<p>Hi there! First of all thanks for taking a look. Compared to most of the credentials I see on these threads, I definitely feel like a VERY underwhelming student, but that doesn't stop me about being slightly paranoid about college acceptances. Maybe this'll be the thread that all you amazing students can look at and get a confidence boost from? :) Anyway, here goes....</p>
<p>Background: I've been raised by a single parent for seven years now (dad passed away). I'm planning on talking about the struggles a single parent household brings and overcoming them in my essays. I discovered my love of school my junior year and completely flourished; before that, I didn't care at all (got a 3.0 W/2.33 UW first semester freshman year compared to a 4.2 W/3.88 UW both semesters senior year). Through outstanding teachers and interesting classes, I've really been inspired to become a teacher and pass on what a safe haven/outlet school was to me during times where I was struggling.
State: Colorado
School Type: Denver - VERY competitive high school, sends 15+ kids to Ivys.
Ethnicity: White
GPA: 3.24/3.70
Class Rank: School doesn't rank.
Income Bracket: Low (mom unemployed)</p>
<p>Standardized Tests:
ACT - 27 (without writing, thinking about retaking in the fall)
SAT 1 - 1800
IB: 5 on SL History Exam</p>
<p>IB/Honors Classes:
PIB LA - Freshman and sophomore year. (C's freshman year and B's sophomore year)
PIB Bio - Sophomore year. (C first semester, B second semester)
AP US History - Sophomore year. (B first semester, A second semester)
IB World History - Junior year. (B's both semesters)
IB Language Arts - Junior year (A's both semesters)
IB Bio - To be taken senior year.
IB Language Arts pt 2 - To be taken senior year.</p>
<p>EC's:
-Women's lacrosse for my district for two years, both years on C team.
-Women's soccer for one year on JV, was captain of the team. Hoping for varsity next year.
-Two years of club soccer.
-Three years of choir.
-Member of GSA for one year.
-2 years on a panel that goes around to different schools to promote school a comfortable school climate and equality. We also talk to incoming freshmen.
-Selected to be a part of a group that helps freshmen transition from middle school to high school through mentoring and monthly activities.</p>
<p>Honors:
-Offensive player of the year award for JV soccer. (Not sure if this counts but I'll include it anyway :P)
-Two awards for leadership in school climate and equality.</p>
<p>Schools: Cal Poly, Washington State University, Colorado State University, Western Washington University, SUNY Oswego, Denison University?, Quinnipiac?.
(If anyone could suggest private schools that I'd have a shot at getting into and receive some financial aid, PLEASE let me know. I'd like to expand my list to include more private schools. Having a good education program would be a huge bonus as well!)</p>
<p>Thanks once again for reading, your honesty and advice is much appreciated. </p>
<p>Before I end the thread, a closing thought. For any of you underclassmen reading this thread, please please please do me a favor. Take your freshman and sophomore year seriously. You wouldn't believe how much two years can bring you down GPA wise. I always imagined myself going to a school like Swarthmore and Amherst in 8th grade, but now I can't pursue those schools because of my mistakes. Your hard work WILL pay off, and hopefully you'll have better foresight than I did at that age.</p>