Advice for an ambitious high school sophomore?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi, I'm a newbie to this site. However, I've been reading many of the threads and I've found them to be very helpful.
I'm only a sophomore in high school, but I'm trying to be proactive and work my tail off to get to a dream school. I definitely want to major in economics and possibly a double major in music performance (piano; I've been playing for ever). I'm really interested in NYU Stern and a couple ivies like Princeton and Cornell, although I probably don't stand too much of a chance...my current weighted gpa is a 4.43 but I'm taking outstandingly rigorous courses (I'm in AP Calc BC, AP music theory, and AP Euro as a sophomore) and i think I'm going to be taking 7 more. I plan to be in the top 5 of my class (which btw has 350+ students, if that matters) and get 2300+ on the SAT. My E.C's are all right, but I don't have many. I am super, super passionate about piano cause I've been playing since I was three and my mom teaches me. Yes, I started out kind of being forced into it, but I've truly become to love it and its a part of my everyday life. I've performed and Carnegie Hall twice and I've won numerous state and national competitions...I also perform anywhere any day. I accompany for the school choir, perform at town meetings, charity concerts, etc. Aside from that, I've been in choir since middle school, I'm on varsity tennis, student council officer, and in several other clubs and what not. Basically, I'm kind of nervous that the admissions officers will treat me like the typical Asian nerd, but I really am nowhere close to that, personality wise at least...I mean, yes, sometimes I overachieve academically and I'm a music geek, but as a person, not many people would categorize me as the "typical Asian".
Is there anything I can do over the summers or anything really to boost my chances of getting into a dream school? I know this is a very vague question, but I just want to get some thoughts. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Actually, especially because of the prestige of your piano playing (Carnegie hall, are you serious?), as well as several other E.C.'s, I wouldn’t say that they are bad. If you do get the planned 2300, take rigorous classes, and get A’s in them, there is no reason that you can’t get into great schools. NYU Stern would be a probable match, with the Ivies being within reach.</p>

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<p>Thanks Debater1996, I just wanted to hear another person’s perspective. I’ve been reading many other threads and there’s these insane people who have ridiculous E.C’s and I feel extremely underachieved lol…are you aware of any volunteering/jobs for the summer that pertain to the business field? I want some experience. However, being only 15, I doubt many places would be willing to hire me…what do you think?</p>

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<p>I agree with Debater1996 on his assessment.</p>

<p>You don’t have to get “hired” to get experience at age 15. You can do what I did, and write letters to people in your field, expressing your eagerness to learn, and your eagerness to learn from them. It may take a few letters, and a sore hand (handwritten letters are more personal and thus have a higher success rate) but you must at least give it a chance. I earned some real privileges with my letter writing, such as access to networking groups, and prominent institutions.
Best of luck! And congrats of Carnegie Hall.</p>

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<p>Ractogon- thanks for the reply. I will take your advice and see where it takes me.</p>

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<p>Anyone else have any opinions?</p>

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<p>do something out of school. Do something that shows leadership and something you love.</p>

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<p>Bump 10char</p>