<p>Well I really want to go to a good school… Rice etc… (applying Rice ED)
My grades and SATs are good and all…
The problem is that my EC’s look like complete trash!
I took the SAT once and got a 2180 (760m,670cr,750wr)
I have taken the most rigorous schedule out of anyone in my high school class
PAP English 1 (93)
PAP English 2 (91)
AP English Lang. (5 on the AP Test) (95)
AP English Lit. (97 right now)
PAP World Geo (94)
AP World Hist. (92)
AP US Hist. (100) (5 on the AP test)
AP Government (96 right now)
AP Macroeconomics (next semester
PAP Algebra 1 (93)
PAP Geometry (99)
PAP Algebra 2 (92)
PAP Pre-Cal (95)
AP Stats (98 right now
AP Calculus BC (98 right now)
PAP Bio (92)
PAP Chem (94)
PAP Physics (97)
AP Chem (90 right now)
AP Physics C (97 right now)
AP Psychology (96)
PAP Spanish 1 (94)
PAP Spanish 2 (93)
PAP Spanish 3 (93)
I am 31/617 in my class with a 3.98 gpa
As far as Ec’s go I spent all my time freshman and sophomore year playing basketball at the Freshman A-team and JV level. I went through training programs in the summer and practiced nonstop. When I got hired at the grocery store the summer after my sophomore year, I had to stop playing basketball. My family needed the extra help. I then worked 32 hours a week in the summer and 16 hours a week in the school year. I still found time for the debate team and participated in academic competition that year. I am in the Honors Society at my school and one of two students in my class to reach National Merit Commended. This year I am buried in homework and spend the little free timeI have playing racquetball or reading… I been so busy with these things that look insubstantial that I am afraid that it will keep me from getting into a school like Rice… Am I still a good candidate for upper level schools?</p>
<p>Yes. I think you are. The country is in a long term recession. Helping out your family by working 32 hrs per week on top of getting excellent grades is something you should be proud of, and not worried about (and could make for an excellent essay), btw. Your SATs and grades are very good. Worst case, you apply and spend $70 for the fee and for whatever reason (which you have very little control over) do not get in. There are plenty of other very good schools that will accept you. Good Luck!</p>
<p>A job to support your family is actually a very good EC.</p>
<p>Your SAT’s could actually be higher for Rice, and your rank as well, though there’s nothing to do about that now. Don’t worry about your EC’s for Rice, but take the ACT or retake the SAT.</p>
<p>Well my ACT is a 32, but it is a terrible distribution… (34e,34m,32r,27sci)
So I figure that if I take it again and study up on the god awful science section, I will probably get a 34</p>
<p>Not everyone can afford to join multiple clubs and compete nationally on travel teams. They can see that you needed a job to support your family and they’ll understand that. TBH, that’s more impressive than any of the awards I’ve won.</p>