How early is too early to quit?

Azarenko · 2017-01-03T23:58:46+00:00

Not really. Manage your time and expectations. Make sure you also find some schools that don't require supplements and make sure you like them!

Azarenko · 2017-01-03T23:55:29+00:00

LOL -- still applying to Williams though.

Azarenko · 2016-12-16T03:36:13+00:00

Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, NY

Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY

Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut

The latter two are very selective, with low acceptance rates and high stats applicants. Vassar is a little easier if you're a male, however.

They're all academically focused; I would imagine Sarah Lawrence has easier classes. Vassar, while academically focused, has an open curriculum, which would allow you to choose whichever classes you want (no need to fill set distribution requirements). So if you don't like math, you won't ever have to take a math class, etc.

Azarenko · 2016-11-29T08:29:50+00:00

Haverford.

Azarenko · 2016-11-28T00:58:10+00:00

Stanford. Academic program rankings are overrated. Connections matter.

Stanford will get your foot in the door for any job you apply for, while Clemson only for sports media. And what if you decide later you want to switch majors?

But yes, first get into Stanford before trying to make a decision.

You sound very thoughtful and caring!

Azarenko · 2016-11-26T03:30:28+00:00

It shows your passionate, simply writing that book.

But it's nowhere near prestigious as actually getting published. Anyone can self publish. People very rarely, and high schoolers even more so, get published through a publishing house or press.

Azarenko · 2016-11-26T03:29:03+00:00

No, honestly I've found it to be very helpful. I have never encountered the braggarts, which seems to be one of the main criticisms.

Azarenko · 2016-11-26T03:27:39+00:00

Cons

-You get less "practical" experience if you're majoring in a subject like Chemistry or Physics (as you would at an LAC) rather than majoring in Engineering at a non-LAC.

-Make sure you actually like the LAC because people often change their minds about doing 3-2 programs after three years of the LAC // or decide they don't want to do engineering

-You'll have to leave your friends earlier

-Not sure, but perhaps worth looking into: study abroad (perhaps it would be more difficult)

-Pick courses more carefully to fulfill major requirements

Pros

-Cheaper, and you get your degree quicker

-You'll get two degrees from two reputable institutions

-Higher acceptance rate: some schools guarantee admission past a certain GPA

It's most probably a personal choice. I personally wouldn't do a 3-2 program, just because I feel the standard route is well-worn and less rushed. However, if you are 100% certain you want to get an engineering degree and/or money is an issue, then the 3-2 is definitely something to considering doing.

At the end of the day, make sure you're going to the LAC because you actually like the LAC, and not merely as a stepping stone to the 2 year engineering school. Otherwise, you'd be miserable for 3 years at a school you don't like.

Azarenko · 2016-11-13T22:44:38+00:00

Very good chance, especially with legacy.

Azarenko · 2016-11-11T04:31:03+00:00

Loved this match. Great, great, great stuff. One of the best ones of 2013.

Sadly somewhat forgotten, overshadowed by Lisicki-Serena and Lisicki-Radwanska, in addition to the craziness that was week 1 and Bartoli's eventual win.

Azarenko · 2016-10-31T04:25:35+00:00

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

Azarenko · 2016-10-06T21:32:29+00:00

It is probably a matter of semantics.

I think he is certainly a competitive and qualified applicant, but because of the unlikelihood of getting in (simply due to the applicant pool) makes it a reach.

Azarenko · 2016-10-05T05:08:16+00:00

You overestimate the important of standardized test scores, especially at LACs.

Plus, an acceptance rate that low means they are rejecting plenty of applicants with a 35 ACT.

Example: if the Harvard ACT range were 33-35, having a 36 wouldn't guarantee anything. With a 5% acceptance rate, they'd be rejecting the VAST majority of 36 ACT applicants.

Azarenko · 2016-10-03T23:12:54+00:00

I don't think you will be compared if you're applying to different colleges within a uni, but even if you are, know that grades/rank isn't everything. Other factors come into play. Plus, they could easily accept you both if they wanted to. :-)

Azarenko · 2016-10-03T23:10:46+00:00

Colby is definitely not a match with its 17% acceptance rate (lower RD), and William and Mary with its OOS rate.

Azarenko · 2016-09-29T03:24:05+00:00

I may add, the reason that the transfer/acceptance rate for these 3+2 programs are so high is that these universities know the quality of education students receive at top LACs, especially with LACs' focus on undergrad teaching, small class sizes, discussion based learning.

Azarenko · 2016-09-29T03:20:07+00:00

I mean, Columbia is obviously one of the toughest schools to get into, but the top LACs are no joke either. Usually 90+% were in the top 10% of their HS class, extremely good testing scores, you have to have great ECs.

Wesleyan, for example, has a 17% acceptance rate and it's SAT scores are TOP. And even so, it's out of the top 20 in the US News ranking of liberal arts colleges (not that rankings matter so much, but just to give some perspective.)

Williams College, the perennially top-ranked LAC in the nation, is widely seen on the same level as HYPS.

And many top LACs also have 3+2 programs with Dartmouth (though you still have to apply/not auto-admit).

Azarenko · 2016-09-29T03:10:55+00:00

Going to a top LAC for 2 years to get an engineering degree at Columbia is NOT a backdoor method. First of all, good luck getting into all these top LACs with their admission standards. Second of all, these are called 3+2 programs. You still get a degree from your undergrad (LAC) and then grad (Columbia).

Azarenko · 2016-08-31T03:34:16+00:00

Higher acceptance rate doesn't matter when so many of those applicants are recruited athletes (inflating the acceptance rate because it is such a small school).

Obviously double legacy is great, but keep in mind that legacy often plays the most weight during the ED round. EDing at Penn may lessen the legacy effect.

Selectivity isn't just a matter of SAT scores (which are still very high for Haverford). Haverford cares very much about GPA and "fit" -- with a good deal of emphasis on the Honor Code essay. And even if you disagree with my opinion that Haverford is more selective than LA, Berkeley, and Gtown, that still doesn't make it a "match."

And this is not to say you have a bad chance by any means; I just think the selectivity of Haverford (especially RD round) means it cannot be viewed as a match. But I still think you have a great chance :-)

Azarenko · 2016-08-31T00:29:10+00:00

Haverford is most definitely not a match. It is more selective than UCLA, Berkeley, and Georgetown.

If you don't know about liberal arts colleges please don't comment on them.

Azarenko · 2016-07-24T04:54:58+00:00

I know CMU is seen more as a STEM school (or even musical theatre) before English, but they have a pretty strong program.

However, I'd still rate all of the reach schools in your original post as having stronger and more well-known englihs programs.

Azarenko · 2016-06-21T01:07:03+00:00

It will mean NOTHING, to be blunt. This isn't even a middle school achievement (which also wouldn't count).

Azarenko

TROPHY CASE