<p>Just for starters: capitalization and correct punctuation is kind of the norm. I’m guessing you do such normally (like in school) but it’s just a good habit to get into and it makes you look more intelligent, even to us random people on the internet that you’ll probably never meet.</p>
<p>And I’m also from Michigan! I’m a junior this year. I’m looking more into Columbia and UPenn (legacy at UPenn, it’s my back-up), but I’m also really confused about the whole ACT vs. SAT thing. I’m sure your school has done the same thing of having essays in class reflect the ACT’s essay set-up. I don’t think it really matters which you take, even though about 97% of applicants at Columbia (we can assume it’s pretty much the same at the other Ivys) take the SAT. The ACT fits into our whole Midwestern thing after all ;). (By the way- the Midwest is the most underrepresented area in the world at the Ivys… we have a definite advantage!)</p>
<p>Your background’s an advantage too… Middle-Eastern/European is pretty unique. I’m Jewish- definitely not a minority at Columbia haha </p>
<p>And the SAT IIs are just subject tests. I recommend you start taking them ASAP. They’re fairly easy (and way cheaper than the AP tests) but you need about two or three of them. I’ve taken one so far (US History: 740- not bad, but I’m a little disappointed). Take them as a practice before your AP tests in the corresponding subjects. </p>
<p>I have to agree with JoshByron that your extracurriculars are a little low. You really need to strengthen them. You have a good amount of volunteer work, but join some clubs (especially science-related ones), get a leadership position in them, and, if there aren’t any around, make some clubs! The one that you’re making next year looks good.</p>
<p>Something that looks AMAZING on hopeful pre-med applications is that you did research. Apparently, if you have a nearby university around (which, as an Ann Arbor person, you obviously do haha), you can volunteer to help them research whatever the heck they’re doing. This sounds like a stretch, but just call up U of M and see if you can help. They’re probably used to it and can find you a position (looks extra-amazing if you helped out the super-prestigious U of M med school).</p>
<p>Otherwise, you’re on the right path. I wrote a “chance me” sorta post yesterday, so you can check out what I’m doing if you wish :)</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/columbia-university/968788-chance-me-hs-class-2012-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/columbia-university/968788-chance-me-hs-class-2012-a.html</a></p>