Wow, I think you sound brilliant. I'm applying to UCLA for grad school (how's the setting by the way? I'm going to school in VA right now, so CA sounds like a nice change).
I think you definitely have a lot going for you (high GPA, volunteering, Taiwan). I guess if I had to offer any old suggestion, it would be to just be very specific about what you want from the program/what Stanford can offer you more than any other institution in your application. But you probably already figured that. Expand upon what you learned in the hands-on setting in Taiwan, since that really motivated you to the position you are in now.
I'm not an expert, but I just saw "Stanford, UCLA" and wanted to say good luck!
I actually went to UCLA for just two years (one actually, if you don't count my year abroad), but I have lived in LA all my life. Never been to VA so I have no idea how to even start comparing East and West coast!
But I can say that UCLA is a HUGE campus, and it can be kind of alienating at first. There are always lots of things to do though, and Westwood can be a pretty nice place (as long as you are ok with the occasional homeless encounter off AND on campus). Plus Santa Monica Beach, Hollywood, Beverly Hills (all that LA stuff) is pretty nearby - having a car is almost a must though.
I actually also applied to a UCLA MA program, but I REALLY want the Stanford one! And thanks for the luck!
I'm not sure about MA programs, but GRE and GPA can only keep you out, not get you in.
A lot comes down to the LORs and your SOP. Don't worry about whether you're going to get in or not based on your past experience, focus on getting the LORs in on time and writing a kickass SOP.
No one here can tell you whether you will get in or not. It sounds like you've got a good shot though.
Thanks for the advice...I was so sick of writing Sops, but luckily had a friend look mine over and she pointed out some of the cheesier/trite turns of phrases that I used, so I am definitely going to work that out.
I always want to sneak a peek at the LoRs, but have resisted the temptation (so far...). I've only asked profs that I have an established relationship with, except the one from UCLA, but he was SO nice and even emailed me to let me know he gave me his highest recommendation and felt that I was a "deserving candidate". Gave me a DEFINITE confidence boost; I love nice profs!
Hey there. I'm trying to apply to the program this time. I was wondering if you did get in and what advice you may have. (yeah, i know, I'm planning to fund my graduate studies in this climate...)
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I think you definitely have a lot going for you (high GPA, volunteering, Taiwan). I guess if I had to offer any old suggestion, it would be to just be very specific about what you want from the program/what Stanford can offer you more than any other institution in your application. But you probably already figured that. Expand upon what you learned in the hands-on setting in Taiwan, since that really motivated you to the position you are in now.
I'm not an expert, but I just saw "Stanford, UCLA" and wanted to say good luck!
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But I can say that UCLA is a HUGE campus, and it can be kind of alienating at first. There are always lots of things to do though, and Westwood can be a pretty nice place (as long as you are ok with the occasional homeless encounter off AND on campus). Plus Santa Monica Beach, Hollywood, Beverly Hills (all that LA stuff) is pretty nearby - having a car is almost a must though.
I actually also applied to a UCLA MA program, but I REALLY want the Stanford one! And thanks for the luck!
Reply
A lot comes down to the LORs and your SOP. Don't worry about whether you're going to get in or not based on your past experience, focus on getting the LORs in on time and writing a kickass SOP.
No one here can tell you whether you will get in or not. It sounds like you've got a good shot though.
Reply
I always want to sneak a peek at the LoRs, but have resisted the temptation (so far...). I've only asked profs that I have an established relationship with, except the one from UCLA, but he was SO nice and even emailed me to let me know he gave me his highest recommendation and felt that I was a "deserving candidate". Gave me a DEFINITE confidence boost; I love nice profs!
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