I'm Ashamed to be Doing This, But Chance Me?

<p>Just to help me pass the time…</p>

<p>Personal:
-Biracial (Caucasian, Southeast Asian)
-Public HS in CA
-Squarely middle-class
-Took a gap year and spent it
+Working (editing an online mental health program, doing AmeriCorps, working at an autism treatment clinic, working part-time at an office)
+Volunteering in an area of previously demonstrated interest (autism treatment)
+Living for a summer in a Buddhist monastery</p>

<p>Academic:
-3.88uw/4.4w
-8 APs (US History=5, Comp=5, Lit=5, Spanish=4, Calc AB=4, Stat=4, Bio=4, Art History=3)
-Top 10% of Class
-National Merit Scholar Finalist
-AP Scholar with Distinction
-Northeastern University Book Award Winner
-Blah blah blah who cares about my awards</p>

<p>Testing:
-790 CR, 800 W, 740 M
-US History SAT II: 750
-Eng. Lit SAT II: 800</p>

<p>Extracurricular:
-Varsity Track and XC (Captain 12th grade)
-Vice President of Best Buddies Club (special ed./mainstream ed. inter-socialization club; 9, 10, 11, 12)
-Founder of one silly, non-serious club (11,12)
-Volunteered with children in long-term hospital care (10,11,12)
-Volunteered at summer camp for adults with disabilities (11, 12)
-Coordinated fundraisers for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (10, 11, 12)</p>

<p>Essays/Rec:
-Essays should all be quite strong; they are very personal, shore up my activities and explain why I took a gap year and why I do the activities I do
-Recs should be good as well, since I really like the teachers who wrote them and spent a lot of time with them outside of school (had lunch, played with their kids, that sort of thing)</p>

<p>Many thanks :)!</p>

<p>Your stats should make you a strong candidate. Good luck!</p>

<p>I think you put your gap year to good purpose, and it will help you stand out.</p>