I Sometimes Think That I Am Dumb

Seahawks506
Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:17:41 +0000

I’m quite like you right now, madison!
I often feel like I am an underachieving sophomore.
However, that is only augmented by the overachieving culture of my school- top 50, high % asian (sorry if this offended you, I’m asian too); people are 4.0 UW with 6 AP’s, nationally recognized awards, overall ‘perfect’ students getting into ivies left and right. In fact, you’re considered “■■■■■■■■” if you take non honors math, and English is offered with the only option being honors for frosh years. You’re frowned upon if taking less than 4 AP’s your junior year. Don’t feel like you’re alone, madison… haha!
The overachieving culture can give people like me a depressing sense of lack of self worth, and even with my taking a year up in math and science I still don’t feel like I put up a very competitive app.
A combination of lack of overall effort and a poor english teacher earned me 3 B+'s freshman year, but this year for the first semester I earned all high A’s to increase my UW to around 3.85. I took 1 AP (WH), but honors math, spanish 4 (extremely hard to get an A), and junior physics (regret not taking AP).
I’m going to go more in-depth about my credentials, so to speak, but my EC’s are quite similar to yours. As of right now, my only leadership experience is the treasurer of the fitness/workout club (i help decide on workouts and buy equipment), and hope to hold a position in astronomy club and key club, which I have already started planning a speech for next year! So in terms of clubs I do those three.
I did freshman football and track & field, however competitive athletics aren’t for everyone-I didn’t do any this year but the workout club I mentioned. I assume you didn’t do any?
I also have played piano for 10 years, but aside from small regional competitions I haven’t placed in anything major.
I do have 100 hours of volunteer service through key club and other things, and plan to do a UW medical volunteership at least over the summer.
But yes, on to you
I believe that the colleges you’re considering are safeties. You won’t get into an ivy league, but good colleges will accept you like previously mentioned. Again, ivy leagues don’t necessarily offer the best experience and smaller, LA colleges can be better. But don’t think for a second that only low tier colleges will consider you!
I also wonder if leadership/EC’s are all that important, but my understanding is that they are only critical if many applicant are similar to you in academics.

Davis