Help me with the balancing act that is high school...

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Okay, so I have always harbored the ambition of getting into Harvard or NYU. I mean, not only are the campuses beyond gorgeous, but I love the idea of being surrounded by some of the brightest kids and future leaders in the world. This has led me to an insane life of crazy classes and paranoia. I was really hoping if you all could make suggestions towards anything on my brag sheet. I know that I am lacking in extracurriculars, but I love everything I have going on right now. I'm already a junior, so there's not much I can do to change my school ECs, but I plan on doing a lot more stuff just for me.</p>

<p>Total APs (so far; next year I plan on six or seven more):
AP World History (4 on exam)
AP Biology
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Geopolitical Economics
AP U.S. History (online)
AP Spanish </p>

<p>GPA: 3.974 (unweighted), 4.4(weighted)
Class Rank: 1 out of about 500</p>

<p>-Key Club Secretary for 2 years (hopefully VP next year along with divisional secretary)
-NHS member (next year, I'll be an officer as either Pres. or secretary)
-Newspaper columnist (I know I've already said this twice, but hopefully next year I'll be an editor)
-DECA member
-Tutor (I tutor lots of kids in different subjects for free)
-Writer for an online newspaper
-I will hopefully start a Model UN at my school
-I'm writing a book (I know for sure it won't get published, but I really love the idea of writing a book)
-I am getting a job at a public library branch (working 15-20 hrs. a week after school)
-I speak fluent English and Farsi, and I can read and write in both.
-I am a CPR certified instructor and student.</p>

<p>I haven't taken the PSAT yet this year, and I also haven't taken the ACT. I plan on taking them through the summer though.</p>

2

<p>Maintain whatever you are doing now. I see, however, that you have done nothing in the summer? Or have you traveled somewhere?
And I wish you luck in taking one of the toughest AP courses outside of class.</p>

3

<p>I would not say that NYU is "beyond gorgeous".</p>

<p>Be sure to be knowledgable or at least defensible when communicating with any college about why you want to go there.</p>

4

<p>Maybe I should explain; I love big cities. My parents recently moved me to the suburbs in the middle of nowhere. I love the feel of NYU. It is such a vibrant place with knowledgeable and socially responsible kids. The same goes for Harvard except for the fact that their campus really is my ideal. I love history (which is why I am taking "one of the toughest APs" online), and Harvard has plenty of it. As far as summer traveling, I haven't done much. Last summer I went to California to check out colleges there, and this year I did a trial by peers summer program in my home state.</p>

5

<p>That sounds fine to me as to NYU's location and environment. But IMO make sure that you are equally precise on your applications! :)</p>