iceicebaby30

I have a 2260 SAT and 36 ACT. My grades are decent but not great (3.7). My ECs are Scouts, debate, and various academic teams (scholars bowl, Academic Decathlon, etc.) But my community service is lacking and I'm not "president" of anything. I have no idea where this puts me. A little help?

Schmoomcgoo

I'm surprised you are lacking in community service since you're in Scouts. Surely you can find opportunities through scouts to improve that situation. Have your teams elected officers for next year yet? You don't have to be president to be a leader (of course, it doesn't hurt if you are) run for secretary, historian, whatever.... You could kill two birds with one stone by initiating and organizing some community improvement project over the summer showing leadership skills and community involvement.

Begoner

I'm in a similar position, except that I have fewer ECs and somewhat higher test scores and grades. Unfortunately, excessive importance is placed upon extra-curricular activities by American universities; consequently, at "elite" institutions, you'd be placed at a substantial disadvantage when compared to other applicants. However, the range of colleges at which you have a reasonable shot is hard to estimate; it will probably come down to how much "passion" you convey through your essays. With superb essays, you could get into several Ivies; with mediocre essays, you'd probably have to go a few steps lower. However, if your strengths lie in academics (or innate intelligence) rather than leadership or other qualities, have you considered any non-American universities (for which only grades and standardized test scores are required)?

sherpa

Congrats on the 36. Where are you planning on applying?