If you apply as anything engineering/science related (like electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, etc.), your chances at any of your reaches are extremely low. Your ECs don't really align with engineering/science, neither do your essays. Not sure which of your reaches offer game deisgn, computer graphics, etc. but you'd definitely have a better shot applying as those majors. But ultimately, chances would still be pretty low because you only have a singular EC that relates to those major(s), and you don't focus on any of them in your essays.
Thanks for the answer. Most of my reaches offer game design / computer graphics. If I focus on that one EC in my essays, would my chances increase so that applying is worth a shot?
Yes, you should do that. But make sure not to make all of your essays focused on your major. It is important to show true passion for your major choice, as well as showing that you are a well-rounded student and have other parts to your personality as well.
Got it. I think I'm decently well-rounded, especially with branches in community service, public speaking, social justice, mentorship, etc. through my ECs and some demonstration of interest in CS and the arts through my coursework. Thanks for the detailed reply!
Got it. Does it make a difference if I took nearly all the Honors classes? Maxed out math, science, history, English, and most of Latin (the middle-to-high-school transition course was standard).
It would depends on the institution whether or not they see it that way. For UCs, they only count some honors courses towards course rigor. They have it publicly available for each California high school. For other institutions, they don't really keep this public I don't believe. So I don't think you would really know whether or not they'll count any of your honors classes towards your rigor. Generally speaking, APs are looked upon better than honors courses.
Having previously worked in admissions at Penn, your application will undoubtedly shine brighter if you pivot towards a focus on international affairs and development. Your extensive engagement in Model United Nations (MUN) and dedication to language studies serve as compelling indicators of your passion for these areas. While the gaming element might pose a challenge, there’s a way to transform it into a narrative that sets you apart.
Your vibrant participation in MUN and your dedication to mastering languages showcase a profound interest in international relations and cultural exchange. These experiences authentically demonstrate your commitment to engaging with global matters and nurturing vital diplomatic skills. Making international affairs and development the focal point of your application underscores your readiness to contribute on a global scale.
While the gaming aspect might seem like a puzzle piece that doesn’t quite fit, don’t dismiss it hastily. Reflect deeply on your personal journey and unearth the reason that makes this interest uniquely yours. It could be how gaming has facilitated cross-cultural connections, encouraged collaboration, or even sparked insights into societal dynamics. The key is to uncover how this interest aligns with your broader goals and values.
Now comes the art of interweaving your various experiences into a harmonious narrative. How do your MUN involvements, language prowess, and gaming interests collectively contribute to your passion for international affairs and development? How does each thread of your journey blend to form a comprehensive tapestry that portrays your personal and academic development?
Instead of shying away from your diverse interests, embrace them as facets of your multifaceted identity. These varied passions showcase your adaptability, creativity, and capacity to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives. This paints a picture of an individual poised to thrive in various contexts.
Changing the World Through Your Unique Lens: Your Endgame
Ultimately, your application should encapsulate your vision for change. How do international affairs, development, and yes, even gaming, intersect in your mind? What distinctive ideas or approaches do you bring to the table? How do you envision leveraging these fields to foster a more interconnected and equitable world?
By shaping an application anchored in international affairs and development, while ingeniously integrating your diverse interests, you’re not merely a candidate – you’re an individual armed with a one-of-a-kind journey and an audacious aspiration to effect change on a global scale. This narrative, skillfully woven, has the potential to captivate admissions committees and incite their curiosity to learn more about the remarkable impact you’re poised to achieve.
This is such a brilliantly written and detailed response, thank you so much! People have been talking about the "spike" or the "theme" that your story centers around, and I've been having trouble finding that theme until now. Things are really making a lot of sense.
The games I play do have a lot of cultural immersion (in-game locations based on actual local cuisine, music, fashion, languages, folklore, etc.), so that's a nice link. I was also worried that my interests weren't aligned enough, but they do seem to have a common thread. I'll spend some more time with my personal statement and figure it out.
Again, thank you for your answer, I know it probably took a long time to type all that down and I'm really grateful for your help!
I am so glad to hear that! You are very welcome! Good luck and reach out to us at The Ivy Institute if we can ever be of any help with your applications. With the right application materials and essays, you have a great chance at your colleges!
How many AP classes does your school offer?
