<p>I'm a junior in high school right now. I attend a very small but rigorous private school in Minnesota. I'm taking 4 APs this year, with the rest of my classes Honors level. Next year all of my classes will be AP. In 9th grade, my overall average was an A-, and in 10th, B. This year it looks like my overall average will be around a B.</p>
<p>I've been volunteering at the local hospital since 9th grade, with about 300 hours in now. I've also worked at a McDonald's for quite a while, play soccer every fall for my school, and go to Sunday school every week (I actually teach there).</p>
<p>Next year I will probably be a head prefect of some sort for my school.</p>
<p>I'm interested in double majoring in International Relations and Affairs, and Economics, with as many minors as I can in widely-spoken and useful languages such as French, German, etc. I already speak very fluent Arabic, Farsi, English, and Spanish, so I'm off to a good start.</p>
<p>With these credentials in mind, do you guys think I'll be able to get into this college? I've heard CMC is very good in the social sciences. Location is a biggie for me, and what better place than California? =)</p>
<p>get involved with some sort of model UN program. if you live near university of minn....attend lectures....there is probably some sort of lecture series or society that you can join if your high school doesn't offer anything. OR start an organization at your school--CMC would ADORE that. Start a local amnesty international chapter...or just an international affairs club. try and get some sort of volunteer position or internship at a local politician's office. maybe your US senator....a state senator....assemblyman...SOMETHING.</p>
<p>Although those things might help with your admissions chances, I have to disagree to some extent.</p>
<p>Rather than do typical CMC things that you think they will like (intern for a politician, join model UN, etc.), just try to display "leadership" by whatever means you can. That can mean anything from theater to varsity sports, depending on your interests/abilities. Doing what you enjoy is always a smart thing to do.</p>
<p>As far as I can tell, CMC is strong in government, politics, econ, etc., but that doesn't mean they prefer students who are already strong or are reaching out into those areas.</p>
<p>Most of all, CMC is a top liberal arts school. They look for what every top college looks for-- high SATs, grades, APs, essays, interview, and, of course, a "good fit."</p>
<p>yeah, i agree. i also think its important that you're reflected as a leader from all angles, so when you ask for reccs, make sure they are aware of you're leadership ablity. it would be ideal if you were somehow a leader in their class (however that might be). I think by coming off as someone who has true interests and a passion for being invovled, you make yourself seem like the perfect candidate for CMC.</p>
<p>Good new, guys! Today I went to city hall and signed up for some community service jobs... and now I get to be a page! I've also signed up for a model UN club that will be going on during the summer! =)</p>
<p>By the way, I want to note that I got a 2260 on the SAT Reasoning test. Hopefully that'll provide a big edge over other applicants next year.</p>
<p>Hm. Should I take the ACT, too? Maybe some SAT Subject tests?</p>
<p>I also wanted to ask: is being a minority very helpful for the admissions process? I am 100% Afghan, born here, and both of my parents are refugees from the 1979 Soviet Invasion. My dad is a chauffeur and I will be the first generation in college. Will that help me?</p>
<p>I truly appreciate your help and input. Thanks!</p>
<p>"and lie about the other colleges you apply to, so they won't reject you solely because they think you will get into a better school"</p>
<p>That is not only silly but is bad advice. Schools receive the FAFSA report and CAN see up to 6 schools. Using a subterfuge is the last thing you want to do in an application at a school that values integrity and ethics.</p>
<p>Sorry, I'm bitter because I was waitlisted when someone from my school with much weaker stats was admitted. I think the "other college" section is what made their decision... I didn't apply for financial aid so they would not have received a fafsa. If I were to do it again, I wouldn't lie; I just wouldn't apply to CMC. Could have saved writing an extra essay and paying the application fee. But if someone wants to go to the school, they have to do what they have to do!</p>
<p>As a high school senior who was just admitted to CMC from a different small and rigorous prep school in Minnesota, I'd say you have a good shot. Being from Minnesota is basically out east and gives you an advantage in and of itself. Work hard enough on the leadership side and you'll probably make it. </p>
<p>P.S. If you're doing the State House of Representatives Page Program, be sure to hang out with everybody at the Kelly Inn. Those five days should be like a non-stop party.</p>