Hi, everyone! I realize it’s insanely early to be asking for chances, but I’d just like some feedback on how to improve my extracurricular and academics so that I am prepared when senior year comes.
GPA: Last quarter was a 98.83% at a competitive college prep private school. It’s over a 4.0, since I’m currently taking one AP and have A’s in all my classes.
SAT: I took this last year and scored a 2180 (730 CR, 750 Writing, 700 Math). Obviously, I can expect these scores to increase throughout my high school career.
ACT: I took this in seventh grade. Composite: 31, English: 34, Reading: 36, Math: 24 (half of the material was unfamiliar)
PSAT: 218. Could do better, but at this point I’ve qualified for National Merit Scholarships in my state.
SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test): 2376. 800 on Math and Writing, 776 Reading.
Class Rank: Either 1 or 2 (it fluctuates) of around 85.
Course load: Freshman English (no honors option), AP Music Theory (I project a 5 on the exam), Honors Algebra II, Honors Latin II, Honors Physics, Western Civilization I (no honors option this year, but will be taking honors next year).
Next year’s course load: Sophomore English, AP US Gov, Precalculus BC, Latin 3 Pre-AP, Honors Chemistry, Western Civilization II Honors, French III (took French I in middle school; intend to self-study French II this summer)
State: Wisconsin
Extracurricular activities:
Mock Trial: Freshman team, lead lawyer. The coach says I have a lot of potential, but I’m nonetheless considering quitting next year.
Girl Scouts: I’m the school Treasurer. I have my Silver and Bronze Awards, and I’m intending to center my Gold Award around improving the food system in inner-city Milwaukee.
Theater: I’m involved in school plays and will probably be inducted into the International Thespian Society next year.
Flute: I play in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is nationally known, and I may apply for a composition fellowship if I don’t decide to quit. I also recently received the highest score possible at a district music festival, for what it’s worth-- probably not much, given the caliber of the competition.
Writing: nothing at the moment, though I’m waiting to hear from Teen Ink about some work I’ve submitted. I hope to enter the Scholastic Art and Writing awards next year, as well as some other various contests. I am really interested in the National Student Poets program; is anyone familiar with it? I also am looking into becoming a teen contributor for the Huffington Post, so any advice therein would also be helpful.
Voice: I sing in the Milwaukee Children’s Choir’s Concert Choir, the most challenging ensemble. We have toured nationally and performed at Carnegie Hall. This takes significant amounts of my time-- probably 10 hours a week. We intend to apply for a performance at the American Choral Director’s Association Convention, which is an incredible opportunity and involves a rigorous selection process. I received the highest score possible on my vocal solo at the aforementioned district festival, and I performed in a masterclass with a major nearby orchestra.
Latin: I’ve got quite a lot of regional awards, and I can post them if anyone wants them. Perfect National Latin Exam for the past two years. First Place at WJCL Certamen (Intermediate) and Second Place at the recent Harvard Certamen. I’m the captain. I expect to also captain Wisconsin’s State team at the Nationals tournament, but anything could happen. I intend to run for state office next year and national office (if I’m not too scared) the year after that).
Venture Crew: This is something I need some advice on. Little to nothing has been happening in this activity this year, but I have the opportunity for some serious leadership next year. However, I can’t count on this activity to be actually fun or worth my time. Advice, anyone?
Fencing: I fenced in a school club next year and intend to join the Varsity team next year (we don’t have JV, or else I would for sure be on that team.)
Forensics/Debate: I competed in Middle School Forensics and did quite well. A few friends and I are starting a High School team next year. Our debate team sort of sputtered out this year; I was not a part of it. I hope to join and take a leadership role next year.
National Latin Honor Society and National English Honor Society: hoping to form chapters of these organizations.
Philosophy Club: I hope to revive this venerable organization. (Plato ftw)
Jobs/work: I organize music for my choir director, and I tutor. I was recently recommended for an audition to be a choral scholar at a nearby church, so I might take up that opportunity. I’m also applying for summer jobs at ye olde fast food restaurants.
Volunteer experience: I’m currently slightly lacking in this department. I hope to join Service Club next year, and I continue to help others through Girl Scouts. I’ve been volunteering at a nearby, impoverished school, and I’ve been serving meals to the homeless with my grandfather for years.
Schools I’m considering:
Harvard (as a probable Classics major, this is my first choice. Obviously there’s little to no chance that I’ll make it in, however.)
Stanford (also looking at their Summer Humanities Institute)
Yale
Princeton
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Georgetown (not sure if a good fit)
Northwestern
University of Chicago (father attended grad school here. Am I a legacy?)
NYU (also not sure about fit)
Rice
Amherst
Williams
Wesleyan
JHU
Madison (double legacy; a safety)
I apologize for the majorly long post, but I hope some of you can give me advice. I’m happy to have joined the CC community!