<p>Can you chance me? 2016 hopeful!
GPA: W 4.2
Rank: 5 out of 500</p>
<p>SAT: 2000 (but getting a tutor)
Subject Tests: havent taken yet
ACT: havent taken yet</p>
<p>APs
2010- Human Geography-4, AP Russian (prototype)-3
2011-Lang./Comp., French, Comparative Gov., US History, Environmental Science
2012- Psychology, Calculus AB, Literature, US Gov.</p>
<p>Extracurriculars
Russian Club: 2008-2012, President 2010-2012
National Slavic Honor Society
French Club: 2008-2012, Vice President 2010-2011, President 2011-2012
French Honor Society: 2008-2012, Vice President 2010-2011, President 2011-2012
Specialty Program- International Studies and Languages: 2008-2012, Senior
Representative 2011-2012
National Honor Society
Varsity Dance Team 2008-2010, Varsity Letter '09 and '10
10+ Hours per week at dance studio
Weekly acting classes
Weekly voice lessons
Community theater</p>
<p>Awards (probably more; cant think of them all)
2009- Russian Olympiada (regional): Gold medal
National Russian Essay Contest: Silver Medal
2010- Russian Olympiada: Silver medal
National Russian Essay Contest: Gold medal
NSLI-Y Scholarship- 7 weeks studying in Russia, all expenses paid
2011 (so far)- Russian Olympiada: Gold medal
Will be spending summer of 2011 in Russia with family friends.</p>
<p>Do you guys have any suggestions as to where I can improve? I will probably seek more volunteer opportunities next year. I really want to stress in my application the amount of time I spend a week in my dance studio; it’s the reason my grades and AP scores will be lower. Is there a good way to do that?
Thank you so much!</p>
<p>It would be easier to tell someone (from her record) that she didn’t have a chance than she is in for sure. That being said, I think you have an excellent chance as you have demonstrated academic ability and a passion, or two.
I would downplay the things your family gave you: foreign languages spoken at home, lessons etc and emphasize the things you got on your own: varsity dance and the roles at the theater. The elite schools are well rounded student bodies not well rounded students. You’re showing them you can do the academics. Show them one or two areas of passion rather than being pretty good at a lot of things.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for replying! Your insight was really helpful. Actually, my family doesn’t speak Russian at home (we are Italian); our connection in Russia is with a former foreign exchange student.</p>
<p>I disagree with mardad. I would not downplay the language even if the family “gave” it to you. Your accomplishments relating to the Russian language are impressive, you certainly got those on your own. Are you going to pursue Russian/Slavic studies in college?</p>
<p>If your family teaches you a language that is diversity. Learning it on your own is a passion. Good Work!</p>
<p>Thanks for the response Maminka! My family isn’t Russian; I just have a passion for the language and have pursued it independently both inside and outside of school. I definitely plan on continuing Russian studies in college, and probably other languages as well.</p>
<p>Haha thanks Mardad!</p>
<p>Something I wish I’d done- take your subject tests asap. I got in, but my SAT IIs were the weakest part of my application, and because of them I almost had to rely on my perfectly dreadful ACT. Good luck though; you seem like a strong applicant for any school.</p>
<p>If I were you, I would definitely be taking my SAT II’s within the next month, especially if there are SAT II’s that match up with your AP subjects. For example, last year, I took Biology M after taking the AP Biology exam. I ended up getting a 790 on the SAT II and a 5 on the AP exam, so, that being said, your AP class would definitely help you do better on your SAT II’s, and, the sooner you take it after your AP exam, the better.</p>
<p>As for the rest, I would say that the dance will help you a lot trying to get into Barnard, as they are a very dance-minded school. Besides that, it is very hard to judge what many admissions people are looking for. They are trying to match the school to the student, and not the student to the school. They want someone who will be able to succeed. They also want their students to fit in as well as stand out in their respective colleges. </p>
<p>After going through the experience, I can safely say that, despite all the stress you probably feel, you will get into the right school. To be honest, it is amazing how the process works out and how schools that I applied to that I thought would be a perfect match do not seem as great now. Wherever you go, you will be happy. Trust me.</p>