Here’s a good discussion

And for the person looking…

Anonymous wrote:I know Stanford really likes nationally ranked applicants with national-level individual awards /ECs.

Which other selective schools highly prioritize the “national” caliber of an applicant’s awards & ECs, often in exchange for some other applicant weakness, like a weaker transcript (a B/a few B+)?

How can I find out?

We just got an email from Caltech. They spelled it out (was in regards to concerns about test scores)


I am concerned that my score is not high enough

We do not have a cut-off score. A test score is only one variable, one data point, in your application file. We do not accept or deny students based on their test scores. So what should you do if you are concerned about your score?

Focus on your strongest academic achievements in STEM. This can come through with excellent grades in calculus, chemistry, and physics. Did you take math beyond calculus? College level science?

Showcase your engagement through meaningful extracurricular activities like research experiences, internships, passion projects, and more. Where have you engaged in STEM outside the classroom? Have you submitted research for publication?

Tell us about your participation in academic competitions such as the International Mathematics Olympiad, International Science and Engineering Fair, American Invitational Mathematics Examination, or FIRST Robotics (just to name a few). How have you challenged yourself in STEM?

Share your experiences in STEM summer programs such as Research Science Institute, Summer Science Program, PROMYS, Ross Math, or Pre-College Summer Programs. You can’t have too much STEM in your application.

Secure strong letters of recommendation from mentors, teachers, or coaches that speak to your academic capabilities, intellectual curiosity, and tenacity in STEM. Your letters should show us that you are well-prepared for our rigorous core curriculum.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know Stanford really likes nationally ranked applicants with national-level individual awards /ECs.

Which other selective schools highly prioritize the “national” caliber of an applicant’s awards & ECs, often in exchange for some other applicant weakness, like a weaker transcript (a B/a few B+)?

How can I find out?

Pretty much all of colleges with sub 20% acceptance rates.

You place nationally in any academic / artistic endeavor, that's pretty good for college admissions.

But in addition to a strong transcript, not instead.

For colleges with < 20% acceptance rates, that's a given.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know Stanford really likes nationally ranked applicants with national-level individual awards /ECs.

Which other selective schools highly prioritize the “national” caliber of an applicant’s awards & ECs, often in exchange for some other applicant weakness, like a weaker transcript (a B/a few B+)?

How can I find out?

Pretty much all of colleges with sub 20% acceptance rates.

You place nationally in any academic / artistic endeavor, that's pretty good for college admissions.

But in addition to a strong transcript, not instead.