Already feeling admissions dread... And I'm a freshman!

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>I really need to stop reading this site. Today, I read through many of the Ivy results threads (or at least the first few pages... I have some sort of life). Each and every one made me almost sick to my stomach. Before, I'd thought that amazing objective stats would pull me through--as long as I had some sold extra curricular activities. However, the results threads indicate that admission to an Ivy League school really is a grab bag!</p>

<p>Here are my current stats: </p>

<p>-I go to a pretty competitive high school in Northern Virginia that sends a couple people to Ivies every year. In fact, one of my sister's good friends got into Columbia, Cornell, and Dartmouth yesterday. My neighbor, another of my sister's friends, just got into Harvard and Princeton. Even so, I'm beginning to think they were accepted due to their unique qualities--one is a drama freak, the other is big into poli sci and debate (and speaks fluent French). I, however, want to pursue medicine (or something with the sciences). I feel that the path I've chosen is not unique enough. </p>

<p>-I'm currently 1/333 students, with straight A pluses in my classes. Make no mistake, though, these classes aren't easy. In fact, Drama is one of the most difficult classes in my schedule (and I come from a family of thespians)! Additionally, I think I'm the only one in my Biology class with an A plus (filled with sophomores).</p>

<p>-I'm competing in the Virginia State Science fair this Saturday. I'm actually quite proud of this accomplishment. In my school fair, I placed third in my category (behavioral sciences). Then, in the regional fair, I placed second (weird, huh)! Hopefully, I can use my presenting skills to win the judges over and secure a top 3 place in the state fair!</p>

<p>-I'm a member of debate (placed okay at two tournaments in public forum, failed to make it to regionals). I'll be the public forum co-captain next year.</p>

<p>-I'm in Mu Alpha Theta (small EC, yes, but still...)</p>

<p>-I'm the Freshman Class President. I had to battle it out with four other contenders to secure this spot. I was declared the victor by a mere five votes! That was exciting...</p>

<p>-I run cross country (and plan to for all four years). I don't think I have a viable chance at varsity, though.</p>

<p>-I play tennis (and plan to for all four years). I'm currently number 8 (challenged up from 10--haven't lost one yet). I think the top 6 are given letters, so hopefully I can reach the top by April... However, I'm confident that I'll be a varsity player for my 10-12 years.</p>

<p>-I will be taking the absolute hardest course load possible at the school (plus three extra levels of math and all AP sciences). Math and science are my thing.</p>

<p>-I'm going to get a job as soon as possible. Probably at a nearby Bob Evans or McDonalds or something... I heard that having some work experience is beneficial when applying to college. I'm not old enough to get a job yet.</p>

<p>-I plan to... Volunteer a lot at the local hospital + pharmacy, run for presidential office my remaining three years, and basically continue everything I've been doing thus far. I'm definitely going to start committing a lot of time to debate, so that I can make it to regionals next year (and hopefully states).</p>

<p>So, can you help me? It seems like my ECs are pretty strong, but seeing the fabulous stats of all the rejected Ivy applicants has really scared me. It's always been my dream to attend an Ivy--most specifically Harvard. Please give me advice so that I can do my best to achieve my dream. I understand that even seemingly perfect applicants are rejected every year. I just want to project myself in the best light and with the best possible chance of admission. </p>

<p>PS: What do you think has been the determinant in all these 'random' decisions? Essays? Interviews? Give me your thoughts.</p>

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<p>lol (10 char)</p>

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<p>Congrats on your Berkeley and UW acceptances. I’m glad you find my problems humorous.</p>

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<p>You believe the only opportunities available in this world can be found at an Ivy League. Unfortunately, I don’t think you’ll grow to realize that in the next three years, as is the case with most others.</p>

<p>In short, lol.</p>

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<p>

Thanks, haha. </p>

<p>I think you should worry about meeting\dating hot girls rather than what college you go to in 9th grade.</p>

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<p>you’re in ninth grade, your grades are fine; you have plenty of time. </p>

<p>please stop reading this website. it’s not going to do you any good, just freak you out more. just get off.</p>

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<p>You’ll either panic more or less over the next few years, but I hope it’ll be less. I think what you’re looking for, though, isn’t another kid saying “Stop worrying!” or “There’s more to life outside the Ivies!” That’s definitely true (hey, Johns Hopkins?) but I don’t know if you’d listen to me now.</p>

<p>As far as concrete advice: if you can keep this up, you’re going to be the typical intensely-academic high-achieving applicant that they probably get thousands of. It is definitely possible to get into your dream Ivy school (or Ivies + Stanford, Caltech, MIT) with being the solid valedictorian 2400 debate/science fair/tennis kid, but realize that these are highly typical. Not to diminish your achievements, but as you said—“unique qualities” matter a lot.</p>

<p>I’d encourage you to explore somewhat offbeat areas of interest. I know a kid who is all about linguistics. Or maybe you could delve seriously into astronomy. I don’t want you to go out and artificially cultivate a quirky extracurricular because you have to truly enjoy it, you have to explore something you like and somewhere along the way it turns into something you love, and it permeates your life and thoughts…and when you go to interviews it always comes out, your fanatical passion for something, and when you write your essays or fill out your application, it stands out as something you care deeply about and sets you apart from all the other applicants.</p>

