I’m an African-American male (2nd generation immigrant from Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Full IB Diploma Candidate
ACT: 33 C; 36 E, 32 M, 32 R, 32 S
GPA: 3.83 UW, not sure about weighted
SR Courseload: IB Comp Sci SL, IB French SL, IB Chemistry HL, IB Math SL, IB English HL, IB Am. History HL, IB TOK
My ECs:
Summer internship as a technology specialist at my local hospital, had an important role in renovating the ER
Founder of a program called Hoops Against Hunger. Its a yearly local food drive that ends with a basketball tournament. (teams donate canned goods in order to sign up, spectators donate canned goods for entry to the tourney)
Participated in the 2018 Summer Academy for Math and Science at Carnegie Mellon University
Student Council (Senior Class President, Freshman-JR Class Representative)
Beta Club (Secretary Sr. Year, Class Rep. Freshman-JR Year), competed in science competition at state convention
Mu Alpha Theta (math tutoring club, I tutor students in algebra twice every week)
Big Brothers Big Sisters (I mentor a student at my local elementary school once a week)
National Honor Society
Key Club
Model UN
Awards:
Tennessee Governor’s School Selectee, MLK Jr. Award
Essays:
I think the common app one is very good but maybe could have been better in some areas. I wrote about how my background and experiences as a 2nd gen. immigrant have shaped my personality, goals, etc. Had an english major at ND read it and they were impressed.
Why Duke one i think is also good. Wrote it in narrative form about a personal experience I had on Duke’s campus, then used that to talk about the community aspect on Duke’s campus. (talked about “tenting” though which, in hindsight, was a mistake) Had a current Duke student read it and she helped me fine tune it and loved it.
Background one is my personal favorite. I further elaborated on my experience as a 2nd gen. immigrant, talked about not really knowing where im from and how my experience has awarded me a unique perspective of both countries (america and congo). I just think it was really well written, probably the best thing I’ve ever written.
Letters of rec:
My guidance counselor loves me, told me she wrote a great letter, probably 9 or 10/10.
Other 2 are from teachers I’ve had for the past 2 years, neither of them should be anything spectacular though, prob 6 or 7/10
Optional one from my advisor for a gifted students program, really knows a lot about me, my family, personality, strenghts, etc. probably 9 or 10/10
Interview went well, talked in depth about EC’s and my background, and asked him lots of questions (he said he hopes i get in if that means anything)