<p>If you were accepted, what did you do in high school and what do you think was the most influential factor in your acceptance?</p>
<p>Take the most rigorous courseload available even if I might not get the A. Did that 17 year old take advantage of what he was offered? The transcript will show.</p>
<p>But then, without the other factors (engagement/leadershp, genuine intellectual curiosity, “hooks”) you dont’ stand out. Holistic approach and chance —</p>
<p>Definitely take the most rigorous courseload. I took AP BC Calculus my senior year and got a B- the first two quarters, and still got in regular decision. I think they appreciated that I chose to take the challenge of BC as opposed to the easier AB option. </p>
<p>My admissions officer also wrote to me to tell me how much she liked my essay. I didn’t spend forever on it- I completed 11 college applications (some were common app, some weren’t) within about three days, start to finish. I was just honest, and didn’t take myself too seriously. </p>
<p>I don’t really think I have any ‘hooks’. I’m in an extremely competitive area (Long Island, NY), I’m white, I’m middle class… Maybe the fact that neither of my parents went to college, or that my high school NEVER sends kids to Ivies? Who knows.</p>