Do really good test scores and academics balance out a lack of EC?

Applying to College
1

One of the programs I’d love to get into is Wharton’s undergrad business. However, I’m worried about my lack of E/C activities and leadership skills, or at least the lack of standing out in them. I do have strong test scores. I’m only a junior and have to take more tests.

Here are some of my stats:

SAT I: 1480(took in 10th grade, pretty confident I will get 2250+ on new one)

SAT II: 750 Bio, 720 Chem (I know this score sux, was gonna retake it, but I’m goin to take physics in June and Im pretty confident I’ll get 750+ on that since im a lot better at physics. Also, bio and chem were my worst subjects)
Will also take Math IIc and US history in June along with Physics (predicting 750+)

APs: my school doesnt really allow students to take APs till senior year and some junior year. But im in the all the highest classes as far as courseload is concerned ( I’m currnetly taking AP stats and AP US history and will take 5 AP courses next year)

School Rank: dont know yet, but pretty sure in top 5% of 650.

E/C: well, this is the area I’m lacking.
*I did track and XC for 2 years and was JV, but I couldnt keep at it because of a shin problem
*was on class cabinet 2 years, and then quit cuz its really pointless
*was on bio team, chem team, and currently on physics team (finished 14th in the state for Bio for individuals)
*volunteered and worked at the library for almost two years
*volunteered at a senior home past summer
*this summer, am planning to do an internship at Howard Hughes Medical Institute or Brown University
*beginning of next school year, hopefully will have internship in the Democratic Party Organization or at an orthodontist’s office
*member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, may run for a position in one of those, dont know if I’ll win.
*Was nominated a couple of times for this national leadership thing in DC, but never went
…that’s all I can think of right now, there may be some other clubs and stuff but probably pretty insignificant. I guess I have an ok amount of E/C, but I just see that so many other people have ridiculous amount of awards in their areas. I dont really have anything that makes me stand out in an area besides academics. I think I also lack leadership skills, or at least I havent shown it through E/C. You think the strong academics will help me balance out the lack of strength in EC? Any advice, although kinda late cuz I’m a junior, on how to make myself stand out more? Feel free to make any kind of comment, suggestions, etc, etc.

2

<p>when do you take New SAT njchino371?</p>

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<p>1480 and toughest classes. At your school, you're probably at/near the top. Nationwide, with 2+ million students graduating each year, well.... At the top schools the great academics just mean you're past the first hurdle, now they look at the rest of the package. And that includes ECs. I can't predict your future, but the fact is there are thousands of kids out there with strong academics and the outstanding ECs.</p>

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<p>yeh Mac, I know; that's why I'm worried. It's gonna be tough. Btw, I'm takin the new SAT in May. All my teachers and counselors reccommended us to not take it in March.</p>

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<p>Well it all depends what level of competition you are looking at (i.e. Ivies and such). The best way to balance out lack of E.C.s is to show the colleges your true self through brilliant essays.</p>