Friday, April 30, 2010

todo

5/25/10 todo:
1. have 5 min, 2 min data @CL from Amaresh and have it find correlation with past days betwen 4 am and 7:30 pm ( addtl filters Monday, Friday ) and see those days how OIL price moved rest of the days
2. use assetprime blog to learn OIL/SP/EURO and get equation by taking past 3 to 4 OIL down turns and UP turns ..
5/15/10 todo:
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how to find how front month spread trading performed for last 5 to 10 years, here are steps
a) have northgate data and with Amibroker read and write file data, (front - back ) for all JUNE/MAY for all months and yeras and save as separate files
b) have AB functions to read these files and return values
c) wirte code to call these func and plot
d) this way we can find out how JUNE/MAY did in the last week of MAY expiry for last 5 yeras and also find all market crash months see how crude curve done in those 2 months combo..

5/15/10: Essential trading tools:
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1/ good tools such as VP are good to give days range phigh/plow this is base line

2/ , but to battle intraday tape we need
pattern recognition (auto) such as
. Triangles/Channels formed every day in and out ( patternexplorer.com )
. candle Sticks auto recognise and give buy/sell ( see delious link for calculating % success of a candle stick pattern)
3/ Henikin-ashi and ATR lines adds to above pattern recognition for better entry/exit
4/ then use CL spread range known for day with above 2) to get edge in entry/exit
5/ I am not using amibroker automatic analysis , need to use to find opportunity in CL , DX , EURO, SPY , Gold , RBOB, Nat Gas . We are getting IB Data real time for all these symbols it is matter of applying patternexplorer.com in automatic Analysis.
6/ Even for Henikin Ashi we need to apply auto analysis to all above CL, DX , SPY .. symbols to get morning first oopertunities , once found then Open chart and see which TRIANGLE /CANDLEstick are telling or we can combine
- Henikin-ashin, ATR , Trinagle and CandleStick all FOUR and take only when all 4 are met either LONG or SHORT side.
- combine above 4 with VP phigh/plow range and Spread range for DAY ..

todo: need to find a way todo multiple data sources Northgate (EOD) , IB realtime to Amibroker ..


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1. have northgate data setup: with amibroker for all commodity futures
a) so that can see CCI, MACD , ATR , STOC , BolingerBand ( +1 , +2 ) , param Optimize for ATR period, CCI period and all Technical analysis for all of Cotton, Oil, Soy bean oil etc. to make better trade decisions.

b) get mastery of basics: MACD , CCI , Stoc divergence pattern with respect to price ( see saved posts under Cmdt-TA ) by daily watching charts with this setup.

c) Set up and Use all the above TA indicator for Cotton , Oil on consistent daily basis.

2. spend time with VP charts: everyday , next day high/low , PMDiff, PLDiff , Ndx , 3-EMA every day.

3. Archive Commodity news: from site:bloomberg.com site:about.com to a web site
a) see if we can use some PHP UI packages for FORM creation/data caputure on eapps server ( see what is offerd by eapps )
b) use the PHP XML to arrray code ( Seasonal-System) , write comments in XML format
c) for above site news extract we can use PHP , Watir not required. Watir is only Login/password cookie setup on Mrci

4. Northgate Data to CSV: save data with Amibroker to csv file for Corn, Cotton etc.. for Dygraphs

5. Dygraphs: use above CSV data to display charts with dygraphs
a) display JUN 2011/JUN 2010 buy/sell for 1 year from JUN 2009-10 to see spread. Calculate diff from csv and save it as new csv. Let Dygraphs read this csv and display .
b) have it as parameter so that just pick month Year from JqureryUI pkg ( have nice Date UI )

6. MRCI charts: use Watir to extract MRCI data : save it as .htm files
b) let php program extract table data ( it has html extracter ) and save as csv.
c) dygraphs will read this csv to display varience , Standard deviation to show trade Max draw down and Low risk entry points
d) php program will read csv and display trade recommendations .

US citizen studying High school in INDIA


02-28-2008, 11:08 PM #1
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Are Indian board exam (CBSE) marks required for US colleges?

Hi, I am a US citizen who is studying in India. I have applied to 6 colleges in the US and so far have been accepted to the University of Maryland and University of Michigan. I want to study aerospace engineering, but I understand that students are not accepted on the basis of their major. I was also told that my 12th grade board exam marks are required, even if I have already been accepted into a particular college.

