!

My ACT results come back next week, but would you suggest me taking the SAT as well so I have that to help me in my application?

I checked and Stanford's acceptance rate for ED is 12% while regular acceptance is 5% so that's a plus!

How would I start the essays and that part of the application? Doesn't it change every year?

My ACT when I was in 7th grade was 25 so I'm hoping (in fact praying) that it has improved significantly to get into the 30's.

What would you suggest for me to do during the summer then? I know I'll have to do volunteering stuff for NHS over the summer, as well as me having a job at a pool place.

Thanks so much for all your help alright! I appreciate it greatly!

[Mimie]

[Haus]

Originally posted by LaNathan

Omg, I knew you would respond to me haha! Thanks so much!

My ACT results come back next week, but would you suggest me taking the SAT as well so I have that to help me in my application?

I checked and Stanford's acceptance rate for ED is 12% while regular acceptance is 5% so that's a plus!

How would I start the essays and that part of the application? Doesn't it change every year?

My ACT when I was in 7th grade was 25 so I'm hoping (in fact praying) that it has improved significantly to get into the 30's.

What would you suggest for me to do during the summer then? I know I'll have to do volunteering stuff for NHS over the summer, as well as me having a job at a pool place.

Thanks so much for all your help alright! I appreciate it greatly!

This is super long so lemme put this in a dropdown

Alright so first, see how you do on the ACT. I've taken it twice and got a 31 both times, but some people do better on one test than the other, so I thought I'd try the SAT since that doesn't have Science and that's my worst section on the ACT. I took it in January and got an 1890 (640M/660W/590CR), awful. I retook it last month and got a 2060 (780M/720W/560CR), better but that's still low for Northwestern (my top choice) and definitely low for Stanford. I'm pretty sure my problem was that I did NO prep before my first SAT and only took two practice tests before my second one. The difference between the ACT and the SAT is that the SAT requires much more strategizing than the ACT, which is very straightforward. To counter this, you face much more of a time crunch and fatigue with the ACT than with the SAT. Because the SAT requires more strategizing, it requires more prep. There are few people who score a 2300+ without having studied for months in advance, going through multiple prep books and doing a lot of practice tests. Beyond that, many people pay for expensive tutoring.

Honestly, I would just stick with the ACT. You're from Michigan so no college would expect you to take the SAT, and they're both looked at the same. I feel like I've dug myself into a whole by starting with the SAT, especially if I end up doing a gap year where I improve test scores and volunteer work. Not only is the ACT more straightforward but it's easier to improve your scores by doing practice tests and finding a strategy that works for you (College Confidential has a ton of free guides and tips from people who have gotten 36's). That's not to paint it as the easier test, though; the Math section is quite a bit harder because it involves Trig and other more advanced concepts not included on the SAT. And like I said, the ACT is much more of a time crunch and it's very easy to get fatigued by the time you're on the Science and essay sections.

Rather than taking the SAT, I would take two to three SAT Subject Tests. They're kind of like AP Exams but not as difficult. Check out the Collegeboard's website for more info. Stanford's website says that they recommend taking at least two of them so that they have more insight on your strengths. It doesn't really matter which ones you pick, you're usually fine just doing your best subjects, but make sure you have at least one subject that relates to your major (e.g. if you want to get into Engineering, take at least one Math test).

By the way, a 25 in 7th grade is really really good so I'm sure you have what it takes to get a super high score.

-

Stanford, like most top colleges, use the Common Application. If you don't know what that is, make your account and check it out so you get the feel for it. You fill out one application with one essay that you submit to every college that uses the Common App. Most colleges have one to three additional essays that you add to their specific section, but the main Common App essay is sent to every college and is usually the one you want to spend the most time with since it's the one where you're most able to show off your personality and creativity. It's also limited to 650 words which can be a struggle for some people (I cut mine down to exactly 650 words). The essay topics for the 2015-16 Common App have already been released, and you can see your topic choices here: https://appsupport.commonapp.org/lin...-Essay-Prompts.

Stanford has three more 250 word prompts that you have to write, but even though they're shorter you still want to make sure you put in a lot of time and thinking into them. These topics are the same each year and you can see them here: http://admission.stanford.edu/applic...an/essays.html. Make all four of your essays works of art that don't waste a single sentence. That's how I felt about my main Common App essay but my other ones were pretty cookie cutter because I didn't spend much time on them.

Stanford hasn't yet opened their Common App for the 2015-16 students, so while you can fill out the Common App itself and work on your essays, you can't add Stanford to your college list on the Common App yet because it's still on the 2014-15 cycle. You should be able to add them over the summer.

