Don't really excel in any particular area

First…you are 15 years old. I’ll ask…why the ivies? There are tons of colleges where you can achieve your goals. Your chances of being admitted to these Ivy League colleges is very small, just like everyone else, no matter what you do. There are simply too many applicants for too few spots.

None of these things will make you stand out from a group of applicants who most likely also hack the same things. I would completely SKIP starting a non-profit (do you understand what it actually takes to do so…) and find an existing place to volunteer your time. There are already plenty of worthy non-profits that could benefit from your help.

In the summers, get a job. That is a very worthy EC that is favorably viewed. It can show responsibility, commitment, ability to work with others, etc.

Prestigious summer camp? Like what? Any summer program that you pay to attend (excluding places like Tanglewood BUTI which takes an audition) are not going to help you.

So…what should you do?

  1. Get the very best grades you can. You don’t need to accelerate courses in all disciplines, but you do need to get great grades and take a challenging courseload for YOU.

  2. Do ECs that are of interest to YOU, not ECs that you think will impress some adcom down the road.

  3. Get a budget from your parents for annual college costs. Make sure the colleges you are considering can come in at their price point.

  4. Enjoy high school. Be part of the school, not just a person who is doing things only to get into some group of colleges.

  5. Make a list of the characteristics you want in a college and start looking for a variety of colleges that can meet those.

  6. Read the thread I’m about to link. Make sure you have at least one sure thing for admission on your application list when the time comes. Read the whole thread.

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