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Here are my stats:

Cumulative weighted GPA of 4.31.
• Top 2% of the 2005 class, 3rd out of 287.
• SAT II: Math IIC: 750, Biology E/M: 740, Writing: 720, US History: 720
• ACT: 29. SAT I: 1360


Leaderships Role
• Student Council: Freshman Secretary & Treasurer 01-02; Dance Committee 02-03; Junior Vice President 03-04.
• Clubs: Asian Student Alliance: Moderator, 02-03, Treasurer, 03-04, Moderator, 04-05; La Société Française: Founder and President 02-05.


Work Experience
• Currently a part-time Researcher under the mentorship of Dr. Gordon Watson, PhD, researching SLOS IV for +20 hrs a week. 200+ hours worked so far since Sept 2003.
I'm heading a research project on Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome, a cholesterol deficiency disease.


Research Internship
• Formulated a new theory on the genetic expression of human embryonic Zeta-Globins chain in Deletional Alpha-Thalassemia patients.
• Earned a grant from the NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for Short-Term Research Training for Minority Students: 5 T35 HL07807-09.
Pediatrician Assistant
• Shadowed a pediatrician for a summer: 32 hours in 6 weeks.

Research projects
1. "Human Embryonic Zeta-Globin Chains Expression in Deletional Alpha-Thalassemia Patients"
2. "Bone Morphogenetic Protein-3 Regulation of Chondrogenesis in Developing Chick Limb Bud"
3. "Optimization and Quantification of SLOS Tissues Using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometer"

Others
-went to RSI 2004. 75 out of app 1200 applicants chosen
-awarded an NIH grant. only three in the nation.
-will co-author a paper by the end of 2005 with two Harvard Medical School Professors, but won't be published in time to send a copy to college

Circumstances
-Vietnamese immigrant, came over in 1994
-low-income family, 14K a year, dad's a delivery man, mom a housewife.
-on welfare, medicare, foodstamp, and housing
-1st child to attend a 4 yr without a community college
-gay activist


so tell me what cha think.

By Irock1ce (Irock1ce) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 02:23 am: Edit

im just wondering but why is ur email @mit.edu?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 02:28 am: Edit

because i went to RSI, and they give you a free email account there.

By Tricias (Tricias) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 02:30 am: Edit

I'm assuming you mean "gay rights activist" rather than "gay activist".

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 02:32 am: Edit

thanks for correcting me

ahh so far, nothing on chances

By Raven001 (Raven001) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 04:02 am: Edit

Your SAT Is are on the lower side, but I don't think it will hurt you one bit. You sound like a strong applicant, and will be accepted into a lot of the schools (esp MIT, post-RSI).

Good luck!

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 04:05 am: Edit

i think the only problem right now is the glaring SAT score, but if Harvard isn't going to accept me on the basis of my SAT score, i wouldn't want to go there anyway. Thanks

By Uscgobc (Uscgobc) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 10:55 am: Edit

Congrats on all the Research stuff. Might want to work on pulling those SAT's up. Should have no problem getting in with your EC's and research. SAT II's look good. I would put your SAT I score instead of ACT. Any ACT under 30 isn't looked at well

By Ralkas (Ralkas) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 03:28 pm: Edit

lol "gay activist"

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 04:02 pm: Edit

which school is a safety? a good match? a reach?

By Annieivy (Annieivy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 04:31 pm: Edit

You've done wonderful things and seem like a great candidate. I do agree, though, with those telling you to get the SAT score up if you possibly can. There's a good chance that Harvard could let that stand in your way, so why not try to avoid that? A good friend from my hs last year, a scholarship student who was also a very impressive recent immigrant, did not get into HYPSM with a 1370 and other stats similar to yours.

By Link12 (Link12) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 04:39 pm: Edit

RSI???? I believe you have at least a 70+% chance at any top college.

By Celebrian23 (Celebrian23) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 04:52 pm: Edit

i think if not for your amazing accomplishments/rsi your sat would hold you back, but rsi is practically a garuntee at MIT and with your amazing achievements, I doubt you'll get rejected anywhere

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 05:12 pm: Edit

I'm holding out for Harvard. The dean told me that if I get in, my tuition would be 1.5K a year. The only trouble is GETTING in.

At MIT, the director of admission told me that i'll have to take out loans, maximum is 5.5K a year. I don't want to do that.

Ahh, so my hope is rally set on Harvard because of the finaid, but if I don't get in, the world isn't over.

By Shafted (Shafted) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 05:30 pm: Edit

nghi! you modest fool, and you got mad at me for posting (so did everyone else - theyre mean). pssssssh.
i think youll have a great chance at anywhere (harvard), if not, mit isnt much worse at all. you have tons of uniqueness, eugenics, and great accomplishments. i hope you get into harvard.

By Paulhomework (Paulhomework) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 06:33 pm: Edit

the only thing preventing me from saying that you are a lock is the lack of a 1400+ SAT score.

bring your SAT score up to that and you're set.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 06:37 pm: Edit

eww it's richard aka shafted. hey hooch. WELL I'm NOT YOU. mister i took calculuc bc when I was in 7th grade. My accomplishments are not as fruitful as yours. =) so I have a right to ask ppl what my chance is because i'm scared I won't get into anywhere..


ps stop going on CC

By Kousuke (Kousuke) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 07:21 pm: Edit

"which school is a safety? a good match? a reach? "

JHU is a match, the rest are all reaches

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 07:30 pm: Edit

you must be kidding me right? why are they all reaches for someone like me?

