<p>Hey guys,
First quarter of junior year has just passed by (so far this year rocks…), and although college apps are still nine months away, I’m starting to seriously consider whether I can apply to the colleges I’m interested in within a year with confidence. </p>
<p>I took the SATs in October and got 2350 (CR: 800, W: 800, M: 750). I’m planning to take SAT II Math IIC and Literature in January. In May I’m taking SAT II US History and Chemistry. In June I’m taking Physics. I get that only 2-3 SAT II scores are required… but I feel that test-taking is one of my strong points, and I want to take advantage of that. All these subjects are ones I’ll be taking AP tests for anyway… so I’ll study for the AP and SAT IIs, like two in one. </p>
<p>AP tests: Euro 5, ones I’ll take this year are Calc BC, Chemistry, English and US History. My GPA is 4.0 UW and 4.83 (4.8?) W. My courseload is challenging for any standards: 5 APs and journalism. </p>
<p>I had a big overseas move before sophomore year (was always an Am. citizen), so most of my ECs date back only two years.
Sports
Tennis (9-11)</p>
<p>Writing/Literature/Books
School newspaper (10-11): Features editor, potential editor-in-chief next year
Intern at local newspaper (10-11)
Went to journalism camps
Literary arts magazine (10-11)
LA Youth reporter: student-run magazine centering on LA student life
Job at B&N (11)</p>
<p>Leadership/Misc.
Cultural Awareness Club (10-11): VP
Tutor of English, math, chemistry</p>
<p>Music
Played piano since I was 5
Music therapy volunteer at hospice center once a week
Calphil concert volunteer
Will go for CM Level 10 in 2007</p>
<p>A lot of people here are so strong ECs-wise. I’m probably as strong an applicant as most when it comes to academics, but I feel extremely deficient when it comes to ECs. I work hard at everything I do, but I know I’m not very distinguished in any particular area. </p>
<p>I’m a junior now and my main ECs are writing, a job, and music. I want to sharpen these areas… I’m not going to suddenly sprout into a science whiz right now and get published in a major scientific journal, although I might cultivate my science skills gradually in college if I get into it… or suddenly become intensely involved in community service (besides the music therapy volunteering I do).</p>
<p>My question is… how can I distinguish myself from others based on what I already do?</p>
<p>Oh yeah… for the upcoming summer, I might apply to TASP… or I might stay home, increase hours at my B&N job, take classes i’m interested in (Spanish, journalism?, fiction writing?), and I don’t know yet.</p>