My questions are: how important are board exam marks in determining whether I can pursue the major of my choice AND how high should my board exam marks be if I want to study aerospace engineering?
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:12 PM #2
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did you give some sort of predicted class 12 results to the colleges when you applied?
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:13 PM #3
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No, they told me that I should give them my actual board exam marks if I was admitted and chose to attend that university.
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:23 PM #4
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from what i have heard - anythng above 80% and you are very safe.
the U.S. universities don't give importance to Indian education system and don't care whether we score 92% or 82%.

how much did you get in 10th board though?
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:25 PM #5
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93% in 10th.

So what all criteria do colleges look at when students' majors are decided?
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:34 PM #6
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Anything above 80 is great. Majors will be given on the basis of what YOU choose, and your 12th Board marks don't come into question there. Have you submitted your Preboard marks in the midyear report?
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:35 PM #7
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if you are looking at a college which is very good in your respective major- they become more choosy during admission.
if you are already admitted- usually you can change your major till the 3rd year of undergrad. Haven't you been admitted under your major?
i got admitted to UIUC and they clearly state the department and the major i got admitted under.
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:35 PM #8
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Yes, I've already submitted my marks from 9th grade onwards and I've been accepted to two of the colleges I applied to. I was just wondering if my major would depend on my 12th grade board exam marks. Thanks for your help!
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:39 PM #9
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I've been admitted as an engineering student, but whether I study aerospace or mechanical or whatever is decided at the end of the first year when I declare my major. All students have to take a certain set of courses before declaring which engineering program I intend on studying.
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:41 PM #10
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then the major you choose will be based on how you perform in those courses at the end of the first year.
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Old 02-29-2008, 12:02 AM #11
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Thank you for your help!
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Old 02-29-2008, 01:36 AM #12
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best of luck - since the boards start tomorrow
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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Lessons Learned During This Admissions Cycle


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Old 04-04-2009, 09:32 PM #1
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Lessons Learned During This Admissions Cycle

(Long time lurker, first time poster)

Now that the main admission cycle has finished (for me and many others at least!), I would like to reflect on my experiences. A little background information on me: My family is lower-middle class; my parents both attended community colleges. I have two siblings, both older, one of them went to a community college, and the other didn’t pursue further education. The school I attend, only approximately 35% continue their education; the average SAT scores are in the upper 800’s, low 900’s. The vast majority of students have never heard of the ACTs or SAT IIs. Of the fraction of students who attend a post-secondary school, probably 45% go to a community college, 25% go to a tier 4 college, 25% go to the state school, and 5% go to private schools. The average income of my hometown is approximately $30,000. I picked up a job at McDonalds’ my 9th grade year, I worked 40 hour weeks every week until the summer of my junior year.

During my 9th and 10th grade years I maintained a 4.0 (UW) GPA, the teachers at my school really didn’t challenge the students, and the majority of classes were merely “crowd control” (Yes, this was the advanced track). My 10th grade history class was the first AP class offered at my school, the average score of the students the prior year was a 1.4, so no one had any real expectations for anyone to pass. The week before I bought a book for AP European History and began reading through it; I read through this book 3 times before the AP test. I scored a 4 on the exam, which was the highest grade anyone in my school had ever received; there were two 3’s on the exam, eleven 2’s, and sixteen 1’s. The school principle called me down to his office and thoroughly congratulated me, there was an announcement over the intercom, and my AP European history teacher basically said I was the best student he has ever had at this school. My fellow classmates think I am a genius. I find collegeconfidential at shortly after this, my high spirits are crushed because of my unintentional self-deception, and my 4 was nothing special. For many schools, that was only an average score. During this summer I started working at Walmart, for the entire summer I worked two jobs, around 70 hours a week, all of this money went to the bank. I quit at McDonalds’ and worked 40 hours a week at Walmart during the school year.