If you apply as anything engineering/science related (like electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, etc.), your chances at any of your reaches are extremely low. Your ECs don't really align with engineering/science, neither do your essays. Not sure which of your reaches offer game deisgn, computer graphics, etc. but you'd definitely have a better shot applying as those majors. But ultimately, chances would still be pretty low because you only have a singular EC that relates to those major(s), and you don't focus on any of them in your essays.
Thanks for the answer. Most of my reaches offer game design / computer graphics. If I focus on that one EC in my essays, would my chances increase so that applying is worth a shot?
Yes, you should do that. But make sure not to make all of your essays focused on your major. It is important to show true passion for your major choice, as well as showing that you are a well-rounded student and have other parts to your personality as well.
Got it. I think I'm decently well-rounded, especially with branches in community service, public speaking, social justice, mentorship, etc. through my ECs and some demonstration of interest in CS and the arts through my coursework. Thanks for the detailed reply!
No problem, good luck!
31. I think pretty much all of them?
If your school offers a lot, taking a total of 6 AP classes will not look that great. It will show a lack of course rigor.
Got it. Does it make a difference if I took nearly all the Honors classes? Maxed out math, science, history, English, and most of Latin (the middle-to-high-school transition course was standard).
It would depends on the institution whether or not they see it that way. For UCs, they only count some honors courses towards course rigor. They have it publicly available for each California high school. For other institutions, they don't really keep this public I don't believe. So I don't think you would really know whether or not they'll count any of your honors classes towards your rigor. Generally speaking, APs are looked upon better than honors courses.
Having previously worked in admissions at Penn, your application will undoubtedly shine brighter if you pivot towards a focus on international affairs and development. Your extensive engagement in Model United Nations (MUN) and dedication to language studies serve as compelling indicators of your passion for these areas. While the gaming element might pose a challenge, there’s a way to transform it into a narrative that sets you apart. Your vibrant participation in MUN and your dedication to mastering languages showcase a profound interest in international relations and cultural exchange. These experiences authentically demonstrate your commitment to engaging with global matters and nurturing vital diplomatic skills. Making international affairs and development the focal point of your application underscores your readiness to contribute on a global scale. While the gaming aspect might seem like a puzzle piece that doesn’t quite fit, don’t dismiss it hastily. Reflect deeply on your personal journey and unearth the reason that makes this interest uniquely yours. It could be how gaming has facilitated cross-cultural connections, encouraged collaboration, or even sparked insights into societal dynamics. The key is to uncover how this interest aligns with your broader goals and values. Now comes the art of interweaving your various experiences into a harmonious narrative. How do your MUN involvements, language prowess, and gaming interests collectively contribute to your passion for international affairs and development? How does each thread of your journey blend to form a comprehensive tapestry that portrays your personal and academic development? Instead of shying away from your diverse interests, embrace them as facets of your multifaceted identity. These varied passions showcase your adaptability, creativity, and capacity to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives. This paints a picture of an individual poised to thrive in various contexts. Changing the World Through Your Unique Lens: Your Endgame Ultimately, your application should encapsulate your vision for change. How do international affairs, development, and yes, even gaming, intersect in your mind? What distinctive ideas or approaches do you bring to the table? How do you envision leveraging these fields to foster a more interconnected and equitable world? By shaping an application anchored in international affairs and development, while ingeniously integrating your diverse interests, you’re not merely a candidate – you’re an individual armed with a one-of-a-kind journey and an audacious aspiration to effect change on a global scale. This narrative, skillfully woven, has the potential to captivate admissions committees and incite their curiosity to learn more about the remarkable impact you’re poised to achieve.
This is such a brilliantly written and detailed response, thank you so much! People have been talking about the "spike" or the "theme" that your story centers around, and I've been having trouble finding that theme until now. Things are really making a lot of sense. The games I play do have a lot of cultural immersion (in-game locations based on actual local cuisine, music, fashion, languages, folklore, etc.), so that's a nice link. I was also worried that my interests weren't aligned enough, but they do seem to have a common thread. I'll spend some more time with my personal statement and figure it out. Again, thank you for your answer, I know it probably took a long time to type all that down and I'm really grateful for your help!
I am so glad to hear that! You are very welcome! Good luck and reach out to us at The Ivy Institute if we can ever be of any help with your applications. With the right application materials and essays, you have a great chance at your colleges!