By Justice (Justice) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 08:21 pm: Edit

lol you remind me of one of those deranged passive-aggressive types--you don't think that schools considered reaches for everyone are reaches for you, you claim that you wouldn't want to go to Harvard if they cared about your SAT scores, but at the same time you post constantly about your chances

By Irock1ce (Irock1ce) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 09:01 pm: Edit

wow. ur an arrogant little dude arent u? You do know colleges factor in personality quite heavily into your admissions. If you are as arrogant and stubborn as you sound, then you probably wont get into any of these schools. Oh wait. Take that back... Harvard is full of kids like you. You've accomplished a LOt... so dont let your personality be the factor that gets you rejected.. or your SATs. Im guessing that you go to one of the Oakland Public H.S.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 10:37 pm: Edit

don't call me arrogant based on "why are they all reaches for someone like me?"

If I gotten into RSI, then why did he say that MIT was a reach for me? All the rickoids personally had dinner with the assistant director of admission. He knows us on a first name basis.


ya i'm a bit deranged. i think it's from all the fun i've been having in my sr yr. While everyone else is worrying about college, i'm out partying and posting on here to see what you people say about my stats. It's interesting because honestly, I don't need your feedback. Your comments entertained me.

Arrogance is natural. I'm not denying mine. And I don't go to a Oakland Public School. My brain cells would die if I went there.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 10:43 pm: Edit

deranged passive-aggressive types <-- that's the best type to be

The last time I posted my stats on "What Are My Chances" was in January 2004, so please, evaluate your definition of "CONSTANT."

ps. i love to spite people =) it gives me pleasure

By Hahaha (Hahaha) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 11:35 pm: Edit

wow great research, kid. I'm jealous- and RSI at that! Niiiice I wonder if I could put "waitlisted for RSI" as an honor on my college app...lol jk
Harvard will DEFINITELY bump you on that RSI but from what I've heard that school is pretty picky about the SAT, so you should probably bump up that score.
Good luck and stop spiting people (find a more congenial hobby, say, croquet?)
Hahaha

By Pariah_Papaya (Pariah_Papaya) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 11:44 pm: Edit

FYI, he's a lot nicer in person, folks

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 12:05 am: Edit

aww thanks justin. =)
i dont know, whenever i get online, i am definitely someone else lol. ehh i think it's quite funny how i can get people to react. it's a great tool for the future.

thanks hahaha. i'll try not to spite people. try. are you really just 15? good luck at MIT =), great campus!!

By Irock1ce (Irock1ce) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 01:03 am: Edit

omg. you are so cool. you party.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 01:18 am: Edit

was that sarcasm? I don't get it. please. elaborate.

By Hahaha (Hahaha) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 02:38 am: Edit

Yea but I'm turning 16 pretty soon- license time!!
'Good luck at MIT'? lol if i get in, which isn't likely, thanks.
Well good luck with all your apps and stuff, an RSI genius like you will be fine wherever you go.
Hahaha

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 03:07 am: Edit

you're graduating in 2005 right?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 06:07 pm: Edit

should i retake my SAT in november

By Ohio_Mom (Ohio_Mom) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 06:26 pm: Edit

Yes! You've got a lot going for you. Don't let a silly 3 hour test reduce your chances of attending your school of choice.

By Hahaha (Hahaha) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 09:04 pm: Edit

Yea i'm graduating in 2005. Yea i agree- with that kind of a brain on you, i'm sure w/ a even just a tad of studying u could pull off a hecka good SAT score

By Arangatan (Arangatan) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 10:19 pm: Edit

Actually, if you get into harvard it will be totally free. Their new fin aid policy is that if ur familys income is below 30k you dont have to pay anything. Also, i think ur chances are great. Your sat score is kinda low, but considering that u came here in 1994, they might give u a break. u didnt show the sat break down, but if u did really well on teh math and not so great on the verbal they might excuse that.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 11:22 pm: Edit

the SAT break down is math 710 and verbal 650

By Sirhcv (Sirhcv) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 12:13 am: Edit

whoa I was reading this and was like... dang why isnt this crazy research kid a fellow rickoid.. but then what do you know! Its KNEE!!! Dang there seems to be an RSI trend going on.. I should post my life out for everyone to read on CC too :-)

And besides Nghi, you're in everywhaere! Its OBVIOUS

Harvard AdCom: "Hey look at this applicant, his name is Nig Hi or Nee Hi or Neeg eee or something, heck I don't know... we'll just have to ask him in person on admit weekend"

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 12:26 am: Edit

lol hey chris. ya you should post your stats. Richard did. lol

omg, how would people react if all the rickoids posted their resume on here? That'd be quite intimidating don't you think? I WOULD be intimidated!!

I really hope all of the rickoids get into Harvard or MIT and then it'll be RSI 2004 all over again!! =)

ps. volunteering/working hrs at the lab since Sept just increased to 232 hrs because now, i worked 20 hrs a week.

By Eeeeyor (Eeeeyor) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 09:45 am: Edit

for someone that took calculus BC in 7th grade, why arent your math scores higher? im a senior taking calculus AB next semester and still got an 800

By G0ldplatinum (G0ldplatinum) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 09:58 am: Edit

ur not going anywhere, sorry 1360 < 1450 < 1600 which is required for admissions. Thanks

By Ohio_Mom (Ohio_Mom) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 12:51 pm: Edit

Static,
again, your research work is outstanding, and the RSI connection is wonderful - but you fall within the bottom 25% of accepted students at Harvard, a place traditionally reserved for athletes, URM's, and foreign and ELS students with poor verbal scores that submit the TOEFL. Harvard gets 21,000 applications for only 2100 acceptances, more or less. They have to cut 9 out of 10 applications for some reason. Don't let that reason be something that is within your power to change.