Junior year, the only teacher that truly influenced students took a liking to me. She was the chemistry teacher and had a PhD; no one else in the school had one. For months I talked with her, planned my future, and began researching colleges. I set my sights on MIT, if I got into that school, then I would be exceptional, I would no longer have to worry about money. Science fair was optional at my school; I was one of 4 students who participated. The funding for science fair was exactly 0$, we had to make do with what chemicals my chemistry teacher could get from the nearby universities. We participated in two regional fairs; in the first I received a 3rd place, in the other I got nothing. My first chance at the ACTs were coming close, yet I couldn’t spare the money for a test-prep book, I would have to manage with my English and Mathematics textbook. I was not able to afford a test-prep book because all of the money I was earning from my job was going to the bank, for college. I did not get a fee waiver because I never learned about them; I paid for the test out of my own pocket. I scored a 27, which was extremely good for my school, but not good enough. I was upset that I didn’t do well enough; I would have to try again in a few months. At the end of my junior year I had to take AP tests again, I had three of them this year. During my AP US History test, most people gave up and went to sleep; I again scored a 4 on this exam. My AP English exam was rather uneventful; I scored a 3 on it. This was the first year my school offered AP Art History, I took it and scored a 2, I was rather upset, but looking back on it, people were playing cards during the test and doing the wave. I really don’t know why I expected to do well on that test. ACTs and SATs came up; I scored a 31 on my ACTs, which I couldn’t take them again because I didn’t have enough money. On my SATs I scored a 710 M, 650 R, 590 W. I knew that my ACT scores would be used for the test. The final test in June came and I took the SAT IIs, I scored a 760 in Chemistry, 690 in Math II, and a 670 in Math I.

During this summer I took classes at the Community College, they were incredibly easy; they were a waste of my money. During my senior year I filled out my applications for EA at MIT and Caltech. Come December I was rejected at Caltech, deferred at MIT. With that result I was pretty disheartened, I had hoped to get into one of those two so I would avoid the college application costs of the other applications. I applied to a number of schools, PennState (honors college), Lehigh, CMU, Cornell, Columbia, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton. I was still not aware of the fee waivers; I paid almost a thousand dollars on my college applications. The months in between December and March were horrible, the waiting killed me. Come March I was accepted into both PennState and the honors college, my parents didn’t care. Come March 14, I eagerly opened my MIT decision…rejected. I read it again, still rejected. I honestly couldn’t draw any emotions out at this time, the only thing I could think was, “This isn’t right, I tried so hard…” It wasn’t that I didn’t get accepted, but not even waitlisted. At this time I basically accepted that I would be attending PennState, I was upset that I didn’t make it farther than anyone else at my school.
A few days later I received a letter from Columbia University, I was clueless as to what they could be sending me. I opened the letter and read it…it was a likely letter. I read it again, same thing. I double-checked the name, it was mine. “Why did I get this? My scores aren’t great; I’m not in a sport…why?” I sat there, couldn’t draw out any emotions though, I was extremely happy though. I showed my parents, they didn’t care, showed my siblings, didn’t care, my chemistry teacher had retired last year. I made plans to attend Columbia University. “Surely the likely letter was some mishap on their part, I must’ve been extremely lucky to have been in favor of their mistake!” About a week went by, another letter, but this time from Cornell. Another likely letter! At this point I was lost, nothing I did was special, I got average (for people applying to this schools) test scored, no major accomplishments, why was I getting these? Two schools couldn’t have made mistakes like this, it was impossible.

Lehigh’s decision date came around, I had forgotten to make my portal account, but a few days later their acceptance package arrived. I was extremely happy…but would I be able to afford it? Financial Aid awarded…$43,000! I could attend Lehigh! March 31st came. I decided to check Princeton first, because if MIT rejected me, surely Princeton would too. I logged in…CONGRATULATIONS! “What? Wait, What? Princeton accepted me? Well, I won’t be able to attend, it costs too much.” $46,000 in aid, no loans; I would only have to pay $3,000 (after my campus job). I sat in disbelief. “Princeton…Princeton…why?” I logged into University of Pennsylvania...accepted. Cornell…accepted. Columbia…accepted. I called my parents in, showed them where I got accepted to, their response “So, you’re a snob now.” This statement literally crushed me, I had got accepted into four of the best schools in the nation, yet they treated me like trash? A little while later my Stanford email came, I got rejected, yet, at this point it didn’t matter. I would be attending Princeton for college, nothing could make me happier.


So, the lesson of this story, don’t hold back on applying to anywhere because it is too much of a reach, you just may have something they’re looking for an not even know it! Don’t let others drag you down, no one else may understand why you are working so hard, but in the end it will pay off.
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Old 04-04-2009, 09:47 PM #2
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Congratulations on Princeton!! I skimmed until the last paragraph. I agree!! I had NO confidence in myself when I started this thing. I applied to 4 safeties, 4 matches, and just one super reach. I ended up getting accepted to all but the super reach (waitlisted at Stanford). In retrospect, I should have applied to more reach schools knowing that I very well could have been accepted. This is not to say that you should just blindly apply to "prestigious" schools, but that if you can see yourself at a reach school, HAVE CONFIDENCE AND APPLY!!

