<p>Sometimes I go on this website and I feel so inadequate because I see 10th graders already in 3 APs, taking AP Lang already (how were they even allowed??), having a perfect 4.0 GPA. I want to know if I'm doing something wrong. </p>
<p>I know I'm not good enough to get into a school like Harvard but I do want to get into NYU or Tufts. I don't want to write out every detail but basically I'm a junior with a 3.8 UW GPA. So far I have had 5 APs, 1 dual enrollment, and 11 Honors classes. I'm only in 2 clubs but will join National Honor Society later in the year. I have an interest in medicine and have volunteered at 2 different hospitals. I've also shadowed physicians and I'm trying to get an opportunity to do research work. </p>
<p>Now when I compared myself to my friends and classmates I thought I was doing pretty well... but then when I go on here everybody is so much better than me, I'm worried that I will have no chance :( I have never founded anything, gotten published, won anything (except in middle school), or done any remotely remarkable..</p>
<p>Have you ever heard of Martin Buber? He’s a famous philosopher who, I think, transmitted a relevant folktale.</p>
<p>A rabbi named Zusya died and went to stand before the judgment seat of God. As he waited for God to appear, he grew nervous thinking about his life and how little he had done. He began to imagine that God was going to ask him, “Why weren’t you Moses or why weren’t you Solomon or why weren’t you David?” But when God appeared, the rabbi was surprised. God simply asked, “Why weren’t you Zusya?”</p>
<p>Adcoms get tired of reading cookie-cutter applications. They need to be sure you can handle the academics (shown by sufficiently high grades and tests), but they’re also looking for people who have deep interests, curiosity, and initiative. Use the next few years to develop your inner Zusya. Experiment with activities you think you might like. Go outside your own box. Then apply as a solid Zusya who is not quite like any other person who has ever lived.</p>
<p>Thank you. I have so many different interests I haven’t really devoted myself to.</p>
<p>In terms of grades and rigorous classes you are doing great, it is also fine if you only do a few ECs. But make sure you have something to show for your effort/hours. For example it is great if you love working with animals, but if you volunteered for 50 hours in all of high school and that is your main EC you have an issue. Make sure you have a decent number of hours and try to gain some sort of recognition, an award or something like that (it makes you stand out).</p>
<p>Alright thanks that makes me feel better. I’m working on trying to be more involved in competitions and community service.</p>