In your original post you mentioned - "Arrogance is natural." Whether or not this is true doesn't matter. Put yourself in the place of an adcom who has to wade through hundreds of apps, many submitted by people just as qualified as you. Perhaps you would pick the arrogant ones; I don't think that you can count on this. I followed last year's admit cycle fairly closely on this board. Many of the results were predictable, some weren't - kids with everything going for them, sure they were heaven's gift to academia - that didn't get in where they were sure they would. I would guess that many of these rejections resulted from arrogance showing through - on top of the crapshoot natural of elite school admissions.

By Pamlax04 (Pamlax04) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 07:09 pm: Edit

You have a good chance if you show that you are humble (not by putting yourself down but learning from others etc). I was @MIT but not for RSI. I have met quite a few of the RSI kids. Everyone knew the friendly girl shoob?? who wore big boots. What kind of hooks do your friends have other than RSI ? How many RSI students end up at Harvard each year ? Good luck with your SAT and Harvard application.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 07:15 pm: Edit

Goldplatinum...nothing is required for admission, especially not SAT.

eeeeyor, I was refering to my friend Richard who took BC in 7th grade. I took BC when I was a jr. Taking advanced math has nothing to do with the SAT MATH portion. Matt Mcgann of MIT adcom told me trivial standarized testing like SAT does not play that big of a role in admission.

pamlax, the girl was named shubha. we have a lot of other hooks such as publication, science and math competition, ISEF, STS, Seimens, and science and math olympiads on the national and international platform. Outside of the scientific realm, we have people who won National Latin Exam, who runs XC, who paints, who sings, who is in a band, who dances, etc.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 07:18 pm: Edit

Ohio mom, thanks for the advice. honestly, i can say that CC brought out the bad me. Whenever I defend my credentials or myself in general on this board, arrogance emerges naturally. I'm very humbled outside. Hard to believe, yes.

By Pamlax04 (Pamlax04) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 07:25 pm: Edit

"publication, science and math competition, ISEF, STS, Seimens, and science and math olympiads on the national and international platform" - these are going to help but quite a few of the students who apply for Math and Science will have that credentials. I am assuming those are the things that got you into RSI. Besides tha academics what unique talent/hook do you guys have ? XC, painting, singing,band and dance are the usaul one unless you have won some national awards/recognition.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 07:51 pm: Edit

Nah, I didn't have any of that stuff when I applied for RSI. I was a recipient of an NIH Research grant. This is on a national level since I'm competing with postdocs from other institutions for the money. The world of science is very cut-throat and aggressive, so RSI was very surprised that one of its applicant already has an NIH grant. I worked +20 hrs a week at a lab, heading my own research project. When it is published, I'll be a 1st author, so that will be cool. =)

By Pamlax04 (Pamlax04) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 08:03 pm: Edit

When I said you - I meant you and your friends who are applying to Harvard. What non-academic, non-research related hooks do your friends have ?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 08:23 pm: Edit

o i know personally for me, i'm using my circumstances as a hook. You don't see many of the "horatio alger" rag to riches stories these days. (low-income, gay, immigrant, vietnamese, 1st to attend US HS, 1st to attend 4 yrs college w/o a junior/ community college)

Rickoids have won national debating competition, performed the violin or piano for +10 years, etc.

give me some examples of non-academic, non-research hooks you're talking about.

not all of us can be so well rounded in all aspects. we're hardcore researchers and mathematicians, yet our skills in the humanities and social science are not inept.

By Pamlax04 (Pamlax04) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 08:35 pm: Edit

Examples would be national level rowing team champion, community service (not the usual soup kitchen, inner city reading program etd) recognition, part of the local shakespeare theater company, scuba diver, etc.. Just being RSI itself is a great thing, so I am not expecting you or your friends to have other hooks but just wondering. I have heard that Harvard applicants have extraordinary talents.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 08:56 pm: Edit

I can't speak for all rickoids because I don't represent them all. But for my case, there's no way I could fit in "rowing" with work and school. There's only 24 hours a day, and I'm only wasting 5 hrs on sleep and the other 7 on school. That's half of my day right there.

I manage a few clubs at school.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 01:50 pm: Edit

no one told me about my chances at the other schools yet.

By Ohio_Mom (Ohio_Mom) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 08:55 pm: Edit

On the other schools - assuming that you get the arrogance out of your system on the CC board and write good essays,

JHU - in
MIT, Columbia, UPenn - >50%
Stanford >33%

On the essays - make sure that you have someone proof your essays who is a)brutally honest b)a good / accurate writer and c)a person whose opinion that you respect and will listen to.

It must be very frustating have accomplished so much and still be 'just a hs kid'. I think that life will be happier for you once you are in a suitable college with many people that you can really talk to.

One other thought - you've seen the Cambridge school, and I realize that finances are an issue. I don't know where you live, but I believe that some schools (notably Harvey Mudd) might be willing to pick up travel expensives for a school visit. You might see if this route would work - talk to admissions, send your resume, see if they will pony up for a visit. Maybe your GC could help.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 10:55 pm: Edit

as stated previously, i actually am not arrogant in person.

It's not frustrating, if you think I've accomplished a lot, you haven't met all of the rickoids. I felt very humbled after meeting them.

ya i'm having colleges flying me out for free. I'm flying to Williams College this saturday to visit its campus, although i really don't want to go there, it's a free vacation, so why not.


anyone else?

