I need your advice please!!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Johns Hopkins University
1

<p>No matter how excited I get about college, getting into the school itself is another matter. There are days when I get really hopeful but then it gets shot down because of my ridicuously low test scores (and I only say low because it doesn't even compare to the greatness of the scores that have been posted all over this site!) </p>

<p>So yes, I'm am going to make a "chance" plea, not really asking you guys what you think the chance is of me getting. Instead, I really need some suggestions as to how I could improve my standings and strengthen my app now that application time is near.</p>

<p>Decision: Interim
Rank: 2/300
GPA: 4.79
Ethnicity: Asian
SAT I: 1930 (will take for the third time in October)
SAT II: Math II, Bio, Chem in November
APs: 4 in Bio, 3 in English Lang, English Lit, Chemistry, Env. Science</p>

<p>AP classes:
10th: Biology, Computer Science A, English Language
11th: Chemistry, Physics B, Environmental Science, US History, Calculus AB, English Literature
12th: Calculus BC, Statistics, Physics C, Computer Science AB, Music Theory</p>

<p>Honor classes: Ordinary Differential Equation, Anantomy & Physiology</p>

<p>Summer courses at a community college:
US Government - A
Economics - A</p>

<p>I have 100+ community service hours at local hospitals, club functions, and from tutoring children.</p>

<p>Activities/Awards:
- Math Club: 4 years; VP for 2 years
- Science Club: 4 years; VP of Outreach; Public Relations/Recruiter
- NHS: 3 years; VP in the 11th; President in the 12th
- Varsity Tennis: 2 years; Rank 2 in Doubles in district
- Manager of Boys Varsity Soccer Team: 2 years
- Pantex Science Bowl Competition: won 4th place team in region for 2 years
- Member of school's elite Sophisticated Ladies dedicated to giving back to community</p>

<p>I don't know how appealing that might seem, but if there's one thing that sets me apart from other applicants is be my passion for journalism (even if I plan to major in Molecular Sciences!). For the past three years, I have been the Editor-in-Chief of my school's newspaper. If you are a Texan, you might know about the UIL Academic competitions held annually. Since freshman year, I have been actively participating in these journalism competitions which include Headline, News, Editorial, and Feature Writing. I have won many awards each year and have slowly progressed to a higher level each year (last year I went to State!) I am really hoping this this would make my application somewhat stand out if I place extra emphasis on it.</p>

<p>Also, I hope I also stand out a little when it comes to diversity. I was born in Texas but my parents left me in the care of my grandparents in China when I was two months old so they could settle here. I didn't really meet them until I came back to Texas when I was three years old. My parents have a small restaurant in which I have been literally helping out at since I was three. It has become my first home because it is where I spend all my time after school and on weekends until the wee hours of the night, helping my parents clean up. In a way this has somewhat limited the activities I have participated in as well as school, but nonetheless, I have done my best to apply myself in every situation regardless of the boundaries. I guess what I'm trying to say is, where I can talk about this situation on my application? And is it something I could add to the volunteer section or is it something for an essay or both?</p>

<p>I really need to strengthen the way I present ME but I don't know where to start. All in all, what do you think?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>(wow that was long! :])</p>

2

<p>I have seen wonderful essays built around the kind of daily experiences you have had after school and until the wee hours in your parents' restaurant. When you ask how to present <em>you,</em> I think this might work because - even in your post here - it really comes across as you. </p>

<p>As does your passion for journalism. I always feel these things come across if you essay focuses on a slice of your life as a journalist, about one particular experience, rather than a catalog of achievements. Those will show up, of course, in your activities list or resume. But I think you will stand out via your essays.</p>

3

<p>umm....listen, honestly, you really really really can't predict college admissions. I got into Northwestern but rejected from JHU, and no offense but its "supposed" (and this is very very subjective) to be harder to get into than NU.</p>

<p>So, stop stressing, relax. You'll get into the right school. Looking back on it, I really wouldn't have liked JHU I don't think (not that its not a fabulous school) but I love NU.</p>

<p>Hope this helps, sorry for the rambling</p>

4

<p>It's all about finding that fit - so continue to research and explore options. It looks as though you have a lot going for you.</p>