<p>Hi, I’m a freshman studying in an Asian university. I know I’m still far from applying to graduate programs. I’m just interested to know what I can do to improve my standing. </p>
<p>About me:
- 3.6 GPA<br>
- full-tuition scholarship
- international student
- My school ranks about top 50 university in the world
- intensive volunteer experiences in mainland China
- proficiency in German, Putonghua, Cantonese, and English </p>
<p>Besides volunteer experiences, I have no other extracurricular acitivities and leadership positions… Are they important for admission?</p>
<p>What else can I do as a freshman to prepare myself for the top 10 phd programs in the US?</p>
<p>I heard that research experiences are very important, but students in my school hardly have a chance to do research with professors. Can anyone share how they found research opportunities in the case that their schools don’t have established research programs?</p>
<p>Thank you in advance!</p>