<p>i see all these posts from top-notch students who seem to take 8 or more APs (several self-taught) who win all these awards for various competitions that i've never heard of, do hours of work & community service, etc etc...</p>
<p>how do i compete w/ such prodigies who seem to have all the time in the world for top notch schools??
for example, at my highschool, the norm for the highest students their senior year is 4 APs (5 considered insane), but that seems like nothing compared to so many others</p>
<p>i know colleges usually judge students by the context of their school, but that hardly seems good enough for the ivies. help?!?</p>
<p>If you’re “bound for the Ivies”, then you cannot allow your school to limit your progress. You should look to go above and beyond.</p>
<p>This does not have to be through AP work, but I’m sure it brings you that much closer, given you are doing what you love :)</p>
<p>Anyone who aspires and acts is that much closer to his/her goal. Don’t just think; do it 
You have to make this experience your own unique journey. You should look back and be “it wasn’t perfect, but I did what I could and I’m proud of myself for it”</p>
<p>^ You will always be considered in the context of your high school. If 5 AP’s at your high school is considered unbelievable, then it will most likely be mentioned by your GC and colleges will take that into account.</p>
<p>By being good at the stuff you do…I know a kid who had 4 AP’s, his only EC’s were a sport and math team (neither of which he was insane at) and he got into MIT and Harvard because he had a 3.95.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/865227-im-posting-linux-has-penguin.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/865227-im-posting-linux-has-penguin.html</a></p>