I am only in 9th grade, but am aiming high for college. I have several extracurricular activities (Swimming, Competitive Paintball, Scouts). I took the old SAT and scored a 1240. This year I am taking AP US History, Biology, Geometry, Logic, Latin 1, and American Literature. I will be taking the AP exam for History, SAT IIs in Biology and History.
I will be an Eagle scout in about a year.
How does this bode for my fist year of High School if I’m looking at a service Aademy or an Ivy?
Anyone have any suggested classes for Sophomore year that would boost my chances? (Im definately taking Algebra 2, AP history (ancients) AP Chemistry, Literature.)
Thanks
<p>My ACT was a fairly dissapointing 26</p>
<p>Bump..................</p>
<p>My suggestion: Follow your passions. Why really excites you? What do you dream about doing or hope to do in the future? If you have something you really care about, look for ways to pursue it more in depth. If you don't yet have a particular passion, search for it. Try out new things until you find something you can pursue whole-heartedly. (For my older son, the passion was Japanese; for my younger one, it is music.)</p>
<p>Your classes sound great; your outside activities are fine, although I don't yet see any particular emphasis. (But that's OK; you are young.) Making Eagle Scout is a great thing. Both my sons are Eagles, and I think that is a positive thing. (especially for a service academy) You are off to a great start. Continue to work hard in school, and have some fun along the way, too!</p>
<p>Paintballing is awesome I have a gz....but anyway, you need at least a 1400 I'd say to even be considered for Ivy League since your EC's are pretty much "standard" for those schools. Make sure you get good grades for the next few years and your at least in the running Id say...lol =)</p>
<p>My main extracurricular acitivity is swimming. I have 26 hours a week of practice, which I attend. I will probably be a recruited athlete at most ivy's and all service academies. My secondary extra curricular is scouting, which is very important to me. And yes paintball is just a fun way to mess around on the side. (we do play tourneys though)
thanks</p>
<p>Credentials are nice, but remember that the majority of people applying to Ivy Leagues are going to be qualified and with credentials. Keep up the great work with building your credentials, but also try to bring some more dimension and unusual sauce to your overall self description. I believe you are lacking unique community service jobs, founding of your own groups and leadership postitions- all of which the admissions committees will be looking for. </p>
<p>By the way, what are the colleges/ service Academies that interest you most?</p>
<p>I am most interested in Harvard or Yale, and the Naval Academy.
blackastle</p>
<p>P.S. I have several hundred volunteer hours at out local museum and several more at a local after school program for refugees.</p>
<p>If you're aiming for the Naval Academy, make a year round fitness routine a habit now. The swimming looks good, just make sure you're in incredibly good shape by the time you enter, it'll save you a whole lot of hassle there. Last summer I was there for I-day, and the kids who weren't in tip top shape looked beyond miserable.</p>
<p>Yeah I'm in good shape. my mile time is 5:15, i do about 16 pullups average and about 65 pushups in the time limit. The physical aspect shouldnt be a problem. BTW...Im taking the AP U.S. History exam friday (i'm only a freshman too) any helpful tips?</p>
<p>Considering that you are involved in volunteer work, I would think you have a good shot. Best luck!</p>
<p>Most importantly, it seems like you really enjoy and care about the stuff you do. You're not just resume builing. Make sure this genuine passion comes out in your app. It will go a long way.</p>
<p>What do you want to major in?</p>
<p>Probably Engineering, or something similar. I have always enjoyed history too. Another option is Business, I would like to get an MBA.</p>
<p>Service academies love to see that you've experienced the whole military thing BEFORE you get there. Most have summer programs and JROTC stuff seems to work well too. Two of my good friends(1 girl, 1 guy) are going off to the Air Force Acad. this year and last year I knew one girl who went to West Point and my sister went to the Coast Guard Acad. Interestingly enough, only one of the people I've known recently to go to one was AT ALL involved in JROTC in high school. The others were just really well rounded, politcally active students. My sister was not big into sports and wasn't in great shape. Your scores are weak but they will come up if you work on it. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>