johnm440

Hello. I go to a public High School in Massachusetts. Lets just say my high school experience has been varied. I come from a white, impoverished, problematic backround. I have always learned easily and felt intelligent, and I thank God for granting me the means to escape poverty.

In 9th grade I was hanging out with a group of neighborhood kids who definately weren't the best bet for friendship. Throughout junior high I had been an up and down student, constantly being told by teachers "you have the potential to go far...but." But I continued my bad habits, and the first 2 terms got only 60s + 70s in college level classes with one honors class. 3rd term rolled around and my grandma got very sick, so I had to take a week off school and go to Ireland to see her. She died their and it had a big impact on me. I had no understanding of the consequences my academic failures would have on me until 10th grade. I failed (FAILED, not a term you guys see a lot) my math course + latin for 9th grade.

10th grade rolled around, and I was making friends with a reasonable group of kids, and got involved in choir. Not that I love singing or anything, but it gave me something to do. In 10th I added on another honors course to balance out the fact that I was a year behind in math (Algebra 1 in 10th grade sucked) and language (spanish 2 in 10th). I got 2nd + 1st honors all 10th grade and at the end of 10th grade my gpa was 2.8.

After a successful 10th grade I was happy with myself, but a greater fear clouded my head. I felt and still sometimes feel terribly depressed about my 9th grade year. I wish I could go back and have one conversation with my 9th grade self but alas, it is not possible.

This year I have gotten 1st honors / honors with distinction all 3 terms so far in these classes:
Jr English AP
USH II H
Chemistry H
Madrigals H(singing class but selective + auditioned)
Geometry C
Spanish 3 C

I plan on getting the same honors this term, and have the following courses scheduled for next year:

AP Euro
AP English
AP Chem or American Law H
Statistics H
Madrigals H
Spanish 4 H

This summer due to my fantastic math marks the last 2 years, the math dept is allowing me to take Algebra 2 for credit in summer school, and I have already started self studying for that course for the credit + Sat's.

I took the PSAT and got a 58 in CR (could do way better) 48 in Math (was not too happy but was with the percentile as I am a year behind) and a 55 in writing. I have been studying the Blue Book + Barrons and my most recent practice test showed my ranges CR 620-700, Math 500-560. I hope in learning Algebra 2 and more self study my math scores will improve.

My extracurriculars are nothing to write home about. Since 10th grade I have been involved in the following activities:
Jazz Choir
Acapella Choir
SADD (students against destructive decisions)
Friendship Club (on and off, not a big committment you go when you can, involves playing games + making friends with people with disabilities.

I plan to continue these activities for next year.

Over the summer I am going to be volunteering every other week at a hospital or nursing home. I also just got a part time job at a supermarket.

So to those still reading, thanks. My life has been one of ups and downs, but I feel I can succeed at a 4 year school, and am trying to right the wrongs of my youth.

I've toured at University of Vermont, St Michaels College, Umass Amherst, Uconn, Northeastern, BU. UVM + St MIkes are top choices for their skiing proximity. Umass is ugly and I wouldn't like it. UConn would be my top choice overall but don't think I have a shot in hell.

Can you guys point me in the direction of places to look? Or maybe help me figure out how I am doing for the schools listed previously? Thanks for reading this wall of text but its got my life squeezed in both past and future .

Thanks,
John

brillar

Don't apply to Umass then. I don't know if that's a safety for you (I don't know much about the school), but make sure you pick a safety that you would actually enjoy attending. They're out there, I promise.

(Yeah, sorry for not completely answering, forgive me, haha.)

Knights09

I think you should have taken Algebra 2 before Stat. Any reason why you didn't?

johnm440

I am taking Algebra 2 over the summer, Stat is for 12th grade. My only other choice would be Sr College Math, unless I didn't do summer school but I want a good knowledge of Algebra 2 before I take the October Sat's.

katliamom

post your question on the parents forum -- there are a lot of very knowledgeable people there who have been reading student stats, and offering tremendous advice, for years. It's like having private college tutors... for free. Take advantage of it

poi

John, it looks like you are on the right track and are headed in the right direction. A few other schools to possibly consider are UNH, Saint Lawrence (NY), New England College and Franklin Pierce. New England College has ski trails on its campus and is 2 miles away from Pats Peak where supposedly the kids can ski for free. Also, Franklin Pierce is suppossed to be near some ski resorts. Hope this helps. Best of luck.

sarahdisk123

I do think that you could get into UCONN, your GPA has probably increased dramatically and I'm sure that they'll consider your troubles in freshmen year, especially if you're instate