<p>I think that if I stay on the track I am on right now, I am in good standing with my EC's and grades.
I have:
Huffington Post Blogger (11th-12th and beyond) - I was selected to write for Huffington Post's teen section this yearI teach LAUSD kids science every wednesday after school.Non-profit organization intern (9th-12th and beyond) - I work with one of the founders, speak at some events, and meet with scientists researching the effects plastic has on the enviornment.Green Gorilla's Founder/Leader (11th-12th) - I'm starting an environmental club at my school this year. Our school mascot is the Gorilla.Peer Tutoring (11th-12th) - We just started it this year, I'm one of 4 founding members. I also did some tutoring on my own in 10th grade.You've Got a Friend (10th-12th) - We take students on field trips on some weekends. I should be a chair next yearJazz Vocal Ensemble (10th-12th) - Again, I was a founding member of this as well.Student Library Committee Member (11th-12th) - Another thing that started this year, I'm one of the few people who shows up regularlyModel UN (11th-12th) - We're starting a small team this year because my school has never had one before. I'll be one of the four members. Street Physicists (11th-12th) - My friend and I are in love with theoretical physics, so we're starting a club (we already have six members) about it. The name comes from Neil deGrasse Tyson's Reddit AMA.I also went after school to a very poor charter school in the area and helped during their after school homework hour. The program was cancelled at the end of my sophomore year.By the time I'm applying, I will have been playing the guitar for seven years and the ukulele for about 3.
Just for your information, my school is pretty small (about 400 kids for grades 7th-12th) so when people graduate sometimes clubs all but disappear. This also means that it doesn't have as many big opportunities.
I am applying for MITES and AP/EA at Carnegie Mellon (obviously MITES would be my first choice), and thinking of submitting to the Scholastic Writing competition. Other than that (and especially if I don't actually "win" any of those) what kind of awards or honors could I get? I feel like that is my one gaping hole in my apps for next year.</p>
<p>I’m not quite sure about awards and such… What qualifies as an award/honor? Are they absolutely necessary? You’ve got hardcore ECs. </p>
<p>By the way, I’m also a Huff Post blogger!</p>
<p>If you’re really good at math and science, try taking the AMC 12/10 depending on your grade, the local chemistry olympiad qualifying exam, the F=ma exam to qualify for the physics olympiad, or if you’re good at languages, try the national language exams.</p>
<p>Here’s what t he AMC 12 looks like ->[2011</a> AMC 12A Problems - AoPSWiki](<a href=“http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki/index.php/2011_AMC_12A_Problems]2011”>Art of Problem Solving) If you score the highest in your school, you get what is called the AMC 12 School Winner</p>
<p>The F=ma exam is the first of two tests that determines who goes to the Physics training camp for the international physics olympiad. [2012</a> U.S. Physics Team - exams](<a href=“http://www.aapt.org/physicsteam/2012/exams.cfm]2012”>2012 U.S. Physics Team - exams)</p>
<p>Chemistry - [Chemistry</a> Olympiad Exams](<a href=“American Chemical Society”>American Chemical Society)</p>
<p>I’ve gotten second place in my school for the AMC 10, so I’ll definitely keep trying those. the chemistry olimpiad seems right up my alley as well. Thank you!</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to worry… Your EC’s are fantastic, plus if you have good grades there is no need to worry about receiving National Merit scholarship awards or awards of that caliber. You are fine.</p>
<p>^ i second that</p>
<p>Well that is quite a relief. Now to worry about the SAT in January! :)</p>
<p>Holy cow…I would trade my SAT score (my only redeeming quality LOL) to have your extracurrics. They’re all pretty unique/interesting, unlike the usual math/sci/violin/tennis applicant’s.</p>
<p>How did you begin writing for HuffPo? Did you just send the editor an email?</p>
<p>My family friend met one of the editors and recommended me. Then I had to send in a sample and tell them more about myself. I don’t know how the other writers got selected though.</p>
<p>I had no idea my EC’s were that great! I guess I’ve never written them all out like that and seen exactly how busy I actually am.</p>