By Yourworld (Yourworld) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 12:47 am: Edit

Stat is borderline delusional. How is it that he gets inside track to Harvard and MIT deans ? It's a long reach from Oakland, California. Also click on his CC profile you will find him projected admits to Harvard,MIT and already preadmitted in the future by Harvard med. Finally, character still matters. Why would any renown scientist takes someone with an obvious inflated ego under his tutelage, and not a humble, earnest student?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 01:43 am: Edit

lol MIT director of admission takes me out to dinner whenever he sees me. He specifically remember to order godiva cheesecake because i politely ask him to. Moreover, I was there in Cambridge this summer for 6 weeks buddy. I worked under 2 harvard medical school professors.

it's quite funny how you call me delusional without any support

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 01:47 am: Edit

dude, everyone uses their CC profile to put his or her dream school on there. LOL i'm certainly nooooot the only one brother.

So basically, you're using my CC profile to come to the conclusion that i am delusional. Interesting. Some CC people never cease to amaze me by their stupidity.

why would any renown scientist do that? because let me explain to you how it works in the real world

1.you obviously think that by having an ego i have no diligence...wrong. one can have both

i worked 10 hrs a day for 5 days for 5 weeks.

By Yourworld (Yourworld) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 11:00 pm: Edit

MIT deans takes you out to dinner whenever he sees you, and remembers to order your favorite godiva chocolate cake for dessert...I now do believe you...one can't possibly make this up...life is good.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 11:57 pm: Edit

hahahaha okay, well you don't have to believe me. He's coming this wednesday to SF, and we're going to go eat afterwards. I'll bring a digital camera to prove how oh so wrong and naive you are. oh it will be so great. I love it when people think they're right...but...they're...actually NOT. Okay we'll see. Then on thursday, he's coming to visit the school I go to for the 1st time to see my school enviroment.

Look him up, Assistant Director of MIT Admission, Matt Mcgann.

lastly,
sarcasm isn't the best color on you.

By Tongos (Tongos) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 09:57 am: Edit

how did you make it into RSI?, did you try out for the math amc olympiads?

It was probably the amount of research you've done that got you in.
anyway, i say your chances are really good because you made it into RSI

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 02:52 pm: Edit

i'm not a math person, so I didn't try out for the math amc olympiads. The adcom of RSI was very impressed by the extensive amount of bio research I've done as a high school student, but trust me, some applicants had even better stats and they didn't get into RSI. It's a very random process. One needs a lot of luck.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 10:50 pm: Edit

BUMP

By Democthenes (Democthenes) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 11:02 pm: Edit

Dude, stop hogging the forum. Your thread is exhausted. Noone cares anymore. Seriously.

By Feinwine (Feinwine) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 11:39 pm: Edit

Stat, what's wrong with you. i just read this thread for the first time and i wish i could write a letter or something to the colleges you're applying to and tell them not to take you. i mean honestly, it pisses me off that someone like you is going to get into these great universitites while better PEOPLE will not. but i guess it's fair, because you are a rickoid. also, i seriously doubt that you would be partying even if you had no work to do.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 12:13 am: Edit

there's absolutely nothing wrong with me. How are other people better? How well do you know me to come to that conclusion? My life was not handed to me on a silver plate you little ____ (fill in the blank, i'm polite enough not to call you a wench), so before you say anything about "someone like me", think first. Think if you really know me. Why did I become a rickoid? How did I ever get these research opportunities? God, people like you pisses me off with their ignorance. I work my ass off like everybody else. I have a right to attend a great universities like everyone else who consistently work throughout their high school years. I followed my passion and I went out of your way to find projects. Girl, please, you don't know me.


ps. o please believe that i'm having the greatest time in my sr yr. life is a big paaaaartay. But do doubt, why does it matter to me?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 12:27 am: Edit

this is from SOMEONE who knows me:

Cristabel71 (12:16:16 AM): who is that
Cristabel71 (12:16:21 AM): i want to go kill whoever that is
Cristabel71 (12:17:17 AM): but nghi...you've honestly worked as hard or HARDER than anyone i know
Cristabel71 (12:17:24 AM): and you definitely get to go wherever you want
Cristabel71 (12:17:42 AM): it even amazes me that you have a parttime job plus you do research
Cristabel71 (12:19:04 AM): how can people make these assumptions without knowing you
Cristabel71 (12:19:09 AM): they have no idea what you've been through
Cristabel71 (12:19:14 AM): and plus you worked really hard at rsi too

By Sleepdeprived (Sleepdeprived) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 04:49 am: Edit

Your accomplishments are amazing. You seem to have low self esteem. Why do you feel that you need to prove how great you are to a forum of strangers? Just go live your life and stop provoking people and trying to make them feel bad about themselves. You began this thread by asking for advice and help but all you've done is mock the posters and shove your accomplishments in their face as if to say na-na-na-na-na. I hope you really are a better person in real life and that this forum is merely a way for you to message your ego.Say hi to the director of admissions for me.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 07:05 pm: Edit

i will, what's your name?

By Hikaritenbatsu (Hikaritenbatsu) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:19 pm: Edit

Okay, too lazy to read the rest of this but I thought it was hilarious how you said you "don't go to a Oakland Public School. [Your] brain cells would die if [you] went there.". It seems that some of those brain cells are already dead as my 8 year old cousin would realize that it would be "an" Oakland Public School. ADVICE: Don't boast about things that you aren't great at, stress your strengths instead! Since you arrived in 1994, consider stressing your multi-lingual ability and cultural duality. Take a TOEFEL (unsure of spelling) and prove that your English is up to par. You may not be able to get a perfect SAT score but you got damn well close. You can do it, you can get in to Harvard as long as you realize to be you and not rely on the opinions or thoughts of others. Follow your dreams, they aren't rainbows...and...I'm out. Good luck!

