<p>So, here's what's going on. I'll be starting my freshman year at the University of Nebraska-Omaha later this month. It's really not ever where I wanted to go; it was a safety net that I was arrogant enough to think I wouldn't actually have to rely on. Unfortunately, I procrastinated too much on my other college applications, resulting in some pretty bland, uninspired and glib essays being thrown on top of average extracurriculars and a teacher recommendation that I later found out was awful (not because of what she said about me - she was very complimentary and nice - but because it turns out this teacher couldn't actually write very well. At all). Therefore, I was waitlisted at Macalester, Oberlin, and WashU and rejected from Cornell and Columbia. </p>
<p>I feel like I've learned a lot about the college process and myself in the months since, and I'd like to try it out again. Right now, I'm torn about whether to apply to transfer for Spring 2010 or Fall 2010. I know that the longer I wait, the less my high school record will count. So I just wanted to get some opinions on whether (assuming that, this time I around, I fix my essays and get better recommendations!) my high school record and one semester of college at UNO is impressive enough to give me a good shot at the places listed below or whether I should wait a little longer.</p>
<p>High school stats</p>
<p>GPA: 3.92
ACT: 32 (36 English, 36 Reading, 27 Math, 27 Science)
SAT: 2060 (800 CR, 500 Math, 760 Writing)
SAT IIs: 740 US History, 750 World History, 770 Literature
APs not offered at my school, with the exception of AP Calculus. And...uh, looking at my math scores, it should be fairly obvious why I did NOT take that.
ECs: School newspaper - 3 years - I was the editor my senior year and got 3rd place in Class C Entertainment Review Writing at State Journalism
Mock Trial - 3 years - our team was one of 12 that advanced to State Mock Trial both junior and senior year
Theater - 3 years - I got a small part in one production my freshman year, supporting roles in two productions my junior year, and leading roles in three productions my senior year. Also, I was a member of our school's Thespian troupe for my junior and senior years and was elected Club Historian as a senior.
National Honor Society - 3 years
Green Club - 2 years
Awards/Honors: National Merit Commended Student, Girls State representative, Top Honors in a few classes every year, awarded the Regents Scholarship at UNO</p>
<p>What little I know about college so far...
First Semester Classes: English Composition II, Elementary French I, Critical Reasoning, World Civilizations II, Introduction to Comparative Politics
Major: I want to double major in History and Political Science, with a possible minor in French/French Studies (because I'm especially interested in the history and politics of France)
Possible ECs: I'm really interested in continuing to do theater and journalism. I'd also like to volunteer around the community more (I volunteered in high school, but that was because it was mandatory to graduate), get involved with Amnesty International or a similar humanitarian organization, and join a political group (eying the Socialist Alternative group at UNO hopefully...). Oh, and FENCING. I have always, always wanted to take up fencing!</p>
<p>I would sure love to be chanced for...
1. Oberlin
2. Macalester
3. Smith
4. Occidental
5. Barnard
6. Swarthmore
7. Hampshire
8. Pitzer
9. Cornell</p>
<p>Ahhh, I'm so sorry for the length that this turned out to be. I will really, really love anyone who actually reads through it all and chances me!</p>