I hate to be annoying but I would really like an honest opinion of my shot at Vanderbilt Early Decision.
SAT:1520 (superscored), ACT: 34 (Breakdown: 35, 32, 34, 35) I’m not which I should send (or if I should send both)
GPA: 4.0 unweighted, 4.62 weighted
Classes: Taken highest level (honors, AP) offered, 4 years of Latin
APs: 10th - World History (5), 11th - Biology (5), Chemistry (5), Calc AB (5), US History (5) 12th - planning to take Calc BC, Government, Lit, Psychology, and Physics 1
ECs: Drumline, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band (Section Leader)
5 years and over 500 hours volunteering at zoo (talking to guests, helping keepers, completing ethograms)
Planning Committee for school’s monthly health career seminars
Vice President Mu Alpha Theta
Pianist in Pit Orchestra (all 4 years)
Part time job as cashier
NHS
Science Honor Society
Awards (that I listed on common app):
NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Science Honor Society, DAR American History Award, Summa Cum Laude NLE (should I list this?), Most outstanding percussionist, academic awards in Chem 1, AP Bio, AP Chem.
Recommendations: 2 teachers I’m very close with, don’t know my counselor super well but have a decent relationship, I’m thinking of an additional rec either from a zoo supervisor or my band director (ideas?)
Area of Interest: Most likely majoring in chemistry, possibly minor or double major at the Blair School
Essay: Not sure yet. I have a few ideas about either my work at the zoo, overcoming stereotypes (woman in STEM and female drummer), or how I find my academic interests in the most surprising ways (didn’t think I would like chem at all).
No hooks
If someone could give me some ideas I would be very thankful!