<p>Hi everyone,
I'm just your average sophomore in high school and thus far, am nurturing an unlikely-seeming dream of attending an Ivy League school. Actually, that's what I'm worried about - whether I can be accepted to an Ivy League school at all ... :/</p>
<p>Some things about me:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I have an abnormal interest in science (as my name may already indicate) - especially the physical sciences - but I haven't made any major achievements in this area so far. I'm thinking of trying for the Biology Olympiad, which is soon. That's about it for the major science programs at my school, other than the Science Bowl, which I didn't make because I don't know enough general science :( And most distressing of all, I can't attend any other interesting science courses and stuff if it's too far away because of overpossessive parents and not enough funding. D: I might, by a slim chance, be able to take courses at the local community college over the summer, but that's so far away ... and my science-exploration-self-study-during-free-time is already limited by a number of major tests (including AP test) that I have to study for ... </p></li>
<li><p>My planned-out future career for most of my life has been something in the field of medicine, a doctor most likely. But a recent newfound interest in physics might turn me towards engineering ... So now I'm undecided about this as well.</p></li>
<li><p>I'm aware of the fact that many of the good colleges are looking for "lopsided kids" - quote Elizabeth Wissner-Gross - but I need achievements in this area and I'm at a loss as to how to find them. Ahh I wish I could apply for some of the research programs at colleges, but they require past research experience - which I don't have - and I fear it may be too late into my high school career for me to join anything worthwhile and college-appealing in my field of interest. D:</p></li>
<li><p>I also dabble in writing sometimes - it's more of a hobby, and usually freelance, not essays :P but I feel I could write something decent if I had to. Still, I don't think I could write whole books and publish them (I wish!). I have heard of the Art and Writing Awards but I don't know if they are still open or anything ...</p></li>
<li><p>I haven't joined very many clubs at school, other than a few science ones and the Red Cross, and I'm not very active in most of them D: I know I should go to the meetings, and volunteer. I have volunteered substantially (though not enough for any awards), and I'm hoping to be able to volunteer at the local hospital. And as of now, I don't have a job, even though I could if I wanted to. Family calls ...</p></li>
<li><p>Yikes - I still haven't taken the SAT, PSAT, or ACT! I'm still a sophomore, but I'm wavering on whether to try them ... I'm scared though ...</p></li>
<li><p>I've been wondering - do the really good colleges accept students if they haven't joined sports, but have good extracurriculars or maybe a few prestigious awards for competitions tucked under their belt?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Yeah ... so that's the rundown of my academic/school stuff - I don't have a life other than that LOL. But I really really want to go to an Ivy League school, and I'm so scared that that will be impossible. Any suggestions for improvement and/or possible activities I could join are greatly appreciated! (Words and the Internet simply cannot express the degree of thankfulness I would harbor towards you for any help you give!) </p>
<p>Thank you so much for your time! :)</p>