<p>Hey all,</p>
<pre><code> I'm pretty sure I'll be applying ED to JHU next cycle. I think I'm academically qualified (not overqualified, just 'qualified), but I'm worried about my extracurricular involvement (mainly b/c I don't do band or a school sport). Anyway, I know you guys generally don't give out chances to people, but I really need a boost in morale here (because my area seems so competitive). Thanks to all replies.
</code></pre>
<p>Information:</p>
<p>Eth: Asian
Sex: Male
State: NJ
Grade: Junior
Major: Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology; possibly economics
School: Very Competitive (Last year 3 to Princeton, this year 3 to MIT)</p>
<p>*Estimated Frosh/Soph/Junior GPA: *</p>
<ul>
<li>UW - 3.85; W - 4.19</li>
</ul>
<p>Estimated Soph/Junior GPA:</p>
<ul>
<li>UW - 3.89; W - 4.33</li>
</ul>
<p>Rank:</p>
<p>School doesn't rank, probably top 5% of class of 700; I believe grade deflation in classes accounts for a low GPA translating into a decent rank (which is a trend I've noticed in previous graduating classes).</p>
<p>AP's (Total of 10):</p>
<ul>
<li>Physics B (4)</li>
<li>Chemistry (Taking)</li>
<li>Calculus BC (Taking)</li>
<li>English Language and Composition (Taking)</li>
<li>Computer Science A (Taking)</li>
<li>Biology (next year)</li>
<li>Art History (next year, required aka being forced into it)</li>
<li>Economics (next year)</li>
<li>Statistics (next year)</li>
<li>English Literature (next year)</li>
</ul>
<p>*All honors courses throughout HS besides the above APs aside from PE, initial 2 Foreign Language classes, and 2 yrs of elective courses (which can only be regular). My courseload is considered 'most rigorous' according to my counselor.</p>
<p>Scores:</p>
<p>PSAT: 226
SAT: Math - 740; CR - 730; W - 800; T - 2270
(I'm going to retake to see if I can score higher on Math)
SAT IIs: Taking: Chem, Math II, and possibly Bio or Lit</p>
<p>Recs:
Counselor - Awesome: she knows me well.
Teachers - One good from Eng more about personality (not the highest eng grade in class unfortunately, running a low A-). One awesome from AP Chem teacher.
Supplemental - Either another teacher very familiar with me or JSA advisor (who is very fond of me). Also research mentor (which should be awesome).</p>
<p>EC's:</p>
<p>NJ Science League
- Partipant 10th-11th
- Competitive Testing in Chem I and Chem II
- Qualifying Test followed by Regional Test each month from Jan. - Apr.
- Qualified for Chem I Regional (10th)</p>
<p>NJ Chemistry Olympics
- Competition in chemistry entered in year of AP Chem (11th)
- Club meets every week from Jan. to competition day in May
- Two-person group writing environmental research concerning ozone</p>
<p>Medical Careers Club
- Member 10th - 11th
- Reasonably involved; designed a lengthy PP presentation on the difficulties of pursuing a medical career to bring some reality into the picture (lol, it's funny how so many freshmen/sophs come into the club with overly glamorous opinions about medicine; I guess I mighta been that way too though :)). Anyway, I enjoy presenting to audiences and the people appreciated what I had to say so it's all good. </p>
<p>Science Competitor's Club
- Member 10th - 11th
- Officer 11th
- Random science competitions.</p>
<p>Junior Statesmen of America
- Member 9th - 11th
- Club Officer 11th (I write our daily resolutions, occasionally moderate debates, and speak frequently)
- New Jersey Region Cabinet Member 11th (write debates on state level for regional conventions)
- Attended many conferences/conventions and good participation.
- Significant involvement in politics/oratory = my other passion besides science. JSA complements my communication skills and leadership ability very well. </p>
<p>March of Dimes
- Member 10th - 11th
- Volunteer hours and fundraising
- Tedious but rewarding process = soliciting funds; selling tickets; organizing large-scale cultural show; saving lives! </p>
<p>Genetics Research
- Summer of 2007; going back 2008 to complete my research.
- 8 hrs/day, 5 days/wk for ~6-8 wks
- Research conducted with drosophila melanogaster; focused on determining the use of RNAi in restricting cancerous overgrowth caused by genetic mutations.
- Personally, this is my favorite activity; I'm in love with research and that's part of the reason I'm in love with the idea of medicine and, of course, JHU!</p>
<p>Piano
- 5 yrs
- I may try ABRSM; otherwise no real competitions etc.</p>
<p>Community Service
- ~ 300 hrs
- Local hospital + senior center + March of Dimes</p>
<p>Tennis
- Lessons at local club; non-competitive; just a hobby (and I'm not dissapointed by not participating on the school team; I use tennis to relax myself from the rest of my busy schedule, I don't need the extra stress of playing for the school).</p>
<p>Honors, Recognitions, Awards, Programs (Kinda weak right now):</p>
<p>Robert Wood Johnson Mini-Medical Program
- Will participate in a several week long program at RWJ Medical School consisting of seminars to talk w/ doctors, etc.
- Semi-Competitive application process (~20% acceptance)</p>
<p>NJ Science League
- Recognition in 10th grade for regional competition
- Didn't qualify for regionals 11th in Chem II; only 4 out of 30-40 students make it and only the best of the best try out. I didn't have time to study mostly b/c of English HW; and, though that's not a reasonable excuse...that's my excuse...</p>
<p>National Latin Exam
- Silver Medal in 9th; Gold Medal in 10th; test for 11th approaching</p>
<p>Commendation from Governor/NJ State Legislature
- For our chapter setting up a March of Dimes fundraiser that raised thousands of $'s.</p>
<p>JSA Best Speaker Awards
- Several in recognition of debate performance.</p>
<p>National Honors Society/National Latin Honors Society
- 11th </p>
<p>Predicted National Merit Semifinalist
- PSAT: 226</p>
<p>Pending
- Other Competitions Planned/Participating: USNCO (need to study hard for this one, coming up in March), Chemistry Olympics, AMC (took it last year, will take again this year; hoping to get to AIME), Siemen's Westinghouse/Intel (with additional research conducted over next summer)</p>
<p>Thanks again for any comments.</p>