<p>I see “average” threads left and right with students worried that their 3.9-4.1 gpa and 2100+ sat scores wont cut it for their college of choice and I find that confusing. I am the one that should be doing all of the worrying. </p>
<p>Before you read you should know that I am VERY interested in taking up Forestry and Conservation. Maybe even wildlife and fisheries majors.</p>
<p>I know my grades are laughable and are under what many would consider average. But, I would like to make it known that I AM NOT ASHAMED. I know I screwed up high school but I am ready to make it better no matter what so if you want to lecture me don’t, I do it to myself everyday. </p>
<p>But enough about that I just thought that it would be a good idea for you to know where I’m coming from.</p>
<p>So the stats are…</p>
<p>Gender: M
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Location: New York
College Class Year: 2009
High School: Public</p>
<p>Academics
GPA- As of now it should be 2.2-2.4 range
I don’t know my specific class rank but it cannot be higher than the 50%
My regents(standardized) test scores are very respectable overall I should average a 87-88
SAT- Overall 1650
Out of 1600- 1190
I will be taking them for a second time this Nov 1st</p>
<p>Courses </p>
<p>I have taken your usual regents classes the notable ones are…
Honors Bio
AP American- I scored a 4 on the exam
Honors Global
I also Interned at the Buffalo State Great Lakes Center while helping a graduate student</p>
<p>My school has very little course variation so all I could take was Environmental Science </p>
<p>EC’s</p>
<p>During the past three summers I worked at an all boys canoe tripping camp in Algonquin Ontario. There, I took out extended trips into the bush where I was responsible for the lives of many young boys. Team work is essential to work effectively and even survive. I owe this camp for many things. It allowed me to prioritize my life and gave me invaluable social skills. </p>
<p>Varsity Wrestling Team 9, 10, 11</p>
<p>Junior Varsity Lacrosse Team 9, 10</p>
<p>Environmental Awareness Club 9, 10 President for 10, 11</p>
<p>School Ski Club 12</p>
<p>Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper Riverwatch Captain 12</p>
<p>Buffalo RE-TREE program 10, 11, 12</p>
<p>I am participating in a writing contest in the Western New York area that is focused on writings about the outdoors and I hope to place in it but if not I am still recognized</p>
<p>Amherst Lacrosse Association<br>
Player 9, 10</p>
<p>I did start a few petitions at my school to improve heating methods and I actually got them to revert to using plastic washable trays instead of throw-away Styrofoam in the cafeteria.
I involved in other various local environment activities/foundations but they are too obscure and numerous to be worth mentioning</p>
<p>I am getting some solid recommendations from my Freshman Earth Science teacher who has also won an award for teacher of the year in Western New York. He is also involved in child advocacy programs in the area.
My Freshman and Junior Global and American teacher who is on the AP writers board that crates the exam.
My Junior English teacher who is Harvard Alum and a distinguished faculty member at my school.</p>
<p>Overall they want to tell the colleges that I am a better student then a piece of paper shows and who has tons of heart.</p>
<p>My list- If you have any other college options that have some good forestry programs don’t hide them!!</p>
<p>SUNY Cortland
SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry
SUNY Cortland
SUNY Buffalo State
Paul Smiths
University of Maine Orono
University of Vermont
University of Montana
Utah State
Colorado State
Monroe Community College</p>
<p>I know alot of them might be out of the question but I just want to see for myself
Paul Smiths, SUNY ESF, Montana, and UVM are my top choices </p>
<p>Over all my message that I will try to send in my recs, essay, and overall is that I am a passionate student who is capable of so much more than what their high school GPA shows. </p>
<p>I know this will be difficult but im not going to give up I know that I can make it to wherever I want as long as I start now. No matter where I start I have to continue. I have no regrets about what I have accomplished in school. You cant look back on this unless you are prepared to make it better in the future and I am.</p>
<p>Its funny, I always thought that the student with the bad grades is the bad person. God was I ignorant. I am a nice guy. Im recognized by all of the faculty. I have no enemy’s and belong to no set group of people. I am known as the kid who wears hiking boots and corduroys to school.</p>
<p>SO PLEASE CHANCE ME but don’t forget to give any advice or personal wisdom! I am a calm person who loves discussion.</p>
<p>Thanks
Ben</p>