-

I think the best thing you can do with your free time over the summer is to do work within the field that you want your career to be in. If you want to be in the medical field, do volunteer work at a hospital or with a healthcare organization. If you want to study engineering, go to a camp for a week or two. These are bad examples since I don't know what you want to do but you might have to get creative. Any kind of volunteer work is excellent, but doing things that interest you will show Stanford that you are serious and that you have a set path in mind.

-

Well this was incredibly long I hope it helps. I wish I had someone to be on my ass throughout my college process but not only am I lazy, people are scared to tell me what to do start your essays now and continually revise, add new ideas, and fine tune them and Stanford will be able to tell that you put in a lot of effort. When it comes to these top colleges, there are thousands of well qualified students that don't get in. The essays are often the dividing factor because it's your one way to really make yourself stand out.

[Vespertine]

Originally posted by LaNathan

Omg, I knew you would respond to me haha! Thanks so much!

My ACT results come back next week, but would you suggest me taking the SAT as well so I have that to help me in my application?

I checked and Stanford's acceptance rate for ED is 12% while regular acceptance is 5% so that's a plus!

How would I start the essays and that part of the application? Doesn't it change every year?

My ACT when I was in 7th grade was 25 so I'm hoping (in fact praying) that it has improved significantly to get into the 30's.

What would you suggest for me to do during the summer then? I know I'll have to do volunteering stuff for NHS over the summer, as well as me having a job at a pool place.

Thanks so much for all your help alright! I appreciate it greatly!

I think it's important to remind everyone that the ED acceptance rates are often higher at elite schools because the applicant pool is very self-selecting; you get more of the absolute most ambitious and talented students applying ED. Most of the upper tier schools also admit a lot of legacy applicants ED.

Not to say that you shouldn't apply ED, but I think it's worth knowing that it's not really any "easier" and might just lead you to rushing your application. If you do end up applying anywhere ED/EA and then get deferred, it's crucial that you follow up with the school (email the admissions office with important updates to your resume and let them know that the school is still your first choice). Otherwise they might just look right over you during regular admissions.

[LaNathan]

Originally posted by Vespertine

I think it's important to remind everyone that the ED acceptance rates are often higher at elite schools because the applicant pool is very self-selecting; you get more of the absolute most ambitious and talented students applying ED. Most of the upper tier schools also admit a lot of legacy applicants ED.

Not to say that you shouldn't apply ED, but I think it's worth knowing that it's not really any "easier" and might just lead you to rushing your application. If you do end up applying anywhere ED/EA and then get deferred, it's crucial that you follow up with the school (email the admissions office with important updates to your resume and let them know that the school is still your first choice). Otherwise they might just look right over you during regular admissions.

Thanks so much for this advice! I appreciate it!

[LaNathan]

Originally posted by Haus

This is super long so lemme put this in a dropdown

Alright so first, see how you do on the ACT. I've taken it twice and got a 31 both times, but some people do better on one test than the other, so I thought I'd try the SAT since that doesn't have Science and that's my worst section on the ACT. I took it in January and got an 1890 (640M/660W/590CR), awful. I retook it last month and got a 2060 (780M/720W/560CR), better but that's still low for Northwestern (my top choice) and definitely low for Stanford. I'm pretty sure my problem was that I did NO prep before my first SAT and only took two practice tests before my second one. The difference between the ACT and the SAT is that the SAT requires much more strategizing than the ACT, which is very straightforward. To counter this, you face much more of a time crunch and fatigue with the ACT than with the SAT. Because the SAT requires more strategizing, it requires more prep. There are few people who score a 2300+ without having studied for months in advance, going through multiple prep books and doing a lot of practice tests. Beyond that, many people pay for expensive tutoring.

Honestly, I would just stick with the ACT. You're from Michigan so no college would expect you to take the SAT, and they're both looked at the same. I feel like I've dug myself into a whole by starting with the SAT, especially if I end up doing a gap year where I improve test scores and volunteer work. Not only is the ACT more straightforward but it's easier to improve your scores by doing practice tests and finding a strategy that works for you (College Confidential has a ton of free guides and tips from people who have gotten 36's). That's not to paint it as the easier test, though; the Math section is quite a bit harder because it involves Trig and other more advanced concepts not included on the SAT. And like I said, the ACT is much more of a time crunch and it's very easy to get fatigued by the time you're on the Science and essay sections.

Rather than taking the SAT, I would take two to three SAT Subject Tests. They're kind of like AP Exams but not as difficult. Check out the Collegeboard's website for more info. Stanford's website says that they recommend taking at least two of them so that they have more insight on your strengths. It doesn't really matter which ones you pick, you're usually fine just doing your best subjects, but make sure you have at least one subject that relates to your major (e.g. if you want to get into Engineering, take at least one Math test).

