Hey, it never hurts to ask, right?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm a sophomore, and yeah, I know you all hate sophomores, but I just wanted to get an idea of which schools to at least be looking for. In a perfect world, everyone would know which colleges they want...but I'm honestly not that sure. The only things I don't like are very small schools and ones in rural areas. I'm thinking about Columbia, perhaps?</p>

<p>I'm a Chinese chick btw.</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0 UW, dunno about weighted. Our school does only letter grades, no +/-
PSAT: 210, with minimal studying...I'm trying to break 222 for natl merit next year!</p>

<p>9th grade:
Art
French II Hon.
Alg. II GT
English GT
US History GT
PE/Health
Biology GT</p>

<p>10th grade:
Art II GT
French III Hon.
Precalc GT
English GT
AP Govt (took AP exam recently, I think I did really well...but you never know!)
Physics GT
Chemistry GT</p>

<p>11th grade (the ones im signed up for):
AP Art
French IV Hon.
AP Calc AB
English GT
AP World History
AP Chem
AP Comparative Govt</p>

<p>Not sure about senior year yet..</p>

<p>Main ECs/Awards:
Secretary of Young Democrats this year, will be VP next
JSA
Mock Trial (witness this year, will try out for lawyer next)
2nd place photography at DC MIST (muslim interscholastic tournament..and no, im actually not muslim...im just interested in the culture)</p>

<p>Also, I love art and photography, so I'm definitely looking at any art awards I can try. I'm going to be interning part-time at a local web-design company this summer. Next year equals applying for NHS, and possibly investing more time into my art...</p>

<p>Any suggestions? Ideas? Comments? "YOU SUCK" criticism? XD</p>

2

<p>Yanners, it is a little too early to give you valuable advice. From what you say, LACs and rural universities are out. But that still leaves out dozens of realistic universities. Maybe you can start by sharing your academic interests. Do you wish to major in any field or subject in particular?</p>

3

<p>the ECs you list are not that impressive for candidates to top schools like Columbia. You need state if not national recognition to stand out.</p>

4

<p>It's certainly not like if you aren't the best ________ in your state or the nation, you stand no chance. Your transcript is very impressive, and you've got a well-defined interest. I wouldn't say there are many, if any, universities that are definitely out of reach for you; some will still be reaches, but not impossible, in my opinion.</p>

5

<p>sophomore year is a great time to start thinking about your interests and pursuing ec's that reflect that interest.</p>

<p>time and again, I read a soon-to-be senior list their ec's and recieve responses of "not good enough" "too scattered" "too common", etc.</p>

<p>Try to determine your interests -- not necessarily your major or career, but what you really like. then look for opportunities in those areas. </p>

<p>You mentioned art -- great! there are tons of opportunities in that area. competitive summer programs, docent at a museum, volunteering time to teach art to poor kids, raising funds for art supplies for a poor school, awards for artwork entered into competitions, etc. </p>

<p>Look outside your school community for opportunities -- this distinguishes you from the other kids who limit themselves to the school clubs.</p>

<p>limit your participation in EC's that are just a title.</p>

<p>From your list, I am also seeing interest in politics (JSA, Young Democrats, Mock Trial). </p>

<p>Just do some thinking on how to focus yourself and stand out from the crowd. You have time to do it.</p>

6

<p>@ Alexandre: I'm leaning towards a history or poli sci major, but it's not a sure thing. I've always wanted a "balance" of interests in high school (not in college though), which is why I took an extra science course this year, and an extra history/govt course next year.</p>

<p>As far as outside-of-school EC's go, this week I called a few hospitals. Why? I wanted to take free portraits for cancer patients and give prints of the photos to their families/friends; since my summer internship will be paid, I think I want to use the money to help cancer patients (my friend got leukemia last year). The hospitals have yet to call back, so I'll prob. follow up next week.</p>