So I’m an African-American female in 9th grade (just began 2nd semester a couple days ago), and I go to an online high school. Here is what I’ve done so far:
GPA: 4.0 (straight A's)
All honors courses except for US history (could have taken AP but I literally despise history class and refuse to force myself to be dedicated to something I am not, especially given that I'd rather just study "history" on my own and am much more enriched)
Member of Computer Science Club (I tried my best to increase club membership and meeting attendance but we don't allow "club ads" in our newspaper and it's not like I can put up posters or anything like that...the most we've had is 2-3 people in a meeting at a time)
I'm an editor and writer for my HS newspaper (I don't think there is technically a "editor and chief" position, as we have a team of editors for both the MS and HS papers, and the club advisors have the final word on what submissions are accepted. The team edits all the submissions, formats the layout, we setup communication between teams, and give input on deadlines and such things.)
I am currently working on my first app in Unity (ugh in a coding rut rn tho...)
I plan to publish an anthology of poems and short stories as an ebook on Amazon this upcoming summer
I am also skipping tenth grade so I am taking a summer school class this summer as well (may or may not be taking dual-enrollment classes too)
I am prospecting about beginning a YouTube channel this summer also, as I enjoy drawing concept art and may upload me playing the piano and/or coding tutorials
I am doing dual-enrollment next school year (one of my number 1 priorities is trying to earn my Associate's while I graduate HS)
I am a self-taught pianist. I am a late-elementary, early-intermediate player level 2/3. I can read sheet music pretty well, I just need time to learn the techniques and memorize the keys. (working on minuet in G major BWV Anh. 114 right now)
I attend and participate in TechGirlz workshops, as well. I'm not sure about volunteering, but I'm working on setting up an interview with some of the STEM professionals as a showcase article for the newspaper.
I hope I didn’t leave anything out…I’ll update if I do. Also, I’m taking 4 electives this year because one is a prerequisite for a future class, 1 is a programming class, and 2 are ones I chose for extra enrichment (I was literally going to go insane in my “Honors” English class–feels like I’m still in middle school–if I was not able to start these LA electives, so that should say something). I have not taken any SAT/ACT’s, yet. But all my standardized test scores have always been proficient or advanced. I plan to major in Computer Science, btw. I also plan on taking a total of 4-5 AP’s (AP Physics, AP US. Gov, AP Comp Sci, AP Language or Literature and Composition), coupled with community college classes. I’m also (hopefully) enrolling in my school’s conservatory/internship program. I have a career consultation coming up to help me seek out different opportunities.
Alright, thanks for your time Just really stressed out right now with trying to figure out what other ECs I can add. But it’s quality over quantity, so I think I’m okay for now!
CS schools are very competitive. You will need to reach calculus in math. 4 years of english, 4 years of math,4 years of science with 1 -2 AP courses, 3-4 years of history, 3-4 years of foreign language.
Usually students are not able to complete all those courses in less than 4 years. You also don’t know what schools will accept your CC credits. Generally speaking, the most competitive schools are tougher to get courses to transfer.
You also don’t want to be considered a transfer student. Transfer acceptance rates to the schools you mentioned are even more competitive than freshman acceptance rates. Also there is much less financial aid.
I would really caution you in skipping your sophomore year. It could disadvantage you with college admission.
Thanks for your reply. Right now skipping and getting my Associates with dual enrollment is one of the most economical options right now. Additionally, for me, school is just so slow at times. That is why my counselor suggested to put me on a gifted path. Otherwise, it’d feel like I’m being held back and I wouldn’t be challenged. I’ll be taking pre-calc in 12th grade (11th if I were not skipping, 12 if I had not taken HS classes in MS). I’ll have 3-4 years of everything except English (since I’m taking a summer English course for my four credits) Science (took my first year of HS math in middle school), and more than enough AP courses. I doubt that English will be much of an issue for a CompSci major, especially considering that I’d have enough credits regardless, and my ECs + electives back me up on English.
Please double check the requirements of the schools you’re aiming at. I believe many require 4 years of English regardless of major. Although you seem pretty set on the path you want to take, I think you should be more receptive to some of the advice you’re getting on here given the caliber of schools you want to aim at.
IMO, you are better served staying enrolled in your HS and taking DE classes concurrently, but NOT graduating early.
The top schools are uber competitive and yes, missing a year of english will hurt you as will not heaving calculus.
If you graduate and HS and then do the associates degree or go to community college, you may be setting yourself up for your directional state university, not a T30. There is nothing wrong with that but you need to be clear about what you may be taking off the table.
Just really stressed out right now with trying to figure out what other ECs I can add. But it’s quality over quantity, so I think I’m okay for now!