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 11:05 pm: Edit

aww thanks for correcting a trivial grammar mistake. Gosh, i'm so stupid. What am I boasting about?

I didnt want to write my essay about my cutural duality because I think that topic would be very cliche.

Thanks for the advice

By Selcouth1 (Selcouth1) on Monday, October 04, 2004 - 01:38 pm: Edit

i didnt want to write about my cultural duality either.

your sat1, sat2, and act scores are all on the low side for harvard.. but u have an awesome list of extracurriculars and notable achievements.

i think you have just as good a chance as any of the rest of us (harvard EA applicants).

what demographic region are you from, btw? and the low income, rags to riches thing- i dont it will affect your chances of admission by much, if at all. unless maybe you chose to write about that for an essay. not suggesting anything though.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 03:30 am: Edit

thanks for the reply.

I just got back from Williams @ 12AM. The dean there said something that resonates, "Do you really want to attend a college that accepts or rejects you on the basis of your GPA or SAT scores?"

I thought that was quite interesting, so I shared. I'm going to try to adapt this mentality about all the colleges I'm applying to, especially Harvard. If I don't get in, so be it. The world will turn =)

I'm from California, bay area, oakland. I guess I can write about how I was homeless back in Vietnam and now how I'm writing my 2nd grant proposal. That'd be hard to fit in 500 words

By Ohio_Mom (Ohio_Mom) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 12:42 pm: Edit

"I guess I can write about how I was homeless back in Vietnam and now how I'm writing my 2nd grant proposal. That'd be hard to fit in 500 words."

But not impossible. And then you would have a truly compelling personal statement. Glad that your William's visit was worthwhile!

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 03:30 pm: Edit

ya it was very informative to find out about a liberal arts college. Click on my screen name and go to my livejournal link to read about my weekend.

ps i love apple pie

By Nerdish (Nerdish) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 04:27 pm: Edit

isn't there some way to raise your SAT score before admissions? your research experience and everything is stellar, but a better SAT score would definitely secure your admission. also, did you take any APs?

By R2005 (R2005) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 06:41 pm: Edit

i <3 staticsoliloquy. seriously.

your research is effing amazing. if harvard doesn't want you because of the SAT (1370 isn't even bad, damn it), then screw 'em, I say.

Mwahaha.

do you have AIM?

By Irock1ce (Irock1ce) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 08:12 pm: Edit

Static. if u get into Harvard.. gimme a headsup. Ill make sure not to go there.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 08:47 pm: Edit

awwwww don't be so bitter

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 08:56 pm: Edit

this is what Irock1ce said about me:
"wow. ur an arrogant little dude arent u? You do know colleges factor in personality quite heavily into your admissions. If you are as arrogant and stubborn as you sound, then you probably wont get into any of these schools. Oh wait. Take that back... Harvard is full of kids like you. You've accomplished a LOt... so dont let your personality be the factor that gets you rejected.. or your SATs."

Thank you for calling me arrogant. It just shows how much more of a hypocrite you are. This is from his "PR profile":

"one of my teachers told me I was the most talented student hes ever had."

People always point finger at everyone else but themselves. Take the time out to evaluate your ego buddy. Then judge mine.

thank you for the kind words R2005. I'm trying very hard to be open-minded about this whole college deal and not have my heart so set on one particular school.

to Nerdish:
I took AP Bio in 10th grade. 5. Took AP Calc BC and US Hist in junior yr. 3 and 4 respectively. This year, I'm doing AP Physics C M + E/M on my own, AP US Gov't, AP Comp Gov't, AP Eng Lit, and AP Comp Sci AB.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 08:59 pm: Edit

"Static. if u get into Harvard.. gimme a headsup. Ill make sure not to go there. "

I thought this post was quite hilarious. Before you say that, make sure you get in first, then worry if I go there or not (assuming that I get in, but most likely I won't because, like you said, I have horrible scores and a rotten personality). =)

By Piman3141 (Piman3141) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 09:06 pm: Edit

dude, just let this thread die already.

By R2005 (R2005) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 09:30 pm: Edit

I kind of like the fact that this thread is ridiculously long. It's rather amusing.

I think people's true motives need to come out right about.. now-- am i sensing jealousy, insecurity, possibly even envy regarding the things SS has accomplished?

(scratches head)

In all honesty, if I were in SS's shoes, I might have a bit of his attitude as well. Do you not see some sarcasm in his posts? He has a right to defend himself.

ETA: It's hard to try not to put all of your eggs in one basket when you're completely enamored with. My friend says that the two of us have no merely put in the eggs, but we've tossed the chicken into it, too!

Yowza. Give me your research, buddy, and you can have my SAT score. We'll share! Ha.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 09:31 pm: Edit

notice that my last 3 posts were consecutive (8:47, 8:56, 8:59) to one another so I didn't post to "BUMP" because I actually had things to say.

o to R2005
my aim sn is xv137xferhxl1f3

By Piman3141 (Piman3141) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 09:38 pm: Edit

leech.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 10:03 pm: Edit

host

it's a very parasitic relationship

(lol if you stop posting then maybe I'll stop replying)

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 11:28 pm: Edit

lol you are hilarious R2005!

