What do I need to get done?

math_sci_asian
Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:08:49 +0000

Right now I’m a rising sophomore, and I want to know what I should focus on the next few years for HYPSM. Freshman year was tough for me due to a combination of minor depression, severe over-stress and insomnia (I only had about 4 hours of sleep a night) resulting in me not being able to pay attention in class (I basically slept in every class). But I’m over that now, and I managed to maintain a 4.0, but my class rank slipped to something like 30/300 (I took a CP elective when others didn’t and our school counts A+s). It should get better though.
Public school, top 100 in nation, competitive (we just graduated a USAMO and a Siemens winner, sent about 10 to HYSPM, 30 to top 20 schools)

Gender: Male
Race: ORM (asian)

ECs (Yes, I know I lack focus, there’s only 7 spaces on the app and I’m probably going to burn out, what do I cut?)
Math Team (very good shot at getting captain later, basically between me and best friend). 50-50 shot of being able to make USAMO in Junior year (I have been studying)
Science Olympiad (" ")
Ping-pong team (Co-captain, can’t cut out because I need the sports credit- and yes we do compete)
Debate/Forensics Team (Co-captain, will have captain by myself in junior year)
Chess Club (I just do this occasionally for fun, I’ll have captain in junior year)
Class treasurer 2 years running (hopefully will be re-elected later)
Play the trumpet (very average, so not a selling point at all, hopefully I should be able to make the audition band eventually)
Jazz Band

This summer I’m doing 200 hours of community service at a local farm (and studying math).
I used to volunteer at the local food pantry (stopped due to lack of sleep, may start again eventually).

Hopefully I should make TASP in junior year.

Any suggestions for what should I do next summer? (right now I’m thinking either a business internship or HCSSIM if I can get in)

My main concern is that my app lacks focus and originality and I’m to going to burn out (I’m taking most rigorous courseload which will equate to 6 APs in Junior year, 2 this year)

What should I add and what should I cut?

Also, what looks better on your transcript, an extra AP or a year of band?

Thanks!