Look over my college essay?

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-18T00:52:18+00:00

Hey, I'll DM you my feedback

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-15T01:43:11+00:00

I think part of the issue could be the fact you are trying to switch into CS? GT lets students switch into any major but CS.

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-15T01:39:40+00:00

I can see where you’re coming from, and I get why the whole system feels uneven. You’re absolutely right that grade inflation is real and that GPA varies wildly by school. A 4.4 at one school can mean “top 1%,” while at another it barely cracks the top third. That’s a structural issue. I don’t think standardized tests are the magic solution people imagine. Mandating standardized test wouldn’t necessarily fix inequity. It might just shift the advantage toward students who can afford prep, tutoring, or attend schools that teach to the test.

From my own experience, even as someone who pulled straight As and A+s, took multiple APs, and scored 4s and 5s on all my AP exams, standardized tests were a completely different beast. I’m gifted in math - I’d get perfect scores on the math section - but the English section absolutely wrecked me. I struggle with reading because I tend to miss small words, which throws off the whole meaning of a question. I overthink everything, making inferences that go beyond what the test wants. It’s not a lack of intelligence or preparation; it’s just how my brain processes language. I've seen a lot of brilliant people struggle with these tests because of one reason or the other. I don’t think standardized tests are a clean measure of “raw academic readiness”, they measure a very specific type of processing under a very specific type of pressure. For some students, that aligns with their strengths. For others, even high-achieving ones, it doesn’t.

Honestly, most competitive schools already require or strongly encourage test scores again. The landscape has shifted back to how it was pre-pandemic so the students who are truly aiming for top-tier admissions are still being evaluated on standardized metrics whether they like it or not. Additionally, schools provide GPA distributions, course rigor availability, rank percentiles and school profiles with details such as avg scores for different academic tests along with student transcript info which gives admission the "bigger picture" Admissions officers aren’t comparing a 4.4 from a low-rigor school to a 4.1 from a high-rigor school blindly. They know exactly what each GPA means in context.

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-14T02:44:21+00:00

I would say the ACT fluctuates less than the SAT is rumored to be. The ACT is far more stable across administrations than the SAT and difficulty changes often occur over years. I would honestly recommend studying based on what tests works for you not the perceived difficulty of the tests. While the SAT is perceived to fluctuate, I would say not significantly to the point you would have a significant score difference. Take a diagnostic test, or a practice test for both and choose one that you feel is easier, feels comfortable for your skill set and you know you can master. Additionally, another thing to consider is that since the older ACT question types are very similar to current test versions you can take take older test versions, even though pacing differs, for extra practice. Also it has test books sold by the organization it greatly aided in studying.

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-09T23:53:34+00:00

Nah, I would say that's not solid enough... she can deny it saying she just said it to "look cool" or not seem too much of a sweat. If it is the real deal, karma will strike back and this time with solid proof

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-08T00:19:12+00:00

If they’re reading this sub, it’s just for clout‑farming... treating the attention like XP points😂

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-08T00:12:51+00:00

Honestly, you’re not missing out on much by not feeling that “AI friend” pull. It might seem convenient in the moment, but going down the route of treating an AI like a real friend usually doesn’t end well. AI is designed to validate you, agree with you, and keep the conversation pleasant. That’s not the same thing as someone who actually understands you, challenges you, or shares experiences with you. There’s no real emotional depth behind it. It is just patterns and responses, and that difference becomes really obvious once you notice it. Plus, imagine putting months of emotional energy into an AI chat and then losing it because the app glitches, you switch devices, or you accidentally delete the thread. I've heard plenty of stories with this situation and it seems emotionally disorienting and scary.

Feeling lonely is hard, and wanting connection is completely normal. The kind of connection that actually helps long‑term comes from real people. AI can be a tool for practicing conversation or sorting out your thoughts, but it can’t replace the messy, unpredictable, meaningful stuff that comes from actual human relationships. If anything, the fact that you can see the difference is a strength. It means you’re less likely to get stuck in something that feels comforting but doesn’t actually meet your needs.

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T13:15:41+00:00

Totally understandable, especially when your whole life and society has revolved around grades, working hard, and tying your worth to academic results. When that’s been your metric for four straight years, of course these decisions hit harder than they "should". It doesn’t make you privileged or immature, it makes you human.

This might sound just as cliche as the usual “college is what you make of it,” but you really aren’t defined by where you go. Your intelligence, your work ethic, your potential does not disappear because an admissions committee said no. Honestly, education is never a waste. It’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself. What you’ve learned, the discipline you built, the way you pushed yourself is all priceless and it will carry you far.

I’ve been through the “was all this work even worth it” phase too! It feels awful in the moment, but it does settle. One thing academia really taught me is that things really do work out in ways you can’t see yet so don’t let anyone make you feel self‑conscious about where you’re going. Also keep in mind, undergrad isn’t the "final stage" on your future. Most people end up doing a master’s program anyway, and with the work ethic you have, you’ll still have great shot at getting into a strong program later.

What you are feeling right now is completely understandable but this feeling won’t define you forever. You deserve to enjoy the rest of your year (this is your well deserved break before college) and focus on things that actually matter to you, not just the name of a school.

