So I’m a Questbridge College Match finalist and my decisions are coming out on Thursday. I ranked UVA first so I figured I would like to hear at least once from the fine members of College Confidential, what are my chances for UVA?
GPA: 3.42
SAT I: 1540/1600 (770, 770, 20 on essay)
SAT II: Math II: 780, Physics: 760
AP: Calc AB (5) Global His (4) Physics (4) Calc BC (5) US His (5) English Lang (5)
(For the most part the toughest classes available)
Extra Curricular:
- Have led and co-led(since 8th grade) a diversity awareness organization that holds bi-monthly meetings for discussions regarding social identifiers in today’s society. Monthly attendance is around 120-150. We hold annual conference with attendance at around 650-700.
- I am a freelance photographer and editor. I started learning in 5th grade and have evolved into a paid photographer. Biggest milestone is being hired for a wedding at age 17.
- I have been an active and competitive spoken word poet since 9th grade. I participate in recitals and do performances in different Poetry clubs around the city. Was reached out to by manager of world-renowned poetry club to open for a major event.
- Co-founder of school film club. Major milestone is creating the school video that advertises to prospective students both in assemblies and on our website.
- Founder of Advanced Calculus club this year. Purpose is to tackle higher level math classes not offered in class with other willing students through peer tutoring and group study.
- I am the “grade representative” and have been since 9th grade for
my Model UN club and regularly oversee preparation for the conferences.
Work:
- Tutor: I have worked as a tutor since sophomore year teaching any level of math including SAT math. I also help people write essays as I am regarded by my grade as the strongest writer in the school. I work year-round.
- Photographer: I have worked as a paid photographer since sophomore year. These photo shoots range from single person shoots to groups, events, and weddings. I work year-round.
- Retail Sales Associate: Busy work during summers to make up for a lull in tutoring business.
- Supermarket clerk: More busy work year-round in case I don’t make enough from the other jobs above.
(All of the above except retail associate are under the table jobs)
Extenuating Circumstances:
There are 5 people in my one bedroom home. All of them are too young, too old, or too unstable to work. I have been the bread maker in my home since freshman year. We officially make 0 dollars according to our taxes. I work 7 days a week doing anything to make money. I get home late in the evening or at night and proceed to clean or cook for the next day’s meal. My mother is too sick and too mentally unstable from alcohol and prescription pill abuse. My sister deals with her own issues as well. My niece is too young and my grandma is too old and sick. She recently battled with cancer and when she had the tumor extracted, I was the one to swab and clean the open gash it left in her head as she recovered. I try my best to manage school and work but a lot of times, I am unable to get all my hw done which is why my GPA is so low. My sister and her baby daddy often engage in violent arguments and I’m the one who has to mediate and shield my niece from watching them fight. I have battled with Housing Courts to not be evicted from our home when the money doesn’t reach to pay bills and we actually became homeless last year, though I was able to eventually fight us back into our home.
More unique things:
-I have created and led various demonstrations and protests in NYC in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Our largest protest was 150 strong and was actually televised.
-my college essay brought my guidance counselor to tears
-my supplements were referred to by English teacher as some of the strongest writing she had ever seen from a high schooler
Personal Qualities:
Bold, outspoken as hell, natural leader, public speaker, very articulate
Ethnicity: Hispanic (Afro-Latino)
First generation