<p>I visited Columbia University and I LOVED it. I loved the culture, the people, and the values they promoted. Their whole idea of a "core curriculum" really appealed to me. Anyway, here are my stats.</p>
<p>My grades are good. I slacked off freshman year a little (I am now a junior), but besides that, they were usually in the 96-97 range sophomore year. This year, my unweighted IS a bit low, but the AP teachers don't grade lightly (I have the highest grade in my AP Chem class with a 92). I was in the 80s in AP Microeconomics and AP English this quarter, but that was just because of a few bad test grades. I understand how to manage my time better now and it won't happen next quarter. I will most likely apply to colleges with a 94-ish unweighted. This is what worries me...that number is somewhat low. I am currently taking AB Calc, AP Microeconomics, AP US History, AP Language and Composition, AP Biology, and AP Chemistry this year to try to show that I'm capable of taking on a college-level workload and I'm doing well for the most part. I took a precalc course at my local university to advance into AB calculus a year early and received a 4.0. Last year I took AP Music Theory and AP World History and got a 5 and a 4 (history is my worst subject).</p>
<p>I took the SAT once last year as a sophomore without studying much to see where I would score and got a 1980 so I'll definitely be able to get it into the 2200s. I took the PSAT this year and we haven't gotten scores back yet but I am confident that I will at least be a semi-finalist for the national merit scholarship.</p>
<p>As for extracurricular activities, my main thing is that I am an all-county violist. My teacher said that if I were to practice 3 hours a day I could get into any college that I wanted to so I'm taking him up on that offer (for the most part...6 AP classes is NOT a light course load >.>). I plan on joining the orchestra for the young scholars program at my local college and I am going to join a youth orchestra for my county as well. I am the principal violist for my high school orchestra and I believe that with work, I could be principal violist of the two orchestras I am joining as well. I am hoping that since the viola isn't exactly a popular instrument, this helps me out a little...</p>
<p>I am part of the Model United Nations club, history club, and National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) at my school as well. For NOSB, I am on the A-team meaning I compete with 4 other team members in the regional competition in March. I had to learn all the material on my own and take a qualifying test to achieve this position. Our school has won the regional competition the last 3 years, and has advanced to nationals. Last year, they achieved 4th place nationally. I am also part of the Jazz Band for the guitar, and my school's chamber orchestra. I do not do any sports.</p>
<p>For community service, I volunteered at my school's music camp to teach younger musicians basic technique and musicality. I plan on doing that again summer, making a total of 60 hours of volunteer service. I also volunteer at my local hospital every Saturday for 3 hours. By the time I am applying to college, I will most likely have about 130-140 hours of community service from this, making a total of about 200 hours.</p>
<p>I do plan on applying early decision because the admission rate for ED applicants is almost 25% (as opposed to the 9-10% regular applicant rate). Alright...go for it :X and thank you in advance!</p>
<p>PS - What can I do this summer to improve my chances? I know my grades are far from perfect and I could use a little more to put on my application so do you have any reccommendations?</p>