<p>I’ve happened upon this wonderful website in my quest to prepare myself for the absurdity that I am sure this fall will be, what with applying to college and all that. I am the oldest child, and though my parents both went to respected schools, let’s face it, that was twenty some-odd years ago, and the process has changed since then, thus, they are a bit new at this. </p>
<p>What I am asking of you is your help. Everyone here seems quite knowledgable on the ins and outs of getting into a good school these days, and quite frankly, I am not. So here is a short profile of me:</p>
<p>GPA: ~3.4-3.5 UW, ~4.5 W
SAT: 660 CR, 660 M, 670 W
SAT II: 700 US History, 620 Literature
AP Exams: US History, 4
Classes: all Honors
Extra-curriculars: intense involvement in schools Performing Arts department all years (various vocal and instrumental ensembles, improv group, plays, musicals); Tri-M (music honors society); studied flute for seven years, guitar for five, voice for two and a half; Gay-Straight Alliance (secretary senior year); Girl Scout since kindergarten (community service–soup kitchen stuff, mentoring younger troops, etc); part-time job since sophmore year (shift leader after five months, hopefully manager come this fall); volunteer at local animal shelter</p>
<p>I am currently very unclear on what I want to major in, but am leading towards something in the Communications field. I’d like a school in an urban area, preferably New York City, but I wouldn’t mind Boston or Chicago, and am open to other ideas (ie, anywhere where I’ll get a lot of financial aid!). I also really desire a school with a fantastic music department; though I don’t plan on majoring in music, I’d like to remain involved with my art because it’s a vital part of my life. </p>
<p>I guess the one specific question I have would be whether or not to take the Critical Reading SAT II again. I’m personally at peace with a 620, though I was a bit disappointed at first, but I’m willing to give it another go if the general consensus is that the score should be higher.</p>
<p>Also, in regards to the courses I have taken/am taking:
As I stated, all through high school my courses have been honors, this past year I took AP US History, and next year am taking AP Government and AP Music Theory. However, I am also taking only three years of math classes, but I took precalculus this year, which a majority of the student body will take next year, so I am essentially a year ahead of them (I felt not going on to Calculus would be the best choice for me… I did not fare particularly well in Precalc). Also, this year I had to drop out of my Chemistry class for reasons I’d rather not discuss, they’d only make me sound childish and immature–I’m taking Chem and Physiology next year, but will the fact that I withdrew from Chem this year be a problem?</p>
<p>I think that’s all that’s been weighing on my mind since I started to delve into this process a few months ago; any input at all would be very, very appreciated!</p>