Chance an Asian Male (upcoming Junior)?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi! I'm an Asian male from Florida and I am about to become a Junior in a month. I am very worried about college and I really want some feedback on how to improve myself as an individual to stand out among others. I haven't decided what I want to major in, but I am just taking some classes and experimenting what I am interested in. So, currently:</p>

<p>Class Rank: 2/747
Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Weighted GPA: 5.39
SAT score: (I haven't taken it yet but I recently took a practice test and scored around a 1700)
ACT: (Haven't taken it yet)
Junior Schedule: AICE Spanish (An AICE Class is weighted the same as an AP Class), AP English Composition, AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP US History, and AP Human Geography, (Swimming 2 for 1st semester + 2nd semester Junior Privilege)*</p>

<p>*The swimming class is a regular credit class and is going to be waived off and won't affect my rank, so in the end, I'm going to be taking only 5 AP + 1 AICE class and a junior privilege</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities:
-National Honor Society (Grade 10)
-Key Club (Grades 9 & 10)
-Swimming & Diving Team (Grade 10)
-FLA Swimming Club (Grades 9 & 10)
-Asian American Association (Grades 9 & 10)
-Water Polo (Grade 10)
-Concert Band (Grade 9)
-Portuguese Club (Grade 10)*
-Born Brave Club (Grade 10)*</p>

<p>*Some of these clubs had started when I was in 10th grade.</p>

<p>I have volunteered at a Chinese School on weekends in 9th Grade. Also, I am still volunteering at a Library during the summer to help kids sign up for a Summer Reading Program to encourage kids to read. I have volunteered at the library for 9th and 10th Grade and I have done other activities such as shelfing books, organize collections, and plan for future events for children under the age of 12.</p>

<p>Awards:
-PROMISE (Program to Recognize Outstanding Mathematical interest, Success and Enthusiasm) Award for Algebra 2 Honors (Highest Grade Point Average 101.3%)
-Outstanding Achievement Award for Spanish 1
-"Excellent" Performance from Florida Bandmasters Association for Alto Sax Solo
-President's Education Awards Program for Oustanding Academic Excellence (2011, 2012)
-1st Place 2011 County Division II Swimming Championships in 200 Yd. Freestyle Relay </p>

<p>I am very unsure what I want to aim for, mostly because I am unconfident about myself, so here are just some that I can think of:</p>

<p>Harvard University
Yale University
Stanford University
Brown University
University of Pennsylvania
University of Chicago
Boston College
George Washington University
University of Florida
University of Miami</p>

<p>Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks!</p>

2

<p>To start, you need leadership positions. Try to get elected for this year and senior year. Or, found a good club (like a Model UN) and be president. Besides that, you need to work on the SAT score (I know you haven’t taken it, but a 1700 is a sure rejection for the first 7 schools on your list). Study for the SATs this summer maybe?</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the reply!! What is Model UN? I have heard of it and our school does have one. And do SAT Subjects test make a difference as well? I have heard of people taking them and some who don’t take them. Please let me know thanks!</p>

4

<p>You are gonna need subject SATs for the list of schools you listed. I recommend three (but not in one sitting) so that way you can pick the top two to show to schools. </p>

<p>Second, like ARising said, leadership in the clubs you are interested in. To shed some light on Model UN, it is exactly what it sounds like. Children from all over the country go to a high school or college and then set up UN committees and work together to solve world problems (Been in my model UN club since freshman year, gonna be secretary as Junior). Plus see if you can find a worthwhile club to start</p>

<p>Third, take this summer to practice SAT. 1700 ain’t gonna cut TBH. U r gonna need a 2250ish and up to be competitive. And touching on SAT IIs, they should each be 750+ to be considered really good for Ivies (exception: if taking Math2, really aim for the 800 b/c of the huge curve).</p>

<p>Plus, what do you want to study? b/c depending, your school list might not be good. Plus, your schools don’t really show a trend. Example: You have both Brown and UChi on your list. Yet Brown is known for their open curriculum while UChi is famous for their Core.</p>

<p>A fellow rising junior here, so good luck in a year!</p>

5

<p>Thanks, I really need to find some form of a leadership position. Seems so hard to accomplish with only one year left!</p>

6

<p>I don’t know how to edit my post, but my SAT Score probably stands around a 1750-1790. and I just realized I had a leadership position that I forgot to add in:</p>

<p>Committee Chair of Fundraisers for Key Club</p>

<p>Does that help my chances? I realize the SAT Score is considerably low.</p>

7

<p>Your motivation is great! Your ECs seem a bit cookie cutter- not that they aren’t great, but a lot of people applying to top schools have similar ECs, so try to pursue something that you’re truly passionate about. When I took the PSAT in the fall of my sophomore year, I got a 1740 and was completely devastated. I took a College Board SAT for practice the summer before my junior year and got a 1970 with maybe 10 hours of practice. It’s definitely possible to improve your score, don’t let people discourage you! I actually just took a practice ACT and got a 32, so you might want to try out the ACT as well. In my opinion, it’s a little easier. Right now, I hesitate to chance you because I really do believe that your SAT (or ACT) will improve considerably. Best of luck!</p>