<p>I have taken an interest in a few colleges, and would love to hear others' input on which ones could be the best match for me...</p>
<p>I. Academics</p>
<ul>
<li>I am currently enrolled in my school's IB Program, and have taken numerous AP courses. </li>
</ul>
<p>IB: IB English HL, IB Mathematics SL, IB History of the Americas HL, IB Chemistry HL, IB Biology HL, IB Spanish SL, Theory of Knowledge</p>
<p>AP: AP European History, AP Art History, AP Psychology; will be taking AP Government, and either Honors Physics or AP Physics C. </p>
<p>SCORES:
AP European History (5)
AP Art History (4)
AP Psychology (not yet received)
AP Calculus AB (not yet received)
IB Mathematics SL (not yet received)
Honors: Honors Precalculus, Honors Chemistry</p>
<ul>
<li>Class size: 561 students</li>
<li>Rank: 1</li>
<li>Unweighted GPA: 4.00</li>
<li>Weighted GPA: 4.55</li>
</ul>
<p>SAT I: 660 CR, 730 M, 710 W (definitely will be retaking this exam this coming October)
SAT II: 760 (Math Level 2), 770 (Biology M), 710 (Chemistry)
ACT: 33 Composite (35 Reading, 32 Science, 33 Math, 33 English...but 28 in Essay D (retaking this exam in September)</p>
<p>II. Extracurriculars</p>
<ul>
<li>Violin in local school orchestra for seven years</li>
<li>formal piano lessons for six years, improvisation continuing</li>
<li>hobby bass guitar for 2.5 years</li>
<li>Academic Decathlon for 3 years. captain in senior year</li>
<li>cooking, bread-baking as a hobby</li>
<li>Placer County spelling bee for five years: fifth place in final rounds for 4th and 7th grade; state spelling bee championship in 7th grade</li>
<li>Impact-a-Village Club: 2 years</li>
<li>Hospital Pharmacy volunteer: 1-2 years</li>
</ul>
<p>III. Awards</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Academic Decathlon (County) : school proceed to state sophomore and junior years; waiting for this year</p></li>
<li><p>Academic Decathon (State): 1st place Essay, 2nd place Mathematics, 3rd place Science in 2009-2010 season</p></li>
</ul>
<p>IV. Schools of Interest</p>
<ol>
<li>Amherst College</li>
<li>Brown University</li>
<li>Dartmouth College</li>
<li>Harvey Mudd College</li>
<li>Johns Hopkins University</li>
<li>Pomona College</li>
<li>Stanford University</li>
<li>Tufts University</li>
<li>University of California, Berkeley</li>
</ol>
<p>V. Personal Background</p>
<p>I am more of the introverted, contemplative type of individual who enjoys smaller groups and peaceful quiet time any day. I currently attend a large school (population size > 2100 students), and would love to develop closer relationships with others in a small community, preferrably rural or suburban. </p>
<p>I have not been able to participate in athletics during my entire school career. In addition, my family does not go on "trips" in the outdoors very often. I desire to find independence and a newfound opportunity to explore nature for the four years I spend in college. (Also, if possible, the school offers intramural sports which are easily accessible to anyone interested.).</p>
<p>As unusual as it may sound, I love simplicity. I am not much of an outgoing person who would spend time in frats or such. I am not a huge fan of "cliques" and the intensity of "so-called preppiness" which is so prevalent at my school. I am pretty quirky myself, and would best fit in an environment where it is perfectly acceptable to be yourself. Furthermore, I have grown to be not as politically active as some of my other peers. Though I am somewhat apathetic, I would be fine in a stimulating environment...as long as it is not too radical. </p>
<p>But most of all, I seek a college environment which is intellectual and fosters cooperative competition, not cutthroatedness. I personally find it distasteful when one has the mind to ruin another student's efforts simply for their own needs. </p>
<p>I plan to follow the premedical path as a biochemistry major. Please let me know which of the schools listed above suit this subject well</p>
<p>For those who respond to this post, I truly appreciate the time that you have given to offer me advice. If there are any other recommendations (colleges) that you would like to make, please feel free to do so </p>
<p>Thank you again. (Forgive my impatience, but I am in great necessity of your advice right now.)</p>