<p>Well, I do not speak basketball, but you seem interesting enough. Admissions is sort of… Advertising 101. You have to figure out how to market yourself in the ways that the target audience will take the most notice.</p>
<p>Here is some ancient, easily ignored advice: DO WHAT YOU LOVE.
But it is also the best way to get into a college that understands you. If you are all basketball all the time (this is just an example, not a suggestion), then don’t be afraid to throw yourself into your sport (without sacrificing grades; that would be phenomenally stupid).</p>
<p>I’m sure you’ve heard of “hooks”, the special talents or qualities that distinguish certain applicants. Not everyone has a hook, and not everyone who thinks they have a hook has a hook. But if you see in yourself something truly remarkable that makes you unlike everyone, that gets you astonished looks from (intelligent, worldly) adults that you encounter, you just might have a hook. In sad truth, a hook can be a make-or-break.</p>
<p>You cannot invent a hook. It must be of you, and truly your passion.</p>
<p>However: My “hook” was my abnormal ability to just keep learning about one topic, to really immerse myself in something obscure that not everyone cares about. My insightful teacher junior year knew this about me, and suggested I do an in-depth research project throughout the summer. I had 40 pages, bound and cited, to send to Brown in October. The reason this was good: the paper was physical proof of my special quality, much like a music enthusiast’s guest conductorship, or an athlete’s all-state recognition.</p>
<p>Therefore (give me a moment while I catch my breath…),
Throw yourself into something really fascinating. It doesn’t matter if anyone else thinks it’s fascinating, or fun, or even pleasant (because does spending your entire summer literally inside a dark library taking notes sound like a blast?).</p>
<p>Your grades are great.
Do well on the PSAT; it will boost your self-confidence for the SAT (which actually matters).
I’d recommend getting an awesome score on either the SAT or ACT (lol).
And then, figure out how to present yourself as a future asset to Brown (recommended) or any other of the wonderful and respectable (but not Brown) schools.</p>
<p>That is my… not having anywhere to be on a Thursday night on Spring Break.</p>
Thanks!</p>