<p>The stats are absolutely necessary. But there are other factors.</p>

<p>I’d also
question
why you want to do this Ivy thing.</p>

<p>Why you want to do this medicine thing.</p>

<p>(Also, realize that your intended major right now is very in flux. You might end up getting really interested in computational biology or bioengineering. No need to stress about treading a “common path” in that regard yet.)</p>

<p>But the Ivy thing.
I don’t want to condescend, but think about it:</p>

<p>Who were you a year ago?
Can you look back and think, "Oh god, I was such an idiot, I was so uninformed and na</p>

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<p>@ cjgone: Trust me, I worry about that too. I’m a pretty social guy. </p>

<p>Bmsd, untrue. I’m not ignorant–I don’t think success is limited to the Ivy League. It’s just always been my dream to attend one of those institutions. You seem to be hinting that I’m naive, and that I’ll never learn that there are opportunities beyond a top college. What? Where did you get that from? If you’re not here to be contructive, please hop off.</p>

<p>(sorry, I posted too slow)</p>

<p>EDIT: Greekfire–Thank you for your tremendously helpful response. I really appreciate that you took the time to help me out. When I was in 6th grade, I moved to Beijing, China, where I attended school for two years. I learned three years of Chinese in that space (I’ve got a knack for languages). I think I’m going to pursue Chinese further. It might just set me apart. My father (although he’s white) speaks fluent Chinese, so I’ve got a fantastic resource at my disposal.
Why Ivy? Well, I think it’s pretty obvious that Harvard has some of the best science and math departments in the world (with other Ivies and top colleges like MIT following close behind). Since I want to delve into a science involved career, it only makes sense that I’d want to pursue a high level science education. I’m an ambitious guy, I guess.</p>

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<p>@StudiousMaximus
I’m a freshman in HS as well and I love reading the stats threads (I joined to look for help in prep school admissions) and personally I would just enjoy what you’re doing instead of worrying about Ivy League stuff. I think it’s fun to read but if it scares you you should seriously stop reading them. I don’t know if it’s just me but the acceptances are pretty unpredictable…if you waste HS doing stuff to look good on college apps and don’t get into your dream Ivy or whatever, you’re seriously gonna regret it later. My stats are similar to yours and my ECs are a bit better/unique; but getting into top colleges are only gonna get harder each year. Do nottttt be a cookie cutter applicant and mold yourself to fit a school. My aunt is an admissions officer and ive had many family members go through the application process. Instead, find the school that fits your mold. You can’t do this in 9th grade. Just do what you love, and love what you do, and hope for a hella lot of luck in 3 years, NOT NOW.</p>

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<p>you don’t sound like a freshman. and you sound wayyy too sarcastic and witty to be one. but who knows. and don’t get me started on the username you have. anyway, I honestly would not worry one bit about college now. focus on high school. you’re not even through one year yet. just relax and take it slow.</p>

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<p>I disagree with the posters here. Go hard or go home.</p>

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<p>Harvard is a bad school anyways.</p>

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<p>@Swim18: Ooh what are your ECs? I’d love to look at them for comparison. Yeah, I don’t stress about it all the time. But Ivy decisions just came out, and reading through the threads have put a bit of a damper on my mood…</p>

<p>Barefoot, I consider that a compliment! I’m most definitely a freshman (you can check some of my older posts regarding high school transfers).</p>

<p>@haptic: That’s my philosophy!</p>

<p>@theeboy3: I’ll keep that in mind.</p>

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<p>@StudiousMaximus</p>

<p>You can PM for my ECs, or see them in 3 years when I get accepted/waitlisted/rejected from a college, I’m sure they’ll change by then haha</p>

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<p>Yeah leave the site before it’s too late. Wish I heeded that advice when I joined.</p>

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<p>Yes, I seem to have forgotten why you dream to go to an Ivy League. Humor me.</p>

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<p>bmsd11, take your snide remarks elsewhere, please. Others are actually trying to help.</p>

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<p>Thank you for digressing from my question. You proved my point. </p>

<p>Regardless, my initial post was to help you. You need to look outside the Ivies. I know that’s hard, seeing as, well, US news ranks them high (do you know what they base their rankings on, by the way). But if you keep this narrow mentality now, you’ll keep it throughout high school.</p>

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<p>I already said that I see the value of schools and the possibility of success outside the Ivies. However, I’m not the kind of person who sets their goals at a second rate option. I’ll shoot for first, and if I miss the mark, I’ll gladly take second. So, an Ivy is my dream school, but a more realistic choice would be UVA or something. I’m sorry if you didn’t feel adequately responded to. </p>

<p>PS. I wasn’t digressing from your post (it wasn’t even a question)–your remark was extremely sarcastic.</p>

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<p>No, the question was stated quite clearly (fyi… the end of the sentence does not need to have a question mark for a question to be implied). Regardless, enjoy high school. Later bro.</p>