Hey y’all,
I made a post asking for school suggestions awhile ago, but my goals for the future have changed significantly. I also have struggled with anxiety over the college selection process before, but this time I’m just looking for schools that have what I’m looking for.
I’m looking for a school in the Northeast, preferably in or near a city, where I can double major in Urban Studies and Environmental Studies/Science. I want to pursue a career in urban agriculture and sustainable food systems. My eventual goal is to go to grad school for journalism and become an environmental journalist. I don’t want to major in journalism or communications, but it might be nice to get involved with a student newspaper. I also am very passionate about theatre, music, literature, and writing. While I don’t intend to major in any of those things, I want to be able to participate in the arts in college. Another important thing for me in a college is for a diverse student body in terms of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic background, international students, the LGBTQ community, etc.
Something to note: I’m in a bit of an unusual situation with my education right now. During 10th and 11th grade, I was hospitalized for severe depression and OCD. Due to this, I am behind on academic credits. I should be in 11th grade, but I’m technically in 10th because I have 2 years before I graduate. Also, I switched schools a couple of months ago because my old school, while supportive, was not helping me make up my missing credits. My current school doesn’t offer honors classes, foreign languages, or AP courses. However, I’m independently studying French and hope to self study an AP or two.
Here are my stats (just so you can guess what might be a safety, a target, or a reach):
[ul][]White female living in Massachusetts.
[]I attend a very small therapeutic private school.
[]GPA: 3.89 UW.
[]I took the PSATs over a year ago and scored 1140 out of 1520 (640 Reading and Writing, 500 Math). I am not pleased with these results. However, the math test was designed for someone who had taken a year more of math than I had at the time. I also had not recieved extra time, which I will qualify for on future tests due to my ADHD and anxiety. I am not trying to excuse my poor score, but hopefully I will do better when I take the SAT or ACT. Sorry for not having more information about my scores; I know that’s a huge indicator for what kind of schools I could get into.[/ul]
ECs
[ul][]Student Council (at former school): Freshmen Representative (9), Co-Council Events Coordinator (10).
[]School Dance Troupe (at former school): 9 & 10.
[]Acting in community youth theatre (all of high school).
[]Voice lessons and musical theater class- (all of high school).
[]Co Founder and leader of my current school’s performing arts club (as of 1 month ago, but hope to continue throughout high school).
[]Staff writer for an online magazine (again, as of 1 month ago, but hope to continue throughout high school).
[]I have entered some of my writing into competitions. I have not won anything but I plan to keep submitting writing for competitions and publishing opportunities.[/ul]
Work/Community Service
[ul][li]I spent last summer working for a youth program at a nonprofit hunger relief organization. I’m applying again for this summer.[/li][]Volunteer work includes hunger relief organizations, a women’s shelter, and the ACLU. I have around 75 hours right now but I’m hoping to increase my involvement during the rest of high school.
[]This will be my second year participating in and fundraising for the Walk For Hunger.
[]I’ve done a lot of mental health advocacy work. I run a mental health blog and I’m working with a friend to organize a community mental health event.[/ul]
Anyways, if y’all have any suggestions of what schools to look at it’d be much appreciated! I’m interested in Barnard College but given my stats it’s unrealistic. Maybe somewhere less competitive, but still offering a strong program in Urban Studies and Environmental Science.
Thanks a bunch!