<p>Hey, everybody. I'm a white male from NJ, and I attend a relatively high-ranked high school (one of six in the state with IB). Note that I am a junior, so I'm still a work in progress, but any feedback you could give on my competitiveness as an applicant to an Ivy League college would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Academics</p>
<p>Class Rank: 1/350 (approx.)
Unweighted GPA: 4.2 (on a 4.3 scale)
Weighted GPA: 5.7 (out of a theoretical maximum of around 6.0)
Grades 9-10: Honors/Pre-IB Classes
Grade 11: International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (4 Higher Levels)
Math Level: Two-year accelerated (one of four students on this track)</p>
<p>Scores</p>
<p>PSAT 260 (Perfect Sections in Reading and Writing)
SAT 2220 (730 Reading, 740 Math, 750 Writing)
AP Chemistry 5 (after one year of basic chemistry plus independent study i.e. without the AP Chemistry Class)
AP Spanish Language 5 (after only two years of a four year AP Spanish track)</p>
<p>Note: I retook the PSAT this fall and will be retaking the SAT, and I will sit for several more APs this coming spring. I will also be taking SAT Subject Tests fairly soon. </p>
<p>Activities</p>
<p>Boy Scouts Life Scout (currently working on Eagle Project)
Mixed Choir
Debate
Science League
Math League
Latin Club - President
Chess Club (I run a chess club for younger children at my local library)
Public Library Volunteer
Church Lector</p>
<p>Awards/Honors/Achievements</p>
<p>Northwest Jersey Debate League - Novice Debater of the Year
Scorer in the Top Ten Percent of Participants for Chemistry in NJ Science League
ACL/NJCL National Latin Exam Perfect Score (Latin I)
Boy Scout World Conservation Award</p>
<p>Other Hobbies/Distinguishing Facts</p>
<p>Scripps National Spelling Bee Alternate National Finalist (Eighth Grade)
Geocaching Outdoor GPS treasure hunting
Creative Writing - published in several youth anthologies</p>
<ol>
<li><p>"Approximately" ranked first in your class?</p></li>
<li><p>What's your actual PSAT score, and are you in the running for NMSF?</p></li>
<li><p>No one cares about anything you did before 9th grade.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Everything looks very solid and academic. Your ECs are the weakest part of your profile...</p>
<p>I did mean that there are approximately 350 people in my class since I'm not sure of the exact number. As a sophomore, I took the PSAT for practice, but I took it again as a junior for National Merit. Considering that I had two perfect scores and a 60 in one section (the result of accidentally leaving a number of correct answers blank on the answer sheet), I'm predicting that my score this year should be above last year's 220 (yes, the 260 was a typo) and well into the NMSF range (which tends to be around 225 for semifinalist in our state).</p>
<p>You have strong academics, for sure, and involvement in many ECs and have apparently won quite a few awards, though the latter two are rather diverse rather than focused in a particular area of interest. I'd recommend looking for an activity that really appeals/means more to you to "center" on in your apps, and maybe consider an internship. Otherwise, good chances if you keep it up!</p>
<p>Someone noted above that my EC's were the "weakest part of my profile." Could anybody explain what would strengthen them?</p>
<p>Also, I understand that "nobody cares" about things done before ninth grade, but I consider my involvement in the Scripps Spelling Bee to be a noteworthy example of my love of learning, and include it to underscore this point.</p>
<p>In my opinion you have a decent shot. That's only because it’s very difficult to predict anyone’s chances of being admitted to the Ivy League. I think your ECs are good. It seems like you excelled in every activity that you applied yourself, which is awesome. Definitely apply to some Ivy League schools, and then a few safer bets.</p>
<p>I think you have a decent chance at the Ivy League Schools.</p>
<p>Your CV shows varied interests and passions, which you have taken beyond normal high school expectations. My only advice: keep it up, and strive to do better!</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback, everybody. I'll post a fresh profile in a couple months after I've got some more test scores and hopefully a couple more achievements to my credit. Thanks again!</p>
<p>I don't think the spelling bee matters that much.
- It was in 8th grade
- Alternate national finalist = did you get to the bee itself, or just #2 in your area?
If you were one of the top spellers in the nation, I would definitely put it on a resume of some sorts, but seeing as how hundreds make it to the national spelling bee, and hundreds more are alternates...it might not be worth filling up a spot on that common app</p>
<p>In terms of debate...
- Do you participate in national circuit tournaments? If you can go to the TOC, that'd be good.
- NFL/NCFL national tournaments are also good
- State tournament
Out of curiosity, did you start debate as a freshman? and what type do you do? When someone receives something like a novice of the year award, people will want to know how this outstanding novice turned out...so keep it up.</p>
<p>I started debate last year, as a sophomore. Unfortunately, the NW Jersey Debate League doesn't feed into anything larger - just ten schools or so in the area that do policy debate among themselves. I would like to participate in something bigger, but I don't think that opportunity is really available.</p>