By the way, a 25 in 7th grade is really really good so I'm sure you have what it takes to get a super high score.

-

Stanford, like most top colleges, use the Common Application. If you don't know what that is, make your account and check it out so you get the feel for it. You fill out one application with one essay that you submit to every college that uses the Common App. Most colleges have one to three additional essays that you add to their specific section, but the main Common App essay is sent to every college and is usually the one you want to spend the most time with since it's the one where you're most able to show off your personality and creativity. It's also limited to 650 words which can be a struggle for some people (I cut mine down to exactly 650 words). The essay topics for the 2015-16 Common App have already been released, and you can see your topic choices here: https://appsupport.commonapp.org/lin...-Essay-Prompts.

Stanford has three more 250 word prompts that you have to write, but even though they're shorter you still want to make sure you put in a lot of time and thinking into them. These topics are the same each year and you can see them here: http://admission.stanford.edu/applic...an/essays.html. Make all four of your essays works of art that don't waste a single sentence. That's how I felt about my main Common App essay but my other ones were pretty cookie cutter because I didn't spend much time on them.

Stanford hasn't yet opened their Common App for the 2015-16 students, so while you can fill out the Common App itself and work on your essays, you can't add Stanford to your college list on the Common App yet because it's still on the 2014-15 cycle. You should be able to add them over the summer.

-

I think the best thing you can do with your free time over the summer is to do work within the field that you want your career to be in. If you want to be in the medical field, do volunteer work at a hospital or with a healthcare organization. If you want to study engineering, go to a camp for a week or two. These are bad examples since I don't know what you want to do but you might have to get creative. Any kind of volunteer work is excellent, but doing things that interest you will show Stanford that you are serious and that you have a set path in mind.

-

Well this was incredibly long I hope it helps. I wish I had someone to be on my ass throughout my college process but not only am I lazy, people are scared to tell me what to do start your essays now and continually revise, add new ideas, and fine tune them and Stanford will be able to tell that you put in a lot of effort. When it comes to these top colleges, there are thousands of well qualified students that don't get in. The essays are often the dividing factor because it's your one way to really make yourself stand out.

Thank you for all of this!
I'm making my account for Common App right now so thanks for telling me this!
If I have any more questions in regards to this, I'll make sure to ask!

[skwonderfactory]

Guys I am so freaking happy!!!!!

I found out I got accepted to my second choice school plus for a $12,000 scholarship today!!!

[LaNathan]

Originally posted by skwonderfactory

Guys I am so freaking happy!!!!!

I found out I got accepted to my second choice school plus for a $12,000 scholarship today!!!

OMG CONGRATS!

What school?

[HausOfGerard]

I've finally committed to a school

A state school, but I'm really happy with where I'm going

[skwonderfactory]

Originally posted by LaNathan

OMG CONGRATS!

What school?

Hamline University. I'm studying graphic design.

[LaNathan]

Originally posted by skwonderfactory

Hamline University. I'm studying graphic design.

Oh awesome! Graphic design is a cool major!
How did you decide to do that?

I can't decide on a major, but I can pick a minor.

[Temporal]

Originally posted by Haus

You're going to pay $50,000 a year in loans?

I wanted to apply to NYU but it was pointless because their financial aid sucks and the most I can afford a year is like $10,000 max.

My dad is in the military so I get to use the GI Bill which will basically pay for everything (it gives me in-state tuition and then a **** ton of money on top of that). If I get off NYU's waitlist and I went the GI Bill wouldn't be able to cover everything there.

[Wonda]

Haiiiiii GurlzZ

What classes r y'all taking nxt semester?

I registered today, and I'll be doing Advertising & PR, Economics Reporting, French Grammar Review & Comp, and a French class on false identities in film. I'll also be doing Financial Accounting and a class on the legal environment of Business. How fun

[BLaCKPoWeR]

Just got into Berklee College of Music!

[StammyWammy]

It was a tough choice between UCLA and UC Berkeley but I finally made up my mind and committed to UCLA

Mess @ me not receiving no type of financial aid at all but it's worth it because I'm going to my dream school.

[FattMatt]

Are any of you double minoring with a major in pre-med I feel like i'm doing to much and might be overwhelmed

[Lazer_beam]

Any grad students around here?

I'm a few months away from finishing up my master's and have recently been accepted to the PhD biochem program at Duke . I'm pretty much a masochist at this point since biomedical science PhD programs have an average time-to-degree of around 5-6 years