<p>Well, Im an international student attending an American system school outside of the US. I will become a 10th grade in this fall. I REALLY WANT to get into some top colleges if possible....
Do I sound like a typical Asian that these colleges reject considering my weak ECs? Im trying to do more extracurricular stuff next year but my school is kind of small, so there arent many choices. Also, Im NOT athletic at all, which makes me sound like a typical nerd even when Im not.</p>
<p>This is my current situation:</p>
<p>By Far Ive these classes taken in 9th grade:
AP Chem, AP Chinese, and AP Biology (probably getting all 5s).
10h grade English, World History, precalc (taking it online while skipping a year of math), and other electives... Im a straight A student, but I doubt it matters because my school isnt really competitive.</p>
<p>Overall, Im doing well academically but my EXTRACURRICULAR are VERY WEAK: </p>
<p>Did community service approx. 40 hours this year
Part of the Student Council
Member of Model United Nations Club
Played violin in a local youth orchestra, and got a 2nd price at a local competition (this is my only talent I guess, Im pretty good at it but far away from professional level)</p>
<p>My parents pressured me too take AP micro+ macroecon, AP calc AB , AP physics B, and AP comparative government in 10th grade, but I think the workload will be TOO MUCH for me. At least for this year, I spend so much time on studying the three APs and the corresponding SAT II, and I didnt get to enjoy life much. </p>
<p>My questions are:
1. If I continue to stay with my current situation for the ECs will it decreases my chance of getting in to the good colleges? The problem is can't really join other clubs...and being in a sport team is almost impossible </p>
<ol>
<li>Im a more science/math-oriented person. If I continue taking AP science and math courses at this pace, I will have nothing to take in my senior year (my schools is kinda small, not many courses offered) So in my junior/senior years, most of my classes will be English/Humanities
which I will get LOWER grades compared to the sciences classes (English is always my weakest subject as a second language learner and I hate absolutely hate analyzing/reading literature, but still managed to get a 620 Critical Reading score in 8th grade just because Im good at cramming vocabs ) </li>
</ol>
<p>Will this HARM my chances of getting in, since they value 11th and 12th academic records the most? Will they think Im not challenging myself because I took harder classes in freshmen and sophomore year? (I dont want to take 4 APs in history, English,etc. in 12th grade just to make them think Im taking harder classes in the upper grades
.><)
I would like to wait another year for AP physics B and comparative government, because I dont want to spend MOST of my life studying for 5 APs in 10th grade. I still want to relax and have fun!!!!! I would rather attend an average college and enjoy life more if this only choice.</p>
<p>p.s. does it worth it to practice at least 2 hours per day of violin for preparing for competitions/ music talent video attachment that will look good on college app, even though I still have a very high chance of failing? I enjoy playing the violin but not to that level. Plus my career will definitely be irrelevant with music. Therefore I could just practice 2-3 hours a week and do fine in the orchestra. </p>
<p>Please feel free to give any suggestions and comments please. Sorry for writing too much. Thanks =]</p>