Chances? Yale, Harvard, William and Mary, Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt, UMich

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Upcoming senior getting ready to apply! I am a white male in a middle class family from north Louisiana attending a small private school. I hope to study pre med with a major in music if time and curriculum allows (if not, probably biochemistry or cellular/molecular biology). My recommendations and essays should be stellar (I love writing!). Here are some of my stats:</p>

<p>Class rank: 1/44
GPA: 4.52 (4.0 UW)
ACT with W: 33
PSAT: 202 (NM commended scholar)
SAT/subject tests: haven't taken yet, scheduled for October and December
AP Classes: Literature, Language and Composition, Physics B, Biology, US History, Chemisty, Calculus BC (not really looking for credit)</p>

<p>EC's:
Cross Country (captain)
Track and Field
Spanish Club (secretary)
Drama Club (president)
Key Club (secretary, then divisional lieutenant governor)
Quiz Bowl
Half-marathons/5Ks
Student Council (vice-president)
NHS</p>

<p>Awards:
Multiple piano awards at district rallies/competitions
Multiple literary rally awards (English)
NCTE Writing Award
Nominated to Boys State, National Youth Leaders conferences, etc.
A Honor Roll</p>

<p>Volunteer/Work Experience:
Local hospital volunteer program
Elementary running camps
Elementary after-school tutor
Private piano tutor
Key Club service projects
Over 400 hours of volunteering at various events</p>

<p>(Since I'm considering a music education, I guess a sample repertoire is appropriate)
Sample Recital:
Beethoven's Sonata Pathetiqie
Rachmaninoff'spreludes (c minor, c# minor, g minor)
Ginastera's American Preludes
Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu
Bach Preludes and Fugues
Plus a few fun arrangements and popular pieces! (Whitewater Chopsticks, He's A Pirate, Don't Stop Believing, etc.)</p>

<p>I know my stats probably aren't quite unique for any seriously prestigious schools like the Ivy Leagues, but my hook lies in my true passion for music and medicine. I am totally grateful for whatever acceptance letters I get this spring, and I would greatly appreciate any advice or comments about my applications!</p>

2

<p>Grades and test scores are where they should be, if anything just make the most of your summer. Have some unique experiences (do some research, travel, take classes) to set you apart come fall.</p>

<p>Also, being a music major will benefit you because it is not as common, which will stick out during admissions.</p>

<p>One question though, I got a 207 on the PSAT and haven’t heard anything yet. Are you just assuming you’ll be commended?</p>

3

<p>Yeah, I think we’re supposed to find out semifinalist status in September! Seeing as Louisiana’s cutoff always hovers somewhere around 210, I’m assuming commended student and super grateful for it too. Best of luck to you!</p>

4

<p>Also, as far as travel experiences go, I’m going to Orlando in a few weeks for the Key Club International Convention, where I might get to play Fantasie Impromptu for the talent show! <em>nervous</em> I wish I had more time to conduct some substantial science research though…</p>