Demographics- East Asian, Male, Texas suburban high school, incoming senior
Intended Major- Biology, or something in CNS
Academics- New SAT: 1350/1600 (Retaking)
ACT- Expecting 33
Class Rank 67/827 (8%)
AP Courses Taken: Human Geography, WHAP, APUSH, Physics 1, Biology, English III
AP Courses About to Take: Calculus BC, English IV, Chemistry
Extracurriculars-
2 Years of Football
HOSA member for Junior and Senior Year
NHS member for Junior Year
Award-
AP Scholar w/ Distinction
Something to mention: Was accepted into Health Science (In school course) where I will shadow doctors and nurses for 6hrs per week (3 days a week)
The shadowing nurses and doctors will be a valuable EC. To be honest, you’ll be at more of a disadvantage due to your rank than any other factor. Not being an auto-admit hurts pretty bad for people applying to competitive majors.
I applied back when it was auto admit top 8%, and my stats were fairly similar to yours (except I took orchestra instead of sports). I was later accepted CNS undeclared.
Anyway, I think stellar essays will help your current profile. Class ranks is very important in the holistic review, but it isn’t everything.
Hi, thanks for the reply. Did you put undeclared CNS as your first choice? If not, what did you put as your first choice?
Ah, my first choice was CNS undeclared.
CNS is very competitive. It will be tough being outside the 7% auto admits. Do you have community service hours? Do you have work experience? Is there any “hook” you can use in your essays? I would definitely submit all 3 essays if I were you. Good luck!
Yea, I can imagine all the non-auto admits being really decked out. I suppose that my essays will be the most important part of my application. Thanks for the perspective! I’ll work my heart out on these essays.