<p>Hi, One of my dream schools is Columbia University. I really love the idea of their Combined Plan Program where I can spend 3 years at the college getting my Chemistry degree and then 2 years at their engineering school getting an engineering degree.
SAT: 1980, first sitting, took it 3 hours after finding out my stepdad was arrested
took it again in October, expecting better results
SAT II: Chem 740
ACT: 31, left my calculator at home
taking it again in October, with a calculator; expecting better results
GPA: 4.77 weighted out of 4; top 6% of my class
All As Junior year- GPA 4.92
AP Scores: APUSH-4, Chem-5, English-5</p>
<p>Colorguard/Marching band member: renowned program throughout the state, VA honor band for 10 years straight, Superior (highest) rating at VBODA state marching assessment for 10 years straight; Bands of America finalists 2006, 2009; I usually spend 20 hours a week at Marching Band practice/ competitions; last competition we came home with 8 awards; Section Leader/Captain of the Colorguard senior year</p>
<p>National Honor Society Vice President of Scholarship: revised and restructured the tutoring program for my school's chapter of NHS, I get the tutoring slips directly from the teacher sponsor and assign tutors to the students, one of the most demanding officer positions</p>
<p>Saxophone: started playing Alto Saxophone in 2012, auditioned and was accepted into my school's honors band after 3 months of playing (see credentials of marching band- concert band is of the same caliber), playing Grade 6 (college/professional grade) concert band music with the Wind Ensemble after 10 months of lessons, will be auditioning for district and county bands this year</p>
<p>Science National Honor Society: Vice President, tutors and has judged elementary school science fairs</p>
<p>Governor's Latin Academy: only 45 students in Virginia accepted each year; an intensive 3-week residential immersion program at Randolph Macon; no cell-phones, computers, or means of communication with those outside of academy; performed a play entirely in Latin</p>
<p>Essays:
- common app essay is unique, personal, and "phenomenal" (according to my AP English teacher) (it's about stuffed pigs)
- I am also quite happy with my short answers</p>
<p>HOOK:
- 1st generation college student
- 2006, my mother went to rehab for alcoholism and my father was arrested for drug use. I lived with my aunt and grandparents for several months. Parents divorced immediately after. Developed anxiety, depression, and PTSD (including a fear of alcohol, discomfort with my slurred speech, and triggers). In 2009, my mother relapsed and was readmitted into a rehab center, and I lived with my dad for a month. In 2012, my step-father was incarcerated and remained so for a period of 9 months. During that time, my father refused to pay for various things like phone service and child support while cutting off all contact with us. My mother fell into a deep depression and began to drink more and more. Most of this past summer and my junior year has consisted of taking care of my sister and mother while bargaining with my emotionally/verbally abusive father for child support money. Needless to say, we also faced economic hardships during that time and still do. My step father was only recently released from jail.</p>
<p>I know that was a lot to read. THANK YOU SO MUCH! :D</p>