<p>Hey, this is my first thread on here, and I would very much appreciate feedback on my chances for the schools I'm going to be applying to. My current list is: Cornell, CMU, Stanford, Wash U St L, Johns Hopkins, UChicago, and Columbia. I plan on studying computer science wherever I end up. I'm currently a rising junior so I still have a fair amount of time to figure things out, but I want to start a bit early.</p>
<p>Male, middle class, and white.</p>
<p>UW GPA: 4.0
Class ranks aren't displayed, but I'm tied for first as our scale maxes out at 4.0.
My schedule is generally pretty rigorous, I take honors courses in the subjects that my school offers.
In my SAT prep class, my most recent practice test was 2200 (CR760 M740 W700). I'm confident that I can bring that up to a 2300 or more by the October exam.
My school offers about 13 or 14 AP courses, I will have taken 8 or 9 by graduation.
AP Calc AB: 5
AP Comp Sci: 5</p>
<p>ECs
-worked at a vet clinic about 5 hours a week for 2.5 years</p>
<p>-2 years in Youth in Government (YMCA mock government program)
-within YiG, I've held a few statewide positions, and I'm running for State Governor which I am fairly confident I can win.
-2 time nominee and attendee of the Conference on National Affairs (national level Youth in Government conference of 700 people, 25 selected from each participating state)
-at the 2013 Conference I was awarded the Outstanding Statesman award (proficiency in debating award, 35 people nationally)</p>
<p>-2 years in Forensics & Debate at my high school
-have participated in Public Forum Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, 4 Minute Speaking, Special Occasion Speaking, Group Discussion, and Congressional Debate. I have received Level of Distinction (250+ NFL points) after 2 years.
-was an alternate to nationals in Congressional Debate this year, fairly confident I can make it next year.</p>
<p>-Volunteer at YMCA, I hope to have between 50 and 100 hours by time of applications.</p>
<p>-3 years in a 2 person garage rock band, we've played dozens of shows in the past few years, including several at our school as well as at the most prominent local venues in town
-I know this isn't a very "standard" EC for applications to top schools, but it's something that has been very developmentally influential to me and I have a lot to potentially say about it in an essay.</p>
<p>-2 time attendee of the University of Wisconsin's summer Advanced Learning Program</p>
<p>-in 8th grade, I was 8th place at the statewide math competition. Doubt that still carries any significance.</p>
<p>-attendance at a few service/interest clubs, none particularly notable.</p>
<p>I have some legacy at Stanford, 2 of my grandparents as well as my uncle attended there. My uncle remains fairly active in the alumni community, he's an interviewer. Other than that I have no specific hooks with any of the schools.</p>
<p>So, I haven't cured cancer or invented a time machine or done any of the seemingly impossible things that the standard HYP applicants have done. But I do have some very focused interests. Music (through my band) and public speaking (through F&D/YIG) are both things that I am highly passionate about. I know that I can express these well in an essay, I'm generally a very good writer. I may have omitted some of my achievements, but they're slipping my mind right now. Thanks for reading, I would very much appreciate any comments about my chances. If you leave a link I'll chance you back!</p>