@lookingforward So what would you consider as “legit responsibilities.”
It can, but it’s relative. Maybe last year they took three from another hs that only produced one great candidate this year. Depends.
But OP needs to research the colleges, tweak his efforts.
OP, think about it. Kids who want a health career can work with a clinic or health initiative, vol in a hospital or do research. Work with those in need. If the top colleges want kids who can expand their thinking, then be that sort. Show, not just tell. Plus have school math-sci ECs.
@lookingforward how would you recommend I tweak my efforts? I’m trying to ask people for opportunities, but I’m stumped at the moment (I’m a girl by the way).
We may be x-posting. First check the colleges ‘what we look for’ or what you can glean from what they do describe. See the sorts of current students they brag about. Then check your own activities.
Yes, you will be evaluated in comparison to your peers, but that doesn’t necessarliy cast you in their shadows. Stop worrying about them and how you compare, it eats away valuable time and energy.
I’m trying to figure out how you would learn enough about your shadow to give them a “glowing” letter of recommendation. Maybe a “shadowy” letter would do…?
OK, I just took a look at your chance me thread, as well. Obviously you have top-notch qualifications, and the perfect math score will get you into many schools.
First, IMO it is not a problem that there are 30 other students in your class with equally good stats. (If you were in Dublin, Ohio there would be 222 of you.) The GC will send out a profile sheet to each college along with your transcript that will show just how strong your class is. The profile sheet, along with your ACT scores, will show without a doubt what a strong candidate you are.
I think your demographics are a bigger challenge, a white female student from California without strong statewide or national ECs. This means that you look just like thousands of other applicants for MIT, Stanford, etc. So my advice is to either go with your strongest interest (say, choir) and take it much farther (state choir, lead in a music production, start a youth choir in a disadvantaged section of your city, etc.) or else visit and fall in love with some schools in the tier just below HYPMS where you can get an equally great education. Someone on another thread suggested CMU. There are many others that you should look at, as well.