The question has really been eating at me for a while especially in terms of extracurriculars because I already understand the importance of STATS and test scores.
But this is where I’m at right now
-Female
-African American
-First Generation American
-Violinist
-Creative Writer (Biggest passion)
High School:
-I’m a junior
Stats:
-ACT: 33
-3.95 unweighted GPA/ 4.10 Weighted GPA
-Took 3 AP Classes so far (will take 5 my senior year so in total that’ll be 8)
-3 in AP U.S History Test
-750 in AP U.S History Test
Extracurriculars
(Writing/Creativity)
-Co-Founder and Co-President of Creative Writing Club
-Attended summer writing classes/camps
(The Loft/Hamline Young Writers Workshop)
-Two-Time mini saga publication winner for Young Writers
-Had excerpt of Short Story published and displayed for my states’ writing project social media
-Scholastic art and writing Gold Key Winner (submitted again)
-Honorable Mention Winner representing 9th grade in Local Writing Contest
-(Most favourite project) I’m traditionally publishing a third part book that I’ve worked on since 8th grade. Have been committed to it for 3 years now. Already worked with and had it professionally edited and I’m editing again before finding an agent.
(Leadership)
-Co-President of Creative Writing Club
-Delegate for DECA club
*I’m a finalist in both Districts and State DECA my first year joining (Other than English, I’m interested in Communications/Entrepreneurial route)
-Webmaster and board member of SAGA Club as an ally
*I enjoy exposing myself to different perspectives and ways to help others facing discrimination other than racism
-Webmaster and board member of VOICES (a diversity club in my school)
*Into spreading diversity and making aware racial discrimination in my school
-SSAC (student representative for my school district)
*I like getting involved with what’s going on in our school curriculum and suggesting solutions or input for my school body
(Community Service)
-Volunteering at my local library (love it so much)
-Playing my Violin with my sister for cultural meetings or for important figures in my culture) I used to be passionate about engaging in dancing within my culture (primarily in Middle School) too and went so far as to participate with them to represent the state against other states within my cultural group and we managed to win first place for my state! But once I picked up Violin my interests switched.
That’s about it. So far, I’m passionate about everything I’m doing and wouldn’t mind if that’s all I stuck with all 4 years.
but still, from what I’ve seen, Extracurriculars is what I’m most worried about, but for the most part, I’m crossing my fingers that it’s enough.
Your application would seem to be appropriate for Yale, particularly if the unstated parts of your post (e.g., your range of rigorous courses in sciences and math) fall into line with the rest of your academic achievements. With respect to creative writing specifically, Yale could comprise one of quite a few good choices for you:
@merc81 Thank you for your feedback!
Oh and are those classes just an example or is it like having a mix of STEM making my application well-rounded? I do like math of course but I’m more of an English/History person and usually my AP classes/rigorous course load evolve around those subjects.
Because high school tends to be foundational, most highly selective colleges will want to see that you’ve taken rigorous courses across English, social studies, natural sciences and math, as well as in a non-native language. You can of course express your academic preferences, but it would be most favorable if you can also demonstrate you can perform well academically across a range of subjects.
@merci81 Oh okay! That makes sense. I was put in the same level math as my classmates but I chose to jump ahead because I enjoy it. Hopefully that says something to the admissions officers ^^
There’s a lot in your post that’s positive. You’ve done a lot with writing. But many of those activities don’t convey an energy. Eg, playing violin with your sister (vs orchestra or accompanying regularly at school,) or webmaster (often solo work.) Of course, in itself, writing is solo, too. The tippy top colleges want to see what suggests you’ll engage there, try new things, have some impact. And:
You say, “I enjoy exposing myself to different perspectives and ways to help others facing discrimination other than racism.” Yes. But what shows this beyond hs clubs? Are you involved in any local action/committees or advocacy? The idea is what you “show, not just tell.”
Come up with some ideas. You want to show you have “vision” and can act on it, not just what your hs allows. Think about it. That next step, and soon. Meanwhile, dig into various colleges with great writing (look at Wesleyan, in CT. Look at the dept info.) Learn as much as you can about what they want, beyond academics.
Then imo, you’ll have great material to work with, to bang out a great app/supps.
Best wishes.
@WriteAway, There’s a lot in your profile that would get you into Yale and nothing specific that would keep you out. You do however have to be fully aware that admission to Yale is insanely competitive. You might do everything right and still not be one of the lucky few. So please make sure that you research, visit and otherwise get enthusiastic about less selectives too. I think you’d be a person of interest to many academically rigorous schools, so be sure to put together a balanced list.
Colleges seek to admit students who will contribute to the campus community both inside and outside of the classroom. Participation in more than one extra-curricular activity is a plus, especially at smaller schools. It sounds as if you are committed to several activities. You have to think about how to structure your application to communicate how your involvement would benefit the college that you are applying to, not just how the college would benefit you.
I think you can present a strong resume of your interest in creative writing. (Forget that 9th grade award, though.) Writing is a solitary pursuit, but colleges publish literary magazines and need contributors and editors, and of course being able to write well and defend your work is important in the classroom. Some colleges encourage applicants to submit examples of creative writing. Look to their websites for details.
Depending on your skill level on the violin you might also submit a music performance supplement, even if you don’t intend to major in music. If you would be willing and able to participate in one of the campus’s musical ensembles, then communicate that in your application.
You mention your involvement in your family’s “culture.” This could be the thread that connects your interests and again, depending on your life experience, could be a point of differentiation for you.
I’m saying to go up a level. You’ve got an interest in equality. It shows in how you said it. Can you see pursuing that outside the hs?
A lot of kids do something similar to SSAC (what’s your role?) But that’s often a hs opportunity. Anything else you could do with other groups out there, alongside adults? A committee exploring local inequality? A literacy campaign? Not just in your hs. Yale likes to see leader qualities. That’s not titles, it’s how you make a difference. How you try. What else you’re aware of and go for. Think about it.
Doesn’t need to be earth shattering. You want to show you can see opps outside the hs realm, get involved. Even small impact on your part, some small role, can show this. Some stretch.