<p>Hi,
I’m about to be a junior in high school, and I’ve started to really think about college. I got a 230 on my PSAT last year (78CR/74M/78W) and am prepping for SATs, but my SAT II Math was a disaster, though I still got an ok score. I was nominated for something called the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine and I’m taking part, even though I don’t know if it’s worth it. I’ve only gotten three B+'s (In first and second semester AP Calculus AB in my sophomore year and in second semester Physics the same year). I’m very involved in Speech, will be taking 4 AP tests next year and am thinking of doing an online AP. My questions:
- Does anyone know about NYLF?
- I play violin and piano (sooo cliche, I know) but I want to try out for a crazily prestigious orchestra because I’m just insane like that. If I get in, will it do a lot for my college apps?
And…
- Should I seriously consider applying for an Ivy League school or is it hopeless?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>My son who is an incoming Freshman at Northeastern this fall went to the NYLF on Technology. I don’t really think it does a lot for college acceptance/admissions…what it does do is give you a chance to be with a large group of your peers who you have never met before, live in a dorm setting, etc. Great skill building for college…some of the lectures/activities he thought were great, others he wasn’t so crazy about. Do not think of it as a major EC for college aps…
As for Ivy League etc…depends on you…is that the college atmosphere you want? Don’t just think about if you can get in, think about whether you will like it when you get there…
What other ECs do you have? online classes are weigh differently by different schools…if you are taking 4 aps another online might not be worth the work…
what about any community college you can take over the summer between junior and senior years? these will look good on apps and will weight up your gpa if your hs will put them on your hs transcript…</p>
<p>I took Chemistry at a community college last summer, and I did something at UC Berkeleyl the summer before. As for other ECs…I’m not into sports. What I listed is what I’m concentrating on. But I’m not involved lightly in any of those activities. I went to nationals for debate this summer, have been to the state tournament for both freshman and sophomore years, and will be president next year. I’m also in Latin club and will be treasurer next year. I’ve done some minor piano competitions, but piano’s mostly something I do for my own enjoyment. Violin…well, I’m trying out for an amazing youth orchestra and I hope I get in…
I also write poetry/short stories on the side and am thinking of starting something longer. Should I submit my work for a contest of some sort? People say I write well.
I’ve been researching colleges and Ivy League etc. I really think I could fit in there, but I won’t limit myself to those schools. I just want an idea of where I’m at.
Thanks for the input on NYLF.</p>