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Can I get in?---Chinese dude from Idaho (I don't grow potatoes)
applying to Weiss School/biochem major interim decision

gpa = 4.0 uw
school doesn't rank but I'm probably top 5%
SAT1-1600 single sitting
SAT2 chem-800
>going to take math2c and writing in october...
AP's: already sent to Rice, taking 3 or 4 more this year
chem=5, us history=5, calc ab=5

EC's: Not stellar...
-president 'o chess club
-been on my team's "scholastic bowl" since 10th grade
-violin player/teacher: local orchestras, one student of my own

Awards: few
-science award B&L from U. of Rochester
-scholastic bowl local award
-won a few violin awards like to scholaship to a Wash. DC music camp, all-northwest & all-state (have you heard of that?), Wyoming violin competition...

Recommendations: uncertain-my teachers like me, but I think I'm a bit immature...

Oh yeah, I've lived in Texas and Wyoming too in 9th grade

By Pat57575 (Pat57575) on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 05:03 pm: Edit

Your stats are flawless. Write a nice essay, make yourself out to be interesting (little comments on personal idiosyncrasies can help), and squeeze as much out of your ECs as possible. If you are passionate about music, chess, or w/e, make it very clear. If you play the game well, I can't see you getting rejected.

By Succor101 (Succor101) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 02:36 pm: Edit

Hey thanx for the advice. I was wondering if Rice accepts supplemental material, like say an audio recording of me playing. Anyone know if that's an option on the app?

By Succor101 (Succor101) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 10:07 pm: Edit

anyone?

By Dreadpirate (Dreadpirate) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 10:20 pm: Edit

Probably. When in doubt, call the admissions office. Rice might be a bit different regarding performance tapes. It has a top ten conservatory that admits by audition only. Nonetheless, even if they are not looking to fill a spot in the orchestra, an excellent performance tape would demonstrate breadth that would only enhance your chances. Frankly, I think that you are close to a lock and that you probably will be offered substantial merit money.

By Succor101 (Succor101) on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 02:33 pm: Edit

Really? That's great news. Thanks, but I'm a bit short on the EC's and academic awards, do you think I can still get some merit money? I've written down Rice as one of my top choices for the National Merit name-your-two-schools-for-reference thing.

By Dreadpirate (Dreadpirate) on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 06:02 pm: Edit

The secret to EC's is quality, not quantity. Excelling in music trumps having a dozen ECs that are primarily window dressing. A violinist from Idaho with a single shot 1600 is not something they see every day. By the way, you will also be a US Presidential Scholar nominee. Has your school ever had one?

By Succor101 (Succor101) on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 06:42 pm: Edit

Yes, I think I know at least one person from my school who has been a Presidential Scholar, although I'm unclear about what the distinction exaxtly means and what qualifications are required for it.

By Dreadpirate (Dreadpirate) on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 06:55 pm: Edit

For Presidential Scholars information: www.ed.gov/programs/psp

By Succor101 (Succor101) on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 06:30 pm: Edit

Hmmm...looks like I have to be a citizen to qualify. I'm only a "permanent resident alien" (not the type from outer space).