Hello everyone, I want to receive input on my chances of being accepted into a highly selective university. I want honest opinions, I can only apply to a limited number of colleges/universities, and I want to allocate my applications as best as possible.
My grades are decent, but not stellar. My classes put an emphasis on STEM. I will have taken four AP courses during my high school enrollment. My weighted GPA is a 5.25 out of 6, which translates to a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. I am waiting to receive SAT scores, and expect between 1300-1350. I intend on pursuing degrees in environmental engineering and business.
My first extracurricular activity is my research project that I entered into the state science fair. My research covers the realms of recycling plastic and reducing emissions. At the state fair, I was awarded a third place prize, and the second most patentable invention award. Only two patent awards were given out, and each award gives the recipient $11000 in legal services at a patent firm. Over 300 projects competed at the state fair.
My second extra curricular is an unpaid internship with a local environmental organization. I and one other intern worked on passing a bylaw to ban single use plastic bags in our community. Our activities included drafting bylaws, extensively researching plastic bags and alternatives, holding public information sessions, and surveying local businesses. We succeeded in passing the bylaw in five out of the six towns.
My third extracurricular falls into the realm of work. I cofounded an industry specific job and e-commerce website at Start-Up Weekend, a business/entrepreneur accelerator weekend. The website functions to bridge the gaps between businesses and the blue economy. As of now I am a CEO according to the federal government, but not the state yet. I and the other CEO have hired a web designer and an attorney, and are working to acquire trademarks. I am hopeful that the website will be launched, and my CEO status official by the end of the summer.
My fourth extracurricular is another similar website, but aims more at helping high school students find internships and data for science projects from local environmental organizations. It can also be utilized by organizations to share data and help establish collaborative initiatives. I did not web design these sites, but created them from a manager’s perspective.
My fifth and final notable activity is my position on the International RYSE (Rising Youth for a Sustainable Earth) Youth Council. RYSE is an organization that coordinates actions to raise awareness on environmental and social justice. I was recently accepted into the organization for my science/business aspirations, and plan on giving speeches/talks to students around the country physically and virtually about pursuing environmental careers through a scientific and business perspectives. In the future I hope to mentor a group of students and help them pursue their aspirations.
I apologize for such a long post, and if you have read this far, thank you!