Competitive application?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>I was wondering if there was any way to make myself become a more competitive applicant?</p>

<p>[ul]
[<em>]I'm a Sophomore
[</em>] GPA: 3.8 this year.
[<em>] PSAT: 220
[</em>] Going to take: SAT II US History, Spanish with Listening, and maybe Chemistry.
[<em>] My school doesn't have any AP courses.
[</em>] Ethnicity: Hispanic
[<em>] Extracurriculars:
[ol]
[li]I work at a Crisis Hotline - includes motivational speaking at other schools (minimum 5 hours a week)[/li][</em>]Intensive Art Classes
[<em>]Yearbook Editor-in-Chief
[</em>]My school doesn't have any ECs.
[/ul]</p>

<p>[/ol]</p>

<p>I'm thinking of working at a retail store at the beginning of next school year.. that, or I'm thinking of taking Irish Dance lessons. I 100% plan on doing what I love, but I figure this is a good chance for me to explore the options I have -- are there any ways to make myself a better applicant? That includes awards, summer programs, etc.?</p>

<p>Thanks so much!!</p>

2

<p>I suggest reading up on Cal Newport’s blog! </p>

<p>[Study</a> Hacks](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/]Study”>Study Hacks - Decoding Patterns of Success - Cal Newport)</p>

3

<p>You look good. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Look at the things you already do and see if there is a way to get more from these experiences. For example, if you work at a crisis hotline, see if there is some research you can do for them that would expand your skills and give you more insight into the work you do and population you serve. See if you can help the organization with IT support, fund-raising, marketing or program planning and mgt. If you are an artist, think about finding places to exhibit your work, sell it commercially, bring art to under-served populations in your community, etc…The idea is to take something you love and invest deeply in it, so that you gain new insights into yourself, new skills, and have a bigger impact. </p>

<p>And don’t forget that as a Hispanic student with top grades, test scores and community engagement, you will be eligible for numerous merit (and possibly, depending on your financial circumstances, need based) scholarships. Start looking in your Junior year. There are a few applications due then, and many more in the second semester of your senior year.</p>

4

<p>@Sizzlin - Will do!</p>

<p>@M’s Mom - Obviously CC makes me feel as if I’m lacking something. But I will take your advice! (: Thanks so much!</p>

5

<p>You sound like a phenomenal applicant.</p>