Chances of getting accepted: Extracurricular v.

Applying to College
1

<p>I have a theoretical question; of the two applicants listed below who would have a greater chance (please don’t say neither) of getting accepted to an Ivy League or near Ivy League school especially considering the field of extracurriculars? Which applicant would “standout” more in the eyes of admissions officers?</p>

<p>Applicant A:
Grades are A’s mostly, some A- and B+, some challenging classes (Honors and AP)
All-state Orchestra in 8th grade
ASB vice president in 7th grade
President of Key Club in 9th grade
Volunteer hours at a local library during the summer
Piano lessons for 7 years
Plan on entering medical field</p>

<p>Applicant B:</p>

<p>Slightly better grades and test scores (A’s and A-) in more challenging courses (i.e. Applicant B is in AP Computer Science and Honors Chemistry as opposed to Applicant A who is not taking computer science and is doing Honors Chemistry one year later)
J/V level cross country
Personal IT business and strong interest in computers
• Currently responsible for supporting 5 medical clinics
• Business is over 4 years old
• Took programming courses at local community college and participated in summer camps at the state university
• Microsoft certification in C# and .NET and Sun certification in JAVA
Volunteer work with local wildlife organization<br>
Marginally higher estimated SAT score than Applicant A
Plan on being a Rotary Interact Club Member/Officer in 10th+
Piano lessons for 7 years
Plan on entering medical field</p>

<p>Both are of the same ethnicity and are currently freshman</p>

<p>Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>I don’t really understand why it would be a question. Although obviously college admissions are not this clear-cut, Applicant B has better grades, scores, classes, and extracurriculars, so on paper alone, Applicant B.</p>

3

<p>So applicant B’s business is still hypothetical? I’m assuming it’s not up and running atm and will be 4 years in existance when you’re a senior? I ask because of all the things you’ve listed above, the IT business is the only “hook,” between either applicant. Hard to say this early in the game. One thing’s for sure, your ECs have to be personal and exhibit passion(ie time dedicated, leadership role/responsibities and good recs) to impress most ivy schools.</p>

4

<p>Thank you so much for your prompt replies! To clarify both Applicant A and B are actually friends of mine who had an argument over who had the better chance of making it into a “good” school. To the poster above, Applicant B’s IT Business has already existed for 4 years (will be 8 years old at the time of his graduation).</p>

5

<p>It depends on what A and B do for the next three years. If A&B get leadership roles, they will be competitive. </p>

<p>I’d go for B because of her personal IT business. Owning a business at 14ish takes courage, determination, and work ethic. That is the type of person an ivy wants. As long as B learns to write about herself well, things will be good.</p>

6

<p>Any additional comments/advice would be welcome.</p>