I think that my acceptance is like the longest of long shots but: all IB and AP classes junior and senior year, 34 ACT, 4.32 weighted GPA, paid job at a law firm, unpaid internship on a congressional campaign, coxswain on rowing club team, youth in government club, vp of young democrats at school, camp counselor in North Carolina for three weeks this summer, service trip in Peru also this summer, in NHS but it’s not super competitive, service for the LYN fund which basically provides financial support for the families of women with cancer. I also babysit a lot and listed that on the activities page. I think my essays are pretty good. Recommendations from my boss, two teachers that liked me and my counselor.
The odds are against everyone but no reason to be discouraged. Focus on things in your control now like eliciting fine references in a timely and considerate timetable for those doing you this favor, and by polishing your essays. You did a fine job in your high school years!! go for it. Just make sure that you --like anyone who made a 36 on the ACT…has a financial safety school that is also a likely admit. Do not be a stranger. Let the readers know you.