<p>I’m a rising senior applying to college this fall and Yale is my top choice. I have chosen to get my high school credits mostly through junior college classes, but I’ve also gotten credits through independent study programs. I’m really homeschooled, but I will get a diploma from my independent study school.</p>
<p>I took two classes per semester at Santa Barbara City College freshman and junior year. For junior year I took three per semester. My college GPA is 3.6 - but if I apply by the regular deadline I should pull it up to 3.8. I’ve taken several French classes, two history classes, poli sci, cultural geography, film studies, honors english, college algebra (equivalent of Algebra II for high school), plus last semester I took a political science internship. I also took part in the Middle East Studies Club last semester and plan on doing so this semester. The classes in which I have gotten lower than an A-grade were: Western Civ (B), Honors English (B), and College Algebra (C). On my high school transcript these courses are bumped up one letter grade because they are college level, but I am required to have City College send Yale an official college transcript also. </p>
<p>Apart from college courses, I have various other units that I have completed through independent study (English, Math, History, Health). I have all A’s in these courses but since they are not AP’s I doubt Yale will care about them. </p>
<p>As for SAT’s, I scored a 2010 on a practice test I did yesterday. However I’m sure that with a little practice (especially in math which is not my forte), I could score around 2300. For subject tests, I will take French with Listening and probably U.S. History. </p>
<p>My passion is classical music. I’ve been playing viola since I was nine. I plan on applying as a music major. I’ve been studying with a well known viola professor for three years. I’ve done a music festival every summer for the past four years. In my sophomore year I was invited to be in a special honors quartet at a local high school. I also got second in a regional competition and was invited to go onto the statewide round. For two years, I participated in a saturday conservatory. On paper, I think my musical career so far looks pretty good. Compared to my peers that I have met at festivals etc., my skills may not be stellar, but I am practicing a lot and I think I can play a competent audition. Also, viola is a less common instrument and I’ve been told that colleges look for competent viola players to fill the school orchestra. Anyone know if this will help me?</p>
<p>I know Yale would be a reach for me, but I’m wondering if it’s possible at all. Please let me know what you think and any advice is greatly appreciated!</p>