<p>Im a sophmore in high school(texas), its not very competative. It has about 800 students in each graduating class. I am expected to graduate top 1% or possibly top 2 percent. I am an IB student, and Magnet. I am an IB Diploma Canidate.</p>
<p>GPA: 4.54 weighted (since these GPAs vary based on scaling, how do colleges determine which applicant has the highest standard equivelent GPA?)
EC's:
-Varisity Cross Country
-Varisity Track(1600/3200)
-Vice President of Key Club
-Treasurer of Invisible Children Branch at school (charity for child soldiers in Uganda)
-NHS
-Spanish Honors Club
-Member of DECA
-Member of Robotics club
-research assistant to a prestigious Cardiov. Stem cell lab.</p>
<p>I am currently studying hard for the SAT. I think I will probably do averagely. Maybe 650 in math(ouch), 760 in crit. reading, 710 for writing. Im a pretty studious student, and have done pretty well on practices(so based off this, these are my predictions). I will take 2 subject tests as well.
Well. How do I stack up? Im so stressed over being presentable to this college, as Yale is my top choice(for the right reasons of course) Thank you.</p>
<ul>
<li>I am also an IB art student(visual). If I am invited to an interview should I bring my art portfolio? Or will they view this negatively? Or is it totally irrevelant to the interview?</li>
</ul>
<p>Honestly, you look pretty average right now. It’s not a totally bad thing, but your chances aren’t great–clubs, good grades, mediocre test scores. It’s nothing to make you really stand out. Then again, nobody’s chances really are very good for Yale, so there’s no reason not to apply.</p>
<p>And you’re also a sophomore, so chill a little.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for responding! I have no idea how to make myself stand out. And I agree with you about me being average. In all honesty I look like another regular stat. How can I push me over the edge of average?</p>
<p>^I second rockermcr. You’re just a sophomore, don’t sweat it now. Enjoy high school while you can and don’t worry yourself. This time in your life only comes once.</p>
<p>Here is something from the head of admissions at Yale (Jeff Brenzel), published in the NYTimes:</p>
<p>“At the same time, we are not particularly drawn to one-dimensional students who have made their sole or primary objective in life amassing the largest number of honors or AP courses conceivable, accompanied by multiple efforts to achieve the world’s highest test scores.”</p>
<p>I’m not a Yalie, but I have been surfing these forums for quite some time, as this isn’t my first account. First of all, this is the way I view admissions to top colleges: They EXPECT you to be in the top percentile, top tenth at the least. Even their athletes need to maintain a somewhat decent average to attend, so that gives you perspective of what they see in non-athlete applicants. If you treat the application in parts, [i hate making it so limited, as being accepted/rejected/waitlisted cannot be defined by a mere sentence or even analogy], they already have a certain basis set up - you need good grades, good SAT I’s, SAT II’s and/or ACTs. Of course, it’s not a guarantee, but this is basically the bare minimum. You need outstanding ECs, writing skills, work/volunteering experience, recommendations, course loads, and more to at least be somewhat competitive if you don’t really shine in anything particular.</p>
<p>GPA will vary, but they can check if you are doing well based on your class rank.
Some schools will actually recalculate your GPA, just so you know.
Since you are just a sophomore, it’s hard to tell, but strive for leadership positions in your clubs, keep up your good academics, volunteer, find ways to utilize your talent to benefit your community and/or stand out with impressive awards.
Good luck! Keep striving for excellence :] It’s still early to tell.</p>
<p>I have to contradict the many posts that say “relax soph”. My D had a HORRID sophomore year academically (long story) and it has been pretty much unrecoverable. So - OP - you SHOULD be working hard and planning NOW. It’s a VERY important year. One reason is that colleges seem to want to see “longevity” in terms of clubs/leadership/charity/jobs. I have no insight as to what will make you stand out. That’s why each person has their own “thing”. But I just wanted to encourage you to continue to work on things, as you are now. Besides…if you take standardized tests and do well you can quit worrying about them, and/or have time for retakes or alternate tests, etc. Get the best grades you can. Do something to “contribute”. Spend your time in activities you love. And the rest will work itself out. It’s all good.</p>