<p>I think that you should concentrate on centering yourself in your academics, discover what subjects really speak to you, and commit yourself to being the best student you can be. You have a million activities. Do you love them all? They look impressive to me. But I wonder if you are over involved because there are so many. Really think about which ones speak to you. Which ones feel worthy of your time? Which ones uplift you? Delve into those. Only stay involved in the ones that enrich your life. </p>
<p>Duke wants to see that you throw your heart into whichever activities resonate with you. It’s far better to be impactfully involved in a few activities than superficially involved in many. However, maybe you love all your activities. What motivates you to do all that you do? Ask yourself this. </p>
<p>All schools like to see upward trends in grades. You must continue to significantly improve your GPA each semester. If your goal is to go to a very selective college, you must do this. Your grades, even if you show marked and significant improvement, are very very low for Duke and Stanford. It’s not to say that you won’t get in, but you will have to commit to turning those grades into all A’s. </p>
<p>I think that you sound like an amazing kid. As the mom of three amazing kids, only one of whom is a Duke student, let me say that there are lots of ways to do it right in this world. Duke and Stanford are two great ways to “do it right.” However, there are many schools that would value the performance that you’ve done so far–if you continue to do all these things. (no more C’s though…OK?) Spend some time talking to your parents or older siblings and figure out what you want your path to be. If you want to get into the most selective college possible for you…concentrate on the upward trend in grades and the focusing in of just 2 or 3 of your ECs. But if you love your life and you think the balance you have found between academics and ECs is perfect for you, just broaden your school choices! There are WONDERFUL schools out there who are a lot less selective than Duke and Stanford. Why do you even like Duke and Stanford? Have you visited? There’s a whole world out there, my young friend. Don’t only dream of schools with the most popular names.
Being the kind of student who gets into Duke is one great way to be. I applaud it! However, there are other ways to live a great life. You have to figure out who you are and then BE that person. Words from an old lady who thinks you sound like a very cool kid.</p>