Thank you so much. What is your SAT score? We'll definitely share, and if I get my 2nd grant approved, you can take half of the money from Biomarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

I'm such a sarcastic person and it's hard to really tell it online because it's just words, and there's no intonation. But you picked it up. Brilliant!

By R2005 (R2005) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 06:37 pm: Edit

I only have a 1470. But it will suffice.

More $$$?

I'll be expecting half of that paycheck, damn it.

Sarcasm is my #1 weapon. Mwahaha.

By Piman3141 (Piman3141) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 09:37 pm: Edit

btw staticsoliloquy, i meant R2005, not you, when i mentioned leech.

Using your logic that consecutive posts dont count as "bumps", youll notice that my "leech" statement was a meer 7 minutes after your post. Hardly nonconsecutive.

And if youre wondering why it took me so long to reply, it's just that I had trouble coming up with a comeback witty enough for someone of your caliber.

















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































congratulations on reaching the bottom.

By Piman3141 (Piman3141) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 09:45 pm: Edit

.


.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 09:52 pm: Edit

omg you have way too much free time...

anyway, updated list of college

Harvard E/A (CB)
MIT (fee waiver)
Stanford (CB)
Columbia (CB)
Williams (fee waiver)
Yale (?)
Johns Hopkins (CB)
Caltech (?)
UC Berkeley (?)

CB only allow me to use its fee waiver for 4 schools.

By Piman3141 (Piman3141) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 09:58 pm: Edit

Um, youre the one that responded within twelve minutes of my post. (and yes, i realize that this logic can be used against me, but wtf do i care, i have sooo much time on my hands)

and in case your highness cares, it takes but three seconds to hold down the Enter button to fill up the text box.

By R2005 (R2005) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 10:09 pm: Edit

Piman3141--

You are officially one of the rudest people I have yet to see (online, that is).

Obessive Compulsive, much?

Hey, at least my "leech-like" qualities (thank you for the rather harsh opinion, by the way) help suck out some of your rancor and bitterness.

I'm done.

By Paulhomework (Paulhomework) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 10:44 pm: Edit

you are a genius, but why are you so arrogant? If you don't get rid of it, I think your best chance is Stanford, because it doesn't require an interview.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 12:10 am: Edit

why do people keep calling me arrogant? Honestly, where is the evidenciary support? Like R2005 said, don't bash me out of insecurity or envy.

Plus, I'm not stupid. If I go to an interview, I wouldn't try to be an egotistical bastard.

The director of MIT admission told me that I was very modest. So i dont know. whose opinion should i value? some strangers or him? I'd go with the latter. =)

By Paulhomework (Paulhomework) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 09:54 am: Edit

^ I only know you from this post.

BTW, if the director of admission at MIT has talked to you, then why are you wasting your time on this board? Are you trying to show off?

By Piman3141 (Piman3141) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 11:21 am: Edit

btw, it would be "some stranger's or his?" just to let ya know big guy

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 02:06 pm: Edit

aww does it make you feel like a bigger person to correct a menial, if not trivial grammar mistake?

If it do, I'll made more mistaks so you can feel like yerh life have purpose.

(and the previous sentence was intentionally written with poor grammar so you can correct me buddy)

Paul, i'm on this board for the mere pleasure of entertainment. Nothing said on this board has any value to me.

I'm just like everyone else. I want to know what I'm up against. There are people who get 1600 on this board, who overload their EC, and won distinctions on the national level. Why don't you ask them why they're on this board buddy?

For the same reason I am.

Don't selectively pick me out of this ocean to make a point. It's rather stupid.

By Piman3141 (Piman3141) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 02:59 pm: Edit

It should have been, "if it does, I'll make more mistakes so you can feel like your life has a purpose." Im just here to help, staticsoliloquy, so why you gotta be like that?

By Paulhomework (Paulhomework) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 03:37 pm: Edit

I've seen a lot of people on this board with 1600 sat, 2400 sat ii, national level ECs, but most of them do not say, "i'm on this board for the mere pleasure of entertainment. Nothing said on this board has any value to me."

Personally, this board has helped me a lot for my college selection process as well as testing.

Anyways, I'll stop posting in this thread, since nothing i say apparently has any value to you.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 06:44 pm: Edit

piman, help does not mean correcting my grammar mistakes.

paul, just because they didn't say it, doesn't mean that they don't think it. People have hidden intentions and motivations.

CC helped me a lot too. I discovered RSI through CC. I got in RSI because of CC, so I'm not discrediting the value of this place.

I take every post on this board with a grain of salt.

By Piman3141 (Piman3141) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 08:27 pm: Edit

im tryin to help you raise your SAT score, man, because youre obviously not satisfied with your 1140 or whatever you got.

By Calidan (Calidan) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 10:46 pm: Edit

Woohoo! 100th post!

Well, I really don't have anything really meaningful to say... Sorry.

However: Static- where in Oakland do you live? Which High School do you go to (if not an Oakland Public)?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 11:45 pm: Edit

it's actually 1360. It's provided in the 1st post. FYI, grammar has nothing to do with the SAT. You are obviously ignorant to the fact that I got above a 700 on the SAT II Writing, which means my grammar is decent. The SAT Verbal does not test your grammar, ergo, your point is invalid.

I live in East Oakland, Bishop O'Dowd High School.

you?

By Calidan (Calidan) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 01:33 am: Edit

I actually live in Piedmont, and thus go to Piedmont High - you're probably a little bit familiar with Piedmont?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 02:35 am: Edit

ya my friends were an 04 from there. You've heard of BOD Dragons?

You guys always beat us in lacrosse.

