@amazingrace1289 thanks for your feedback and advice. In addition to these regular colleges, I am also applying to a few combined medical programs, so in total I will probably apply to ~15 schools.
@ssm1002 Thank you for your advice. I think the experience that contributed the most to my outlook/passion is volunteering at Abilities United. I was considering research, but I feel like that is a pretty common topic that I think I will save for supplements.
@theloniusmonk that’s true, and I hope that will help me since my old high school was notorious for being one of the toughest schools in the state. Also, I think the rigor of my coursework is pretty high, since in my old school it was uncommon for students to take APs in sophomore year (whereas I took 2 that year), though I know most students in other high schools begin taking APs from freshman year onward. Thanks for your feedback!
Well, I’m not at all experienced in this area, but since you asked, I’ll give my input. That’s a very great resume in my opinion but since you’re aiming for Ivy League, one can never predict the result, but I wish you good luck, and I believe you’ll get in. Thanks for chancing me.
Most students actually don’t take APs in freshman year, as APs require classes taken freshman or sophomore year. At the local high schools here in the bay area (very competitive), you don’t take AP in a science, humanities, or social studies till junior year, language in senior year. Math and CS are the exceptions where you could take it as a sophomore.
@Crowno thank you for your feedback!
@theloniusmonk that’s true; Would that justify the rigor of my coursework? I only took 2 APs sophomore year (Chem and CS, got 5s on both) and honors classes wherever applicable.
@tripledouble2000 I recommend that you look at Michigan as a high match/reach and Wisconsin as a safety. They are around the same size and should have a similar feel with UT austin and U Washington and are both good academically.
I think your EC’s are extremely strong and you have done a lot outside of school but you really need to get that class rank up. Maybe also try getting a leadership position in a school club?
@witurner Thanks for the advice. I was considering UMich at one point but I hear their OOS acceptance rate is pretty small, but it definitely is a good school so I will look into it. Wisconsin is an interesting suggestion though I hesitate to apply since I’m not sure I would fit in well with the school culture (which of course is not my top priority, but still). Do you know if it is good for pre-med? I chose U Washington as safety primarily because it has strong advising for pre-med students. Thanks again!
@hhchubbycheeks Yeah, I agree that my class rank is pretty low, but I do hope some colleges will be lenient about that if they recognize the competitiveness of my school. Also, I do plan on getting a leadership position in a club soon (I’ll most likely be starting a TedX club at school this fall), and the only reason I have not gotten a position yet is because I switched schools and the clubs I am in right now would like an officer that has been part of the club for 2+ years. Thanks for your advice!
IMO You have a lot of things going in your favor considering your major, your test scores are on the higher end of the spectrum and your internships/EC’s help your case a lot, also pretty sure PSAT scores aren’t considered but national merit would be excellent. Your low GPA will put you slightly lower on the curve but with your strong internships and if you kill it in your essays you would have a very high shot at getting into the schools you listed.
@Dhillon Thanks for your feedback! I included PSAT score so people would understand when I said I was anticipating being a national merit semifinalist, but yes I understand that the score itself won’t count for college admissions. Thanks again!
wait, listen, I’m a current Yale student right now, and you have one of the more impressive resumes/set of skills that I’ve seen around. Although your GPA is a bit lower than you would like, by no means is it a low GPA overall. I’m aware of many of my friends here who had a lower GPA. At this point, it’s all about your presentation of your college application. Yes, you have myriad amazing activities and a set of hard-earned skills that can’t be easily learned. But, it’s all about how you frame it.
For example, I liken the whole process to a salesman selling a product to a consumer. Just like you are selling yourself to the college, you want to display your skillset as a potential college legacy changer and a can’t miss applicant. Don’t sell yourself short — colleges look for confidence!
In addition, one of the things that I would advise is to focus on a couple of activities that you can really show passion for! It’s not about the number of your activities but rather the scope. Demonstrate your exquisiteness and your uniqueness! If you or anybody else needs help, don’t be shy about messaging me!
@YaleStudent1012 Thank you very much for your feedback and encouragement! I was wondering, based on your advice, how would you suggest I frame my application to show my uniqueness and passion in a particular area? For the common app essay, I have chosen to write about volunteering at Abilities United as the Social Skills coordinator, but I am worried this does not show my passion or focus in the science area. I was considering writing about research, but I heard it was an overused topic and I’m not sure how I could personalize an essay on research to show my individuality. Besides essays, is there any other way I can frame my application as such? Once again, thanks so much for your advice!
Of course! I think framing your uniqueness and passion is all about how you convey your passion, right? For example, everyone volunteers, but what differentiates you? What shows people that you’re special? Research can be an overused topic, but in my opinion, cliches are cliches for a reason. You can use a cliche topic but write it in a different way! Another factor is how you order your extracurriculars! That shows how you prioritize your events!
@theloniusmonk that’s true; Would that justify the rigor of my coursework? I only took 2 APs sophomore year (Chem and CS, got 5s on both) and honors classes wherever applicable.
You’re totally fine wrt rigor, focus on your essays and college list , 12 is a lot of APs though, you should consider dropping AP Stats and AP Psych, to make high school less stressful.
@YaleStudent1012 Thank you for your advice! I ended up settling with my original topic since I already wrote the essay and I think it sounds pretty decent so far. Would you be willing to read it and give me feedback if I pm’d it to you? Once again, thanks so much!
@theloniusmonk thanks for clarifying. I think I will keep AP Stats and AP Psych only because I heard they were relatively easy AP classes at my school and do not add too much to the courseload and stress. Thanks for your concern!
So colleges know that AP Stats and AP Psych are fluff too, that’s why it won’t matter if it’s on there or not, it however could raise a concern as in are you’ just taking APs for the sake of taking APs. Can you take APUSH instead of those two? I didn’t see it on your list and that is a course the admissions will look for, even if you’re going into STEM. You will be facing applicants that will have APUSH on the transcript.