<p>I know I’m starting out really early, but Northwestern is my dream school and I would do anything to get into it. I just finished freshmen year and sadly got As and Bs. A lot of my bad grades were due to “issues” going on that I plan my gc to write in her rec (if freshmen grades matter). Next year, I’m taking 5 APs (us govt, calc AB, stats, english lang, and art history) and I’m taking one IB class (computer studies). This is the second hardest course load I could take (I could have AP physics B in place for computer studies, but I thought that’d be too much). Honestly, my ECs are pretty weak. I swim, I’m on the math team, and I play water polo. I plan to join Jewish Student Association, Key Club. Volunteer at a hospital near by (for my dream to become a doctor). So what do you think I should do in order too help my chances besides get straight A’s? Also, I go to the 5th best school in the nation if that counts for anything.</p>
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<p>you’re doing it, just begin early, be ambitious, keep getting involved and if you can pick up a really unusual activity/interest to help you stand out.</p>
<p>well your ecs, if they’re weak, try to take a leadership position in them. maybe you can be team captain for the three you’re in right now?</p>
<p>LoL… I’d recommend living a life. Do the things you want to do and do the things that drive you. Do you really want to work at the hospital, or are you doing it so it “looks good”? How about key club? Don’t be a tool, define yourself outside the realm of “standard good college applicants” and pursue what drives you… and hopefully that passion and drive will carry with you through college and make you really do something worthwhile with your life.</p>