<p>GPA: UW=3.5ish and W=4.0ish
Rank:Close to top 10%
SAT: 2280(800M,740CR,740W)
SAT IIs: Math2 800/Physics 800/USH 740</p>
<p>Those are my base stats, and my ECs pretty much suck. This summer I’m taking Calc II at the community college, but I got an offer, through National Society of Black Physicists, to do research on String Theory at U of Houston. I want to do it, but it means I’m gonna have to drive pretty far everyday and my mom’s gonna have to find someone to babysit my little sister. I’m really interested in physics, and I’m kinda torn on what I should do. I was just wondering if this is “showing a passion” for something because I kinda need to convince my mom its gonna help me get into colleges.</p>
<p>Oh and im african american lol</p>
<p>If you’re aiming for the likes of Stanford and Rice, having research experience could make all the difference to your admission. These kinds of opportunities are hard to come by and if you’ve been offered one, then you should definitely take advantage of it. If you look thru CC, there are lots of students actively seeking such opportunities for the summer and not finding any. The Stanford application has a question : “How did you spend your last 2 summers?” Taking a Calc course and babysitting does not compare with doing research in a physics lab. I’m surprised you even had to ask the question!</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. It’s kind of intimidating though because I’m supposed to set up a meeting with this professor and I don’t want to look like a noob lol.</p>
<p>Pass on the Calc II. Take the opportunity to research. That will take care of your EC problem. The fact that you will make sacrifices to do this shows your dedication and persistance in pursuing your field. Tell your mom, this research position will definitely help you get into a top college. I think we will see you on the Stanford accepted board.</p>
<p>can’t you take calc 2 at school in the fall and do the summer program?</p>
<p>I can do both Calc 2 and the research because I only have like a week left of my calc course. Thanks for all the replies, I guess I should probably start reading and call him back.</p>