GPA: 3.84 (weighted), 3.56 (unweighted)
SAT: (not submitting)
Applying to: College of Arts and Sciences
Major: Political Science
Demographics: White male from Indiana
Background on my high school:
It’s one of the best in my state, and very, very competitive. I am currently in the top 25% out of the 820 in my class.
I am graduating in December because I have accumulated so many credits over the summer and back in middle school. Hence, I am applying for Spring Admission to start in the Spring on 2018.
Graduating early and attending American, for me, is all about pushing myself forward in a way that I can’t in my current setting.
Something notable about my transcript is that any course I received lower than a B- on, I retook. Thankfully, this has only happened twice throughout high school- however I think it’s worth mentioning that both grades were improved upon retaking. I feel that this shows my work ethic and how much I care about actually taking the time to learn material I may or may not have missed the first time.
In addition, I am taking 4 college classes this semester so that I can work the second half of my day (saving money for AU).
I have 3 recommendation letters, one being from my counselor, and two being from past teachers. They both are pretty personal to AU.
I have also done an on- campus tour!
As far as my essays, I am finishing them up now and they’re looking pretty solid.
Here are my extracurriculars. Many of them I participated in because they are applicable to my passion for Governenment, and my plan to major in Political Science.
- Friends and I directed an event to take place at The Eman School, and we welcomed 84 people to join in a multicultural pitch-in and discussion. (Grade 12)
- Riley Dane Marathon(grades 10-11): I was one of a group of students who arranged a Riley Dance Marathon, a school dancing event that raised $59,060.77 in 2017 and $46,021.85 in 2016.
- State Republican Party Volunteer(grade 12): Worked at the State Fair on behalf of the Republican Party. I talked to people of different ages about defining and challenging conservatism.
- Shadow at the State Health Department(grades 9-10): I shadowed an Epidemiologist, and I filed data concerning my state's HIV epidemic. This inspired me to get lawmakers' attention through social media.
- Student Missionary(grades 9-12): Each summer my Youth Group and I go on a 2 week trip to an impoverished community. We've worked to rebuild homes after tragedy in Joplin, Jamaica, and Haiti.
- I have attended 5 City Hall meetings to support SAVE the TRAIN, to protect the historic Nickel Plate Railroad. (Grade 11)
- Meal Preparer for the Ronald McDonald House(grades 9-12): I am left in charge of preparing food and keeping the kitchen clean for the Ronald McDonald House. Residents are child cancer patients and their families.
- Best Buddies(grades 11-12) I was assigned a disabled student to aid both in and out of school. I helped him finish his classes with all A's, and we are still great friends.
- Server at a Retirement Community(work grades 11-12): I take residents' orders, bring out their meal, then buss tables and clean them; we also sweep the dining hall, mop the kitchen, and reset the tables
- Barista(work grades 9-10): I maintained the dishwashing upkeep, cordially interacted with the customers, memorized the various recipes, and also arranged the lobby for events.
I would appreciate any feedback on my chances, as this school is my Top Choice; thanks everyone!
Update:
I just submitted my application for Spring Admission. I’m so nervous and anxious! I also reached out to an admission representative and specified in my essay why I hope to major in political science at AU in particular. My counselor who read it said that it was well-written, so I’m trying to stay positive!