<p>Hi, I've used this site quite a bit in the past for reference and mere browsing, but I've finally decided to create an account, initially for the sole purpose of proposing this question.</p>
<p>I'm really speculative about how good my resume really is... Alot of people tell me its pretty solid, but I've been doubting everything considering that alot of people have impressive applications. Here goes:</p>
<ul>
<li>I'm ranked first in my class of nearly 800 students</li>
<li>I'm currently a Junior in High School</li>
<li>I participate in competitive speech and debate, have qualified for State Championships in UIL, TFA (Texas Forensic Association), and National Championships in NFL (National Forensic League). I've also won several local tournaments.</li>
<li>I was Vice President of Student Council in my sophomore year, and I am currently historian.</li>
<li>I am currently President of the Chemistry Club.</li>
<li>I participate actively in UIL Academics and qualified for regionals last year (my first year).</li>
<li>I volunteer in hospital environments, research laboratories at Universities, with CBIA (Coastal Bend Indian Association) and for a program known as NHI (National Hispanic Institute) as a Speech/Debate Coach. As of now, I'd say I have at least 600 recorded hours of volunteer service, and will probably have 1500ish by the end of this school year.</li>
<li>I've taken 3 AP tests; Human Geography (Score: 4, realized I was supposed to study hard for AP tests) Biology (Score: 5), World History (Score: 5)</li>
<li>I have college credit for Statistics Dual Credit and Art History Dual Credit as well.</li>
<li>My current schedule comprises of 7 honors/AP courses.</li>
</ul>
<p>Thats all that comes to mind as of now... is there anything I'm missing, and is it actually a "pretty good" resume?</p>
<p>So far a great resume…but considering you for Ivy League and considering you an ORM (Over Represented Majority) a.k.a. Asian (I hate it!)…you need a hook…build a thinking robot or intern with a Nobel Laureate or initiate a poverty alleviation movement in Uganda or date a celebrity (umm…I think that will work to some extent)…but honestly…hook is a must…and did you take PSAT or will you take the SAT/ACT?..try to be an overachiever on them…get a 2350+ with one or two 800’s…take more AP’s…3 aren’t enough at all…take more than 10…take IB’s also if you can…I mean you’ve to hit hard in all directions…best of luck :D</p>
<p>1500ish was a typo, sorry about that. I meant 500ish, more, added to the original 600… </p>
<p>Also, Omega, is 10 some sort of bar that I have to pass? I’m taking 3 more this year, and 4 next year. I’ll have exactly 10, so… Also, if I get fours on some of them, is that bad?</p>
<p>Something that’s REALLY worrying me: If I get 2100ish on my SAT will that look very bad? I’m not good at standardized tests AT ALL… </p>
<p>Additionally, is National Merit Scholar a do-or-die accomplishment? </p>
<p>Sorry for the barrage of questions, but I’m impressed that people actually snip this thread regardless of the fact that there are hundreds…</p>
<p>Take as many APs as you are comfortable with. Some schools do not offer many APs, so taking 10 isn’t any standard at all. Maintain a rigorous courseload, and you’ll be fine. In terms of classes taken, your schedule is only compared to your school and you by no means should feel like you need to take all the APs your school offers.</p>
<p>2100 is not a bad score either, it puts you in range even for Ivies. The general goal (on CC anyway) is to aim to get above a 2200.</p>
<p>It’s not do-or-die by any means. Do your best, it’s only a plus if you get it.</p>
<p>You are certainly qualified for top schools, don’t let CC get to you with everything Omega suggested (as he was probably teasing - you can only do so much and the rest is up to admissions). Good luck!</p>
<p>Rigor of course is very important. 10 AP’s isn’t any bar to achieve or reach, but Ivies want to see some heavy weights on your brain. I just gave an example of 10 (based on most Ivy acceptances). 7 are fine as long as your counselor or teacher states in the recommendation that: “He/She has been the most competitive student of his/her class taking high number of AP and honors courses and…”</p>
<p>This clearly means that your AP/honors course load should be higher compared to your graduating class. For example: If 799 students of your class take no AP’s at all and if adcoms find at least one AP in your course, you’re a very competitive applicant (ironically saying) </p>
<p>I agree with haematic, its not a do or die situation.</p>
<p>2100 is within the range of Ivies, but try to bring it up to 2200’s. It will be good for you as accepted stats mostly have SAT’s over 2200’s. If you’re bad at testing, I suggest you read some advice given on the Standardized testing thread on CC and try to get some online prep. The biggest advice anyone can actually get about SAT’s is PRACTICE. You don’t have a magic pill to make your brain work to get everything correct (As my English teacher used to say)</p>
<p>I apologize for bumping again but there are so many threads that it seems necessary to bump so that people who have input don’t miss the thread. Its easy to, especially on such active forums.</p>
<p>looks like great stuff, but its about how you present it as well. create categories like awards, activities, as well as academics. also, you may want to put in an objective (something along the lines of my goal is to be admitted into College X)</p>