Hello,
I am a junior in high school who is planning to apply to: Caltech, MIT, Harvey Mud, etc. -The top math/science colleges.
Academically, I am on track; I am maintaining over a 4.0 GPA (taking AP classes), in the top five of my class, going to take the ACT, SAT, SAT Subject tests: Math II, Bio M, and Chem, I am not worried about my scores for those since my diagnostics show me that I can get between a 700-800 on each one, I am unsure abut the ACT, but I am preparing for that one. Although my “scores” tell me that I am doing pretty good, I am still preparing for those exams regardless to get an 800.
I am a pretty well-rounded person. My extra-curricula’s consist of: Chess Club, which I am president and founder of since 9th grade, I was a member of a robotics team for two years until the school lacked funding for it in which I created an Auto Club to replace it starting this year, and I have been in a music club since my 9th grade year. I have volunteered at my school being a tutor since freshman year helping students in Algebra I, Algebra II, Physics, and Chemistry.
I do not know how my personal essay will come out, but I will work on that later on in the year since it is an important aspect of the application process.
I have read a lot about how students utilize their summer(s) to do research at colleges. I have been unable to do that for the last two years due to family priorities, and financial issues. I am trying to do research at UCLA or Caltech for my last summer to show colleges I want to learn more, and gain experience. Since the majority of students who apply to the Ivies, and really prestigious schools have that experience, will I be at a HUGE disadvantage, or a minor one? I have not wasted my summers doing nothing, I ran a small business with my brother building furniture and selling it while working on my own projects such as building robots with Parallax kits, but I have not gone to do research. I tried to take a course at a local community college, but they rejected me due to the lack of room. I am trying to take at least one community college course before I graduate to show colleges my desire to learn.
Some more questions I have: Will it look desirable if I self-studied an AP subject, science related, take the exam, and score around a 4 or 5? On my personal essay, will I be able to explain to college admissions why I have not utilize my summers academically, and explain in greater depth my situation? Should I enter a science/math competition to show colleges my interest in that field even though I may not win? Such as the Siemens and Intel competitions.
Thank you.