I must say, the color, white and purple, absolutely stunning. oh can't forget the bagpipe!

By Calidan (Calidan) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 12:17 pm: Edit

Hey, the bagpipe is cool! You're just jealous. And I like our white and purple- it's unique.

BOD Dragons? I can't say I know what that is. Who in 04 did you know?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 08:36 pm: Edit

i need some backup schools! List me some!

-UC Berkeley
-Williams

By Nobu (Nobu) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 12:59 am: Edit

My friend went to RSI and got 800s on practically everything (1500s on SAT). He is a legacy with OK grades and OKextracurriculars. But RSI, Intel, Siemens will certainly compensate.

Unfortunately, you and I are competing against him for a spot at Hahvahd.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 01:33 am: Edit

god the competition is sooo freaking intense and cut-throat!

what's your friend name?

By Pebbles (Pebbles) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 01:47 am: Edit

Um... I honestly don't know how to reply to the posts on this board, but I think this is going to be a long one. I was going to come on and encourage you to hold out hope for the "big" schools because everything else you have may make up for your poor test scores. I was actually going to tell you how great it was you were able to achieve all that even through poverty. And then I actually read the things you wrote...

I really do hope you get into Harvard. You'll be happy at a "brand-name" school, everyone would marvel at you achievements and MIT would have one less arrogant snot using it as a backup school. You can call it jealousy since it obviously makes you feel better, but I truly pity you. You don't really have much of a sense of humor (from reading this board I can tell you TRY), you've overloaded yourself on EC's at an attempt to impress adcom, your research, though impressive, really doesn't seem to mean much more for you other than the fact it will get you into harvard. In fact, everything you seem to do and value rests precariously upon the opinions of admissions officers. You don't care what other people think of you, because the opinions of the admissions directors are all that matter. So you put up a face of humbleness so that they like you. What satisfaction do you get from that? You're probably 17 or barely 18 and you're already political and disdainful in character. You make sure to note that you spoke to the DEANS of the various big-name schools, and of course, the various things they promised you. My priorities tend to be slightly different so it does not wrench my heart that I did not get to speak to all those important admissions people, but I can't help but still feel a twinge of the effect you're trying to have on the others.

I honestly am shocked you don't realize how pompous you sound to the others. If you're so sure of your chances, why post a chances thread? You say it's fun to come on here and rub your "stats" in other people's faces. I pity you. Almost anything I do with my time is more "fun" and meaningful than that; maybe you should go out once in a while. Fly a kite, take some pictures, go to the beach, and then you'll see the brilliance of life outside of college admissions...

You obviously care what others think of you or else you wouldn't have come online to post your long list of "stats". You want people to admire you, or be jealous of you, or reassure you that you will get into the colleges of your dreams (or your parents' dreams, or usnew's dreams). You weren't prepared to take any possible criticism. That's why you smiled amiably at those who admired you and exhibited jealousy toward you, and then reacted adversely to someone doubting your chances. And in your negative reaction you let your arrogance reveal itself.

I'm shocked that someone who has been homeless in the past and who is living in poverty right now (under 20k or 25k a year is legal poverty in the u.s. I believe) would be so full of himself. I personally came from a poor background myself in a foreign country and arrived in 1995, and the experience has made me more humble, not more boastful. I appreciate what I have and what I can achieve, and I respect and value the contributions of other people.

I highly doubt you're like this in real life though. People, very often, come out stronger when they're anonymous than when they're actually speaking to someone face to face. Maybe this is to vent your superiority complexes. Maybe you're trying to be something you're not.

Either way, you have a lot of confidence and determination online, let's just hope that carries over to your real personality and leads you far in life; you could do without the arrogance though. Just remember, there's no need to trample others on your road to success; they have their own stories to tell, and most all of them are as good as a person as you are, if not better.

By Nobu (Nobu) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 02:29 am: Edit

and....booyah.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 02:54 am: Edit

what an interesting, judgmental, and presumptuous post. Now here is my feedback on whatever it is that you said that made me react.
I just need to show this board how very wrong post can be when they're written full of emotions. You get so caught up in your reactions and hatred for me that you've lost your rationality. So here goes:

"everyone would marvel at you[r] achievements and MIT would have one less arrogant snot using it as a backup school" Who says that I'm using MIT as my backup school? Not I said the cat. Who assumes that I did? 'Twas she. So you're wrong there.

"You can call it jealousy since it obviously makes you feel better, but I truly pity you. "
First off, it was R2005 that made the first claim that other poster's intentions were written out of envy, jealousy, and intimdation. Am i not correct? Yes, yes I am. So thus, if someone else sees something the same way that I do, is it false? It must carry some truth. Would you disprove with that statement? Again. Wrong.

"You don't really have much of a sense of humor "
When did sarcasm supposed to be funny? Last time I checked, it wasn't.

"you've overloaded yourself on EC's at an attempt to impress adcom, your research, though impressive, really doesn't seem to mean much more for you other than the fact it will get you into harvard. In fact, everything you seem to do and value rests precariously upon the opinions of admissions officers."
this is probably the biggest bull of crap I've ever heard. Who are you to judge my intentions? Have you seen me working in the lab? Have you f.ucking see me going to work every day for the last damn year even though I had term papers to write, SAT to do, personal family business to attend to, etc. Don't you dare reduce my intentions into that shi.t. Here is an example. On Friday, I pull an all nighter to write my ap englishe essay and to study for my physics test. Then after school. I went to work EVEN though i was tired. Don't you come out here and give me that shi.t. I worked because I want to. I research because I love it. No one is making me do it. I am for SURE not fu.cking doing it for college. Excuse my crude language but when someone fabricated my passion for science into something sick. It angers me. Ergo, you're wrong again. I did not even find out about RSI until one week before the application was due. I did research because I genuinely love it. Not because I want to get into RSI, so that I can get into MIT.

