<p>I'm so anxious right now that I just really need to get a good baseline on what I should expect in the next 1 - 2 weeks. I'm currently attending a big public university in California. A very humanities/arts focused school - not really into the sciences at all. </p>
<p>I applied to the College of Arts and Sciences for the Biological Basis of Behavior major. </p>
<p>SAT I: 2210 (2nd sitting) = CR 760, M 730, W 720.
SAT II: 730 (Bio E), 770 (Math 2), 650 (Lit), 660 (U.S. History)</p>
<p>Class ranking: 8/640 (top 2%)
UW GPA: 3.92
W GPA: 4.58 </p>
<p>Courseload: highest rigor possible. Obvious upward trend in grades (2 B's freshman year, 1 B sophomore year, 0 junior year).
- took AP Physics (3), AP Biology (5), AP Chemistry (2), AP English Lang & Comp (5), AP U.S. History (4), AP World History (4).
- as a senior: AP Calculus BC, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, AP English Lit, AP Psychology, AP Gov, AP Macroecon. </p>
<p>Extracurriculars:
Member of the Southern California Junior Academy of Sciences (2012)
- publication pending for my research in phytoremediation.
Student Research Intern at prestigious public university, (2011 - present)
- worked in 3 different labs.
- publication pending for research in diabetes.
Science Olympiad, Captain (2009 - present) </p>
<p>Community Service:
Founder, President of World Vision Club (2010 - present)
- raised $1,000 per year in a big school-wide fundraiser. Pays for people to get an education and become self sufficient.
- 120 hours.
High School Volunteer, PVNF (2011)
- travelled to Viet Nam for 2 weeks on a medical mission to treat patients for free.
- 120 hours. </p>
<p>Awards:
- National Merit Commended Scholar
- AP Scholar with Distinction</p>
<p>Alumni Interview: I think it went really really well. We talked for more than an hour, instantly connected. When we were saying goodbye, he said that I was an interesting candidate (since I told him that I had a passion for English and Neuroscience, and how that was related). Told me he learned a lot about science from me. I expanded on anything that I wasn't able to on my application, threw in some random tidbits about how I can sew, knit, crochet, embroider, etc. </p>
<p>Essays:
- Why Penn? Wrote a very unique essay about how English and Neuroscience are related. Really quirky.
- Franklin essay. Talked about science and about being a mover. Expanded on my research on surgery last summer, and performing surgical procedure. Super nerdy.
- Common app. Extremely personal essay. Kinda risky.
- Common app short answer. Wrote about Science Olympiad and what being a good leader means to me. </p>
<p>Recommendation letters:
- Science Olympiad Coach: had him for AP Chem and AP Env. Science, so we're extremely close. He's like a father figure to me, and I saw the letter. It was a glowing report.
- AP English Lang. & Comp: she knew me really well, always loved my writing. I was always engaging in her class, and she knew my personality very well. Never saw the letter, I'm sure it was amazing though. She's a lovely writer.
- Counselor letter: I was one of the first kids to enter her office to ask for a letter (didn't procrastinate), so she was very attentive and candid with me. She said I had very interesting views on science. Didn't know her that well, but I think I made a good impression. </p>
<p>No hooks. I'm Asian and my parents are postgraduates.</p>
<p>Thank you for any feedback you can give me. >< I really appreciate it.</p>