Hi! Over the past years I felt like I’ve done a lot and I’ve always done things that I’m genuinely passionate about, but after reading other people’s stats and ECs I’m worried I might have absolutely no chance at the schools I want to go to. I just need some advice and feedback- I know there’s not much I can do before applications are due, but anything helps. Thank you!
STATS:
gpa: 4.0 uw, 5.1 w
sat: 1550 (760 Reading, 790 Math)
Ranking: around 15/851
16 APs, dual enrolling 2 courses at a university next year
ECs:
So this is where I feel like I’m lacking… I don’t see anything that will make me stand out to colleges. I was supposed to do an environmental science internship, but they would only let me interview during my ap exam so:///
-QuizBowl (12th): no leadership, just for fun
-Club Volleyball (9th and 10th): Captain
-JV Volleyball (9th and 10th): Captain
-Choir(9th-12th): Community Outreach Coordinator
-Science National Honor Society (11th-12th): officer maybe???
-Beta Club: (10th-12th): 10th Grade Rep and VP 11th and 12th
-NHS(11th-12th): President
-Helping the Homeless Club(9th-12th): Secretary, President
-Environmental Club(11th-12th): Founder/ Pres
-Trying to start a Food Recovery Program at my school where we donate excess unopened, packaged food to food pantries/ students in need
-Leading campaign to install refillable water bottle stations at school- trying to limit plastic watter bottle usage
-I think I’m going to beg environmental firms in my area to let me file paperwork or do anything over summer- I really want experience with environmental science
- job at local froyo shop
VOLUNTEER WORK:
-My extracurriculars have a theme for community service so I do a lot, it’s really something I enjoy and put all my effort toward. Haven’t kept track of hours this year oops but when I update it should be around 500-600 hours. If I don’t find a way for an internship then I’m just going to volunteer every day at a nonprofit nearby.
The biggest thing I notice about my application is I don’t really have a “thing” to make me stand out- my extracurriculars are pretty standard despite the demonstrated passion for community service and environmental science. I don’t really have regrets as far as high school goes, I feel like I’ve done the things that I genuinely love and I’ve found things that I want to continue doing regardless of where I end up for 4 years. That being said, I’ve always wanted to go to an Ivy or some prestigious university and I could really use some advice and feedback!
Also, I’m wondering if my application will be hindered at all due to lack of awards and interships/research? Those seem to be pretty consistent on top applications.