<p>Hello. I go to a public High School in Massachusetts. Lets just say my high school experience has been varied. I come from a white, impoverished, problematic backround. I have always learned easily and felt intelligent, and I thank God for granting me the means to escape poverty.</p>
<p>In 9th grade I was hanging out with a group of neighborhood kids who definately weren’t the best bet for friendship. Throughout junior high I had been an up and down student, constantly being told by teachers “you have the potential to go far…but.” But I continued my bad habits, and the first 2 terms got only 60s + 70s in college level classes with one honors class. 3rd term rolled around and my grandma got very sick, so I had to take a week off school and go to Ireland to see her. She died their and it had a big impact on me. I had no understanding of the consequences my academic failures would have on me until 10th grade. I failed (FAILED, not a term you guys see a lot) my math course + latin for 9th grade.</p>
<p>10th grade rolled around, and I was making friends with a reasonable group of kids, and got involved in choir. Not that I love singing or anything, but it gave me something to do. In 10th I added on another honors course to balance out the fact that I was a year behind in math (Algebra 1 in 10th grade sucked) and language (spanish 2 in 10th). I got 2nd + 1st honors all 10th grade and at the end of 10th grade my gpa was 2.8. </p>
<p>After a successful 10th grade I was happy with myself, but a greater fear clouded my head. I felt and still sometimes feel terribly depressed about my 9th grade year. I wish I could go back and have one conversation with my 9th grade self but alas, it is not possible. </p>
<p>This year I have gotten 1st honors / honors with distinction all 3 terms so far in these classes:
Jr English AP
USH II H
Chemistry H
Madrigals H(singing class but selective + auditioned)
Geometry C
Spanish 3 C</p>
<p>I plan on getting the same honors this term, and have the following courses scheduled for next year:</p>
<p>AP Euro
AP English
AP Chem or American Law H
Statistics H
Madrigals H
Spanish 4 H</p>
<p>This summer due to my fantastic math marks the last 2 years, the math dept is allowing me to take Algebra 2 for credit in summer school, and I have already started self studying for that course for the credit + Sat’s.</p>
<p>I took the PSAT and got a 58 in CR (could do way better) 48 in Math (was not too happy but was with the percentile as I am a year behind) and a 55 in writing. I have been studying the Blue Book + Barrons and my most recent practice test showed my ranges CR 620-700, Math 500-560. I hope in learning Algebra 2 and more self study my math scores will improve.</p>
<p>My extracurriculars are nothing to write home about. Since 10th grade I have been involved in the following activities:
Jazz Choir
Acapella Choir
SADD (students against destructive decisions)
Friendship Club (on and off, not a big committment you go when you can, involves playing games + making friends with people with disabilities.</p>
<p>I plan to continue these activities for next year.</p>
<p>Over the summer I am going to be volunteering every other week at a hospital or nursing home. I also just got a part time job at a supermarket.</p>
<p>So to those still reading, thanks. My life has been one of ups and downs, but I feel I can succeed at a 4 year school, and am trying to right the wrongs of my youth. </p>
<p>I’ve toured at University of Vermont, St Michaels College, Umass Amherst, Uconn, Northeastern, BU. UVM + St MIkes are top choices for their skiing proximity. Umass is ugly and I wouldn’t like it. UConn would be my top choice overall but don’t think I have a shot in hell.</p>
<p>Can you guys point me in the direction of places to look? Or maybe help me figure out how I am doing for the schools listed previously? Thanks for reading this wall of text but its got my life squeezed in both past and future :).</p>
<p>Thanks,
John</p>