"You don't care what other people think of you, because the opinions of the admissions directors are all that matter. So you put up a face of humbleness so that they like you. What satisfaction do you get from that?"
Thank you very much for judging my character based on this thread. It just shows the shallow level of your character. I am humbled, and I don't need some stupid stranger to classify who i am because quite frankly, your opinion just doesn't matter because you, as a person, don't matter to me. I don't even know you.

"If you're so sure of your chances, why post a chances thread?"
Again where did I ever said I'm sure of my chance? THank you. Nowhere. You pity me? I pity you or actually writing a long post to a trivial stranger. Hah, and you say I'm sick. Look in the mirror buddy. you should see that fugly reflection of yours.

"Almost anything I do with my time is more "fun" and meaningful than that; maybe you should go out once in a while. Fly a kite, take some pictures, go to the beach, and then you'll see the brilliance of life outside of college admissions..."
again, I pity you for assuming so much. Read my lj. Find out what I do on the weekend before you say anything k? =)

"That's why you smiled amiably at those who admired you and exhibited jealousy toward you, and then reacted adversely to someone doubting your chances. And in your negative reaction you let your arrogance reveal itself."
What would you do in my situation? Try sitting here in the spotlight, then have people judge you falsely. How would you like that? I put it on myself when I posted the list, so I was definitely ready to defend myself. How else can I defend myself without sounding arrogance. Please do enlighten me.

"I appreciate what I have and what I can achieve, and I respect and value the contributions of other people."
Who says that I don't? Why do you assume that I don't? If you really think about it, the stupid person here is you because you are evaluating my whole character, and coming to a superficial conclusion based on such limited amount of support.

"they're actually speaking to someone face to face"
i dunno. come over here in oakland and tell it to me to my face. and then we'll see what happen to yours k? =)

"Either way, you have a lot of confidence and determination online, let's just hope that carries over to your real personality and leads you far in life"
oh it has babe. it surely has.

"there's no need to trample others on your road to success"
let me welcome you to something called the real world. In the real world, there are no rainbow, puppies grow old and die. Snap out of it. where collaboration is a disguise for cut-throat competition. Who am i trampling? Who have I trampled? Do you know? Not I becaues I don't think I've done it before.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 02:59 am: Edit

Post deleted by moderator. It is against the terms of service to call other posters derogatory names. One more violation and you will be banned from cc.- Moderator Skyhawk

By Nobu (Nobu) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 03:12 am: Edit

and...booyah

By Socialpariah (Socialpariah) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 03:22 am: Edit

and static, in the real world first impressions make a huge difference. so u might as well change that arrogant attitude of urs right now

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 03:35 am: Edit

and social pariah, in the real world, i don't act like this. so i dont have to change =)

ironic, it's coming from someone named social pariah. what did you do to make them hate you huh?

You see my sn? It reads static. That means showing little if any tendency to change

By Pebbles (Pebbles) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 10:08 am: Edit

Thank you so much for proving to me you're not worth my time.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 11:43 am: Edit

Currently a part-time Researcher under the mentorship of Dr. Gordon Watson, PhD, researching SLOS IV for +20 hrs a week. 200+ hours worked so far since Sept 2003.
I'm heading a research project on Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome, a cholesterol deficiency disease.
>>

I'm very curious about where you are doing this research. It's not that I doubt you but I couldnt find a researcher by that name at either UCB, Stanford OR Harvard. Sounds very interesting. How did you get this type of position?

Also, It was my understanding that the National Institute of Health minority grants were only for students at the COLLEGE and above level. I have never heard of a high school student receiving one of these and in fact, in checking the program's web site, could find no mention of them being available to individual high school students. And, according to the NIH's own website about the program, they define "under represented" minorities as generally limited to "African American, hispanic, native american, and some pacific islanders." No mention of Vietnamese. I'm sure other people here would be VERY interested to hear details of how you arranged to apply for and receive one of these awards as a high school student. Or, perhaps you're just part of project team that received one?

Thanks for filling us in - the information you provide will certainly help many other CC readers who are interested in pursuing this same sort of research.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 12:28 pm: Edit

Pebble, thank you so much for being a beyotch =) I needed that!

That's because it's not at UCB, stanford, or harvard smartie.

try www.chori.org
It's a private research institution
My mentor at Harvard Medical was Vicki Rosen and Laura Gamer. AT CHORI, I am working in Dr. Shackleton and Dr. Watson lab with a postdoc named Marcos Joseph. Look him up on pubmed sweetie!

Funding Agency: NIH/NHLBI

Title of Grant: Northern California Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers, Summer for Sickle Cell Science Program

Grant number: 1 U54 HL70583

It's so funny how you try to prove me wrong. I'll even got the grant number for you so you can check it up yourself. Call NIH. Look up the grant. Then ask them for the names of the recipient.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 12:37 pm: Edit

You didn't answer my question, though. It's one that is asked here at CC all the time: how does a high school student go about getting involved with this sort of research? What steps should they take to make these sorts of connections? Did someone at your high school - a teacher or counselor - help you? Or did you just make phone calls until you got these positions? As I said, these are questions that are asked here all the time so it would be great if you could help others by giving some advice about how to follow in your footsteps. I'm not trying to prove you wrong, just curious.