<p>If so, how? Or has salvation eluded me?</p>
<p>Currently in 11th Grade in a public school
SAT I
CR: 800; M: 730; W: 710, essay - 11
1530/1600, 2240/2400
I know I could have performed much better in Math, and a little better in Writing. Of course, I plan on taking the SATs again in fall of my senior year.</p>
<p>SAT IIs
Literature: 720
I just took the Chemistry test, and I’m pretty confident I scored over a 700. I’m taking Physics, Math IIC, and U.S. History next year.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.6/4.0 by the end of junior year; I reasonably expect a 3.7 or 3.8 by the middle of senior year.
Top 20% of my class by the end of junior year.</p>
<p>And here are the grades that disgrace my transcript thus far:
Freshman year: World Civics H C+; Microsoft Office (required) A-; Geometry B-; Writer’s Workshop (required) A-; Italian I A+; English 9 A+; Physical Education C+; Biology H B+
Sophomore year: Algebra II/Trig A-; Phys Ed C+; English 10 H A-; Culinary Arts A-; Italian II A-; Chemistry H A+; U.S. History I A-; Basic Photo A+
Junior year: Physics H A+; Precalc NJIT A-; U.S. History II A+; AP English Language A; Intro to Law A+; Dance I (PE) A; English 11 H A; Calc NJIT A+</p>
<p>My grades for Intro to Law, Dance I, English 11 H, and Calculus NJIT still waver on the boundary between A and A+. The NJIT courses are legitimate courses offered by the New Jersey Institute of Technology, both of which I am receiving college credits for – if that does anything for me.
This summer, I will be interning at a teaching hospital with college students. I’m receiving credit for this at my school. Senior year, I’m taking AP Calculus BC, AP Literature, AP Chemistry, AP Physics C, Computer Graphics, and Dance II. Despite my overall high school record, I’m regarded by students and teachers alike as one of the very top students in my grade, and I have very high expectations for next year.</p>
<p>Extracurricular and Leadership – the fun stuff.
Epee Fencing: extrinsic to school. grades 9, 10, and I intend on returning next year
JSA: I initially joined this year, but I’m extremely active. Chapter Executive Board next year.
School Literary Magazine staff & contributor, grades 11-12
School Newspaper staff & contributor, grades 10-12. As junior year dwindles, I am taking a stronger role in management and logistics.
Challenge team: Grades 11 and 12.
Jazz music: also extrinsic to school. guitar, piano, and bass 9-12. Enrolled at a music school. Also enrolled in a novice jazz ensemble sophomore year, as a bass guitarist. I started a rock band freshman summer and a jazz band sophomore summer. I’m starting another jazz band this summer. Will my activity as a bandleader qualify as leadership?
Tutoring: I’ve been tutoring since I was a freshman – initially in Italian, but since then I’ve been tutoring in Chemistry, Math, Physics, Writing, and History. Although I never counted the hours, tutoring my peers consumes a chunk of my time.
My internship might also qualify as volunteer work; if not, then I can volunteer at the hospital I will be interning at, in addition to my work hours.</p>
<p>Honors: NHS, NEHS, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honors Society), American Technology Honors Society, National Merit Scholar. Plus some wins and honorable mentions in math or writing competitions.</p>
<p>My essay will most likely be well-written, although Im unfamiliar with the Columbia application essay standards. Will an illustrative and stimulating essay suffice, or must I write about some obscure occurrence that heavily distinguishes me from the competition?
Several of my teachers have known me for several years, and will probably compose glowing resumes. With decent rhetoric, I think I can try to angle the eyes of the application officers towards my junior and senior grades. Better yet, I know some will paint me as an insightful, compassionate, and somewhat quirky student with a taste for knowledge and new experiences. </p>
<p>I know I forward a weak resume for such eminent standards. But Im tenacious. Is there anything I can do to entice the passing glance of Columbia? Perhaps an angle to play, or an aspect to bolster?</p>