I’ve already applied to a number of colleges - the common thread among them is an emphasis on the intersection of liberal arts (communication, rhetoric, interdisciplinary critical thinking skills) and hard science research, as well as a few primarily STEM-focused schools.
Demographics: white, female, autism spectrum, low-income, single father (who was in prison for some of my childhood), Las Vegas Valley, only Mormon convert in my family
ACT/SAT: 35 / 1530
Grades: 3.97 UW / 4.72 W, top 5% of class
AP scores:
AP Human Geo (5)
AP World History (5)
AP Seminar (3)
AP US History (5)
AP English Language & Composition (5)
AP Biology (5)
Current schedule: AP Gov, AP Calc BC, AP Lit, AP Music Theory, French III H*, AP Physics 1
Activities:
Mu Alpha Theta (secretary → co-president)
DIY Club (co-founder, co-president)
Choir (Bella Voce, Concert Choir, A Cappella Club, LDS Ward and Stake Choir)
National English Honors Society (secretary)
Writing online articles, often on disability
LDS Ward Family History Consultant
Computer classes in a women’s shelter
Philosophy Club
Honors: 3rd Place in Nevada Brain Bee (a neuroscience competition), National Merit Semifinalist, QuestBridge Finalist
Letters of rec: AP Bio teacher said I was one of the most intelligent, enthusiastic students she’d seen in her 18 years of teaching and that I was enjoyable for peers to work with. English teacher said I was a great listener that students wanted to work with for my depth of thought and articulate contributions who showed the value of human connection in learning.
Essays: QuestBridge Essay 1 was on how my dad moved my family to the Vegas Valley after he got out of prison, which was where I became exposed to the LDS Church. My experience in the Church inspired me to help start the computer class in the women’s shelter, which resulted in some of the students getting jobs. QuestBridge Essay 2 was on the mingling of the activist side of me concerned with the autonomy and rights of people on the autism spectrum with the curious side of me fascinated by the natural sciences of the autistic neurotype.
*I skipped from French I to French III because learning the language was exciting and my school’s pacing felt too sluggish for me. After all, I’d become proficient in Dutch independently. (This was discussed more in depth in my Yale interview.)
I know nothing’s definitively predictable, but does it sound as if I have a solid shot, as if I could truly be in one of the final pools when it’s all narrowed down? Thanks for reading. :3