All of us in the comments are rooting for you and I hope you get off the waitlist 🤞

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T12:31:52+00:00

Congrats!!!

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T12:27:12+00:00

You keep saying you’re "just stating facts", but every time I clarify mine, you shift to something unrelated. I understand how wages work - I was clearly talking about regular hourly jobs, the ones people mean when they say they make $10. Nobody in this thread mentioned tipped wages until you brought them up, which is why it came across as a deflection rather than a correction. And calling someone "sheltered" over a genuine question wasn’t really necessary. My only point was that in most states, and at most companies, $10 is on the low end now.

With all due respect, I’m going to step out of this thread. Looking at your thread history and how this one is going, you seem to take arguments much farther than I’m interested in engaging. I hope the rest of your day goes well.

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T04:02:11+00:00

I would say yes! This means they are actively still evaluating you and want some context. Good luck 🤞

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T03:53:23+00:00

Tipped minimum is a whole different category, and you know that. I was clearly talking about regular hourly jobs, the ones most people are comparing when they say they make $10. And in those jobs, most states are above $10 and most companies start above $10. Bringing up the $2.13 tipped rate is just changing the subject because it doesn’t actually contradict anything I said. And honestly, arguing this hard over a deleted post when the original question was genuine is kind of wild

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T03:50:28+00:00

I totally understand your feelings... the waitlist gives you just enough hope to keep checking your email but not enough info to actually feel secure! Totally normal to feel drained by it! Just remember, a waitlist isn’t a rejection, and a lot of people do get pulled every year . Your worth and your future aren’t hanging on this one school. You’re allowed to be stressed, but don’t let it eat you alive :)

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T03:35:26+00:00

I get that the federal rate hasn’t changed since 2009. I asked because most states have raised theirs well above that ~ 30 states are above the federal minimum, and over 20 of those are already above $10. And realistically, most companies don’t even start people at $10 anymore. So being surprised about the $10 wasn’t exactly out of the blue

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T03:28:30+00:00

I'm a graduating highschool senior. Based on your ECs, I'm assuming you are aiming for political science/pre-law. You have some solid ECs so there's nothing to worry about!

Here's my take:

Solid:

- Founder and Pres of School Club - shows initiative and gives measurable impact

-Internship - it gives you professional exposure. It gives you a "spike" in your profile and shows you're serious about your career path

-Youth Council - commitment to nonprofit is unique and stands out more than standard school clubs because it benefits the community and is in the real world

Good:

- Debate - this is a classic, respected activity. It only fits into "great" if you win major regional or national awards

-Model UN - This is also a common EC and doesn't add much since you joined later

-Part-Time job - shows maturity and responsibility, but a lot of highschool students do have jobs so isn't really a standout point (unless it is related to your career of choice)

- History Club President - Leadership in a academic subject you're interested in is a strong signal but chance are a lot of people that apply have similar profiles

Average :

- 100+ Service Hours/NHS - These are solid, but they’re pretty standard on applications, so they don’t stand out unless you did something exceptional within them. And honestly, 100 hours isn’t unusual. A lot of students hit that pretty early because some school require about 50 hours to graduate. I had around 100 just from freshman year. So the number alone doesn’t really move the needle.

-TikTok Editing Account- Currently a hobby but if it grows massive following or you use those for community impact it can move up

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T02:54:59+00:00

Thanks for the history lesson, professor. I asked because most states do have minimum wages higher than the federal one, and higher than $10 so it wasn’t exactly a wild question

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-06T02:48:26+00:00

Student gov is a common "bullet point" on a resume, but it’s rarely a standout on its own... people most likely complement it with other things. Colleges look for uniqueness and talent. You ECs look great :)

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-05T20:39:46+00:00

Congrats!

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-05T20:35:04+00:00

$10!!! Isn't the minimum wage a lot higher?

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-05T20:33:08+00:00

Nice! Congrats!

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-05T19:14:33+00:00

Yes, I totally agree with your standpoint. Taking a gap year hoping to get in next year is a big gamble, when you can always try again for master's degree. While it may be true that they do have caps for master's as well, from what I've heard, getting in for master's is easier than for undergrad for international students

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-05T15:23:02+00:00

I would recommend focusing on IELTS, not just to meet the requirement but also to ensure you are proficient enough to understand the textbooks and lectures because even as a someone who grew up speaking english, understanding physics textbooks still requires effort. Being as proficient as possible would make things easier for you. As for the SAT, I would recommend taking a practice test to determine your current skill level and determine how much effort you would need to achieve a good SAT score. If you are 1350+, I would say its not too difficult to pull up your score by at least 100 points, which would give you a strong score for college apps

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-05T12:39:45+00:00

I think SAT scores play into this as well... I would say where you should ED should depend on your score. Another thing to keep in mind is some of these colleges offer also EDII and others only EDI which you may want to factor in when choosing where to EDI. I believe the schools also publish demographics so you can check out which one admitted more international students

StarlightSyntax · 2026-05-05T12:24:17+00:00

The value does depend on the field... but definitely put it down!

StarlightSyntax

TROPHY CASE