<p>Im not sure where Im all applying, so basically Id like you to try help me decide on a few that would be good choices. As of now, my top two choices are Duke University and St. Olaf College. I know St. Olaf is definitely a safety, but what do you think my chances are getting into Duke? And if you could give me some other ideas too look into and my chances of getting in, Id really appreciate it! Im not exactly sure what Im looking for in a college, but I dont want to go to anything thats extremely liberal (that would be a big change coming from a conservative, rural area), and great academics are a must. Also, if the school has a really good music program it would be a plus. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance! </p>
<p>White male
Rural Minnesota (farm, I actually have my own flock of sheep if that would help any!)
Public School</p>
<p>Class Rank: 1 of about 120
GPA: 4.0 (unweighted- school doesnt weight GPAs)
SAT I: 1470 (780M, 690V)
ACT: 33 (retaking: science score was only 28)
Our school only offers 2 APs. I have been taking some college level classes, however, to try overcome that (will have either 11 or 15 college credits when I graduate).</p>
<p>ECs:
Knowledge Bowl: captain (9- 12)
Academic Challenge (9, 10, 12)
Three-Act Play (9-11)
Musical (10)
One-Act Play (9-12)
Speech (11-12)
National Honor Society (10-12)
Band (9-12)
Jazz Band (9-12)
Choir (9-12)
Student Rotarian (12)
Some service hours
Church Stuff
4-H club: president (12)
Piano (9 years)</p>
<p>Honors/Awards:
State Speech Champion (11)
All-State Band (11-12)
Knowledge Bowl Sub-regional and Regional awards
Academic Challenge runner-up in state
National Merit Commended (missed semi-finalist cutoff by 1 point! how disappointing!)
Harvard Book Award (11)
MMTA State Piano Contest winner (one of many, actually)
MMTA theory and piano exams- high distinction</p>
<p>Also, Im not really sure about what Im all supposed to include on applications (ECs, honors/awards). Do I want to leave out some of the minor stuff, or leave it in just to have more to put?!</p>