How are my extracurriculars thus far?

Applying to College
1

I’m currently a sophomore. Freshman year I was in all accelerated classes at one of the best public schools in my state, and I finished the year with an unweighted 4.0. For this year I transferred to an online accredited public school for ballet. I was admitted to a very selective pre-professional ballet program that is affiliated with a national company. Online school is necessary to balance my four hour ballet days and the commute in and out of the city. In addition to attending this school’s year round division, I’ve done summer programs at the School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet. Both on full scholarship.

This year in online school I am taking all honors classes and one AP. I tried to model my schedule off what my old school would have had, with the exception of adding an AP (old school did not let sophomores take AP). My GPA will remain a 4.0 after this year.

I’ve also been heavily involved in social justice. My interest in social justice has largely stemmed from my family background/experiences that I are VERY compelling. I’ve cofounded an initiative for diversity education in my community that has done local workshops and presentations at public school faculty enrichment days. More recently I’ve created a feminist website that is rapidly expanded. The site is receiving readership from countries like India, Australia, and Bangladesh, so it is definitely becoming a more global project.

This summer I am planning on doing a ballet summer intensive and (hopefully) attending AAJA J camp, and then volunteering at a program that aligns with my social justice interest.

While I’m on a track that will allow me to become a professional ballet dancer, I’m and very interested in public policy and international relations at schools like Vanderbilt and Georgetown.

Any feedback on this would be much appreciated!

2

It is too early to target specific schools as you don’t have standardized testing completed. But if you keep it up you should be a very good candidate.

3

While ballet is your main focus, please remember that colleges will care about your grades and test scores. Ballet, in their eyes, is your main EC. You are also interested in social justice issues and you seem to be involving yourself in that. I don’t think you need to worry about your ECs. Don’t be in a rush to add more. Remember too, that during the summers a job is a great EC. Keep your eye on the prize,whihc is getting into college. Your grades are critical to your success. You are in fine shape, but remember to prioritize your schooling, especially if you think you will still be interested in highly selective colleges.

4

I should have included that I took the SAT this October and got a 1520. The only thing I’m worried about is my bio SAT score of 680. I know I won’t have to report it to most schools, but will this hurt my chances at schools that don’t have score choice?

5

It might. Try to retake it. For highly selective schools that ask for subject test scores, generally you should aim for over 700.