Again, congratulations and good luck!
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Old 04-04-2009, 09:50 PM #3
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Bravo is all I can say.
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Old 04-04-2009, 09:58 PM #4
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Your situation sounds almost exactly like mine, except I am quite fee-waiver knowledgeable.
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Old 04-04-2009, 10:00 PM #5
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Wow, yours is a very inspiring story. Congratulations on your success, especially against such poor odds!

This is probably going to sound rude, but seriously your parents have a terrible attitude. Seriously? Who responds with "“So, you’re a snob now." when their child gets into one of the best colleges in the country? Sounds like they're just trying to drag you down to their level.

Good luck at Princeton!
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Old 04-04-2009, 10:07 PM #6
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How wonderful and truly well deserved! Grab this brass ring and don't look back. How sad that your parents can only feel threatened by your accomplishment ( hence the snob comment) instead of proud that you have made the most of yourself by working hard and striving to rise to your fullest potential. Your life will be the better for this as will your future children who you will support and encourage to be the best they can be as each generation should want better for their children. I hope the day comes when your family can appreciate your success but if not no one can take your personal sense of accomplishment away from you. Good luck in college although you have already proven it is not luck but hard work and perseverance that pays off.
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Old 04-04-2009, 10:14 PM #7
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You're amazing.
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Old 04-04-2009, 10:15 PM #8
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I suspect that Princeton is very lucky that they've got you, and that you're going to do well wherever you go. You've certainly worked harder and with more independence than the vast majority of kids who get in.

Now that you're going, don't forget to ask about fee waivers as future fees are thrown at you.
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Old 04-04-2009, 10:38 PM #9
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Congrats! Alas, if had only worked as hard as you. I was waitlisted at Wellesley, but when I consider how hard I worked and and my SAT scores, I realize I was very lucky. I was so close to Wellesley, but if I had really wanted it I would have worked harder. Thanks for the lesson!
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Old 04-04-2009, 11:15 PM #10
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Congratulations.
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Old 04-04-2009, 11:18 PM #11
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I like you. COME TO PRINCETON.
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Old 04-04-2009, 11:57 PM #12
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i've been lurking for a long time, but i haven't posted on here in years. your story inspired me to post.

if i were running a college, you'd be the kid i'd want. i am just so, so, so happy that so many of the colleges you applied to saw that. they didn't just say "oh, he doesn't have a 36 and a 2400, he hasn't won national competitions, reject." (for the sake of pronouns i'm assuming you're male, sorry if that's wrong). they looked at who you were as a person, what you did given your circumstances. i would give my spot at any college to you any day. your story is a sign that the "holistic"/"subjective"/"crapshoot" admissions process is, hopefully, for the most part, working. the american dream is about working hard and getting chances you wouldn't have otherwise. that's you.

things will be harder for you because you don't have a family that understands the kind of life you're taking on, but don't be discouraged or give up. you have so much drive and intelligence, you really can make a difference in ways they can't imagine yet. don't let your power go to waste.

sorry this is so sappy and odd coming from a stranger... i'm just happy for you. best of luck. you'll do great things.
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Old 04-05-2009, 12:11 AM #13
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Congratulations, Fortuna! Princeton will be blessed to have someone with the work ethic your story reflects. As to your parents, most likely they just don't yet know how to express their pride in your accomplishment, or to reconcile it with their own roots and surroundings. Be assured they're going to be bragging about you like crazy behind your back!

Now, get yourself into your school's front office and ask for your retired teacher's contact information. If they won't release that, ask if they would mail a letter for you. It sounds like she would be delighted to hear from you about your success!

Again, congratulations -- this sounds like the culmination of a worthy effort and the beginning of a bright future!
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Old 04-05-2009, 01:52 AM #14
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Congratulations and be sure to check back in 20+ years when you'll be a regular on the Parents Forum, wondering how an upper middle class family can get some $$ for her kid to go to college!

Just kidding, but there is nothing like a good education to move up the socio-economic ladder. I'm sure that your parents are proud of you, but also a little scared that they will be part of the lower middle class trappings that you'll one day push aside. Be gentle with them.
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Old 04-05-2009, 02:35 AM #15
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I would like to join the rest of the CC goers here in congratulating you. Seriously, you beat the odds. Colleges recognized it, and rewarded you for it. I'm hoping you have a wonderful time at Princeton!!
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