<p>Hi i’m new to CC. I consider myself a highly unusual applicant, but I would like your opinions. I have taken 18 AP classes to date and received 5’s on all exams. I also qualified and competed in the USA Math Olympiad. I took AP Calc BC as a freshman and have since then completed Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations through Stanford EPGY. Other AP classes include: Comp Sci, Stat, Physics C Mec, Physics C E&M, Chem I and II, Spanish 5, Euro Hist, US Hist, US Gov, Comparative Gov, Bio, Micro and Macroeconomics, Language and Composition, and Literature and Composition. I currently have a 5.2 weighted GPA. SAT 2390.
SAT II’s: Math 800, Bio 790, Chem 800, Phys. 800, US Hist. 780. I’m sure you think I’m an absolute nerd, but read on. </p>
<p>Now when i say i’m unusual, here’s why. I’m the starting kicker for my school’s football team and I am also a starter on the varsity rugby team. I also hold a black belt in taekwondo and am a fairly accomplished pianist. I am primarily interested in Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton, as well as somewhat interested in UPenn. But mostly it is Stanford and Harvard that I would like to attend. I understand these are highly competitive schools and therefore there are no guarantees, but what do you think my chances are?</p>
<p>Also, I am rather weak on community service. I do tutor underprivileged students at my school around once a week and have worked a couple summers as a camp counselor but its nothing big timewise compared to most people I have seen on CC. I am hoping to come across as a very good student with an good athletic background, so basically an all rounder. Please tell me what you think about my chances. I will certainly chance anyone who asks in return.</p>
<p>As far as having a “hook,” I am currently ranked as a potential starter at the mid-major college level as a kicker, something that is highly unusual for someone of my academic background. I am certainly good enough to kick at an Ivy league school. Does this help?</p>
<p>All mid-reaches, but I’m sure you’ll get into many of them. As you said, there are no guarantees. Being good enough to play football at a college level will help.</p>
<p>Impressive stats. At this point, your best course of action would be to contact the football coaches at Stanford, Princeton, etc. If you can get them interested in recruiting you, you have very, very nice chances at HYPS.</p>
<p>If you can honestly get recruited to play rugby or even as a kicker (though usually kickers are walk-ons), then you have an amazing shot to get in lol. You have basically the best academic background possible, short of getting 800s on every SAT section. Your essays will be highly important, as you probably already know. No community service can be a bit of an issue. If you have interesting, highly-personal essays than you stand a really solid shot of getting in. For schools like Harvard and Stanford, I can only say you are in the running, and then luck takes over at that point haha! I think that USAMO is maybe possibly kinda sort of a huge deal, especially if you performed well. You have a nice shot at getting in, good luck :)</p>
<p>who’s ever heard of a kicker being recruited… you would have to be some ridiculous person that kicked 50+ yard field goals or basically had a 100 percent goal rate…not recruitable but mid reaches everywhere.</p>
<p>I’m a junior…haha I’m aware that kicker’s don’t really get recruited. But I’m hoping to kick in college and I am a ranked kicker through various national kicking clinics. Certainly good enough for Ivy football.</p>
<p>@NspiredOne: I know people that are being recruited for D1 schools because they can kick 50+ yard field goals. Heck, they’ve even impressed pro kickers. If the OP truly has that athletic ability in rugby or football (though I’m unsure if an Ivy coach would use a “tip” on a kicker…), then the OP has a highly excellent chance imo. His AI is off the charts lol. I still think USAMO can be eye-catching to an adcom. </p>
<p>Contact the football coaches at the Ivies you are interested in. Your scores are high enough that they might not have to use a slot for you, and just a gentle nudge would get you in.</p>
<p>@big dreamer: I was either 186th or 187th which I was quite happy with considering that I can take it for two more years. Hopefully i’ll continue to improve!</p>
<p>“Ok, here’s the problem. All of these schools gets a bunch of applicants that are just like you. It comes down to the essays!”</p>
<p>Oh mah gawsh, such statements bug the hell out of me. There are not many applicants, even those applying to the top schools, who have the same level of academic accomplishments (notably in math) as the OP. And no, it does not “come down” to the essays. The essays provide context for the applicant’s achievements, but it is rarely the deciding factor.</p>
<p>Regardless, it’s still better for the OP to have better extracurriculars. That is more likely to be the deciding factor.</p>