Hey, I’m just a sophomore in High School, but I was just wondering if I am on track for Ivy League Admissions. So far my grades are pretty normal for students who apply to Ivy Leagues, I take the hardest courses I can and maintain a 4.0 GPA. I’m ranked first in a class of about 600. I have already taken 2 AP classes and will have 9 more in the next two years.
My extra circulars include-
Band: Both marching band and concert band are very important to me. For marching band, I’ve performed in Grand Nationals twice, and had a solo both years. My band placed top three in its class and top twenty both years. As a freshman, I also marched in the 125th Annual Tournament of Roses. During concert band, I’m a regular soloist and even had the honor to solo in Carnegie Hall with my band.
FBLA: I have only attended two state conferences as I have only been in high school for two years. Both years, I have won my event in state (they were two different events)
Running: Although I cannot participate in my school’s cross country (the season conflicts with band rehearsals) I do enjoy running and triathlons. I have already completed two marathons (my fastest was around 4:00:00) and am currently the Xterra Southern Region Champion.
Testing-
ACT- Composite 32
English 33
Math 34
Reading 31
Science 30
Writing 8
(I have only taken the ACT once and plan on taking it at least one more time)
SAT II- I am currently waiting for my subject test scores in Math 2 and Chemistry
Am I on the right track? Is there something lacking in my resume? Any advice/ things I can do better in order to boost my chances for admission at an Ivy League school? (I already know my ACT score is too low)
You’re ECs are on the low side but stats are on the high side. Try and get into something that you love and would possibly make you stand out. I know band is really big to you but I mean its band …
You are “on track” for consideration by the elite colleges. I would suggest finding your passion, whatever that may be and really delve into it! Your ACT is awesome for your age and will only increase. Spend time doing meaningful community service and finding individuals who can vouch for your character when recommendation letters are written. You are permitted at least ONE letter from a non-academic and can really shine to the admissions staffs. Good luck!
@0br0123 I have played piano for 13 years and am planning on applying to eight different International Festivals in this coming year. Some opportunities for making finals in these competitions include giving a solo recital in concert halls around the US (including Carnegie Hall). Will this help me stand out or should I be looking for another route at the same time?
Piano is great! I also suggest looking for sports that you might like. I think colleges like seeing athletic people but artistic people are just as respected. International festivals would be an awesome EC
Wow Carnegie hall! 4.0. You should be ok if you maintain your record. Don’t add stuff just to look good unless you like it. Make sure to send in music in your portfolio if you are confident
@IsaIck32 I think your SAT Subject tests are wonderful. There’s no need to retake them. However, you could retake the ACT and get a 34. It won’t make a huge difference but it’s something.
I think you should try to come up with some interesting extracurriculars. You could start your own non-profit, business, etc. Also, try to see if you can get some leadership positions in clubs at school. Don’t worry about academics. They’re really good so far. Just get your ACT up, maintain your GPA, and your academics are taken care of. Your main concern is setting yourself apart from other candidates. Do something you love and go deep into it. Colleges love to see dedication towards one particular field.
Assuming you keep up the good work, I’m sure you’ll be a good candidate for the Ivies.
Chance me back please? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1754467-chance-a-refugee-for-ed-dartmouth-ivies-ill-chance-you-back.html#latest
@outlooker I own a small business where I take care of neighborhood animals and plants and I gross upwards of $2000 a year. I do multiple neighborhoods and outsource jobs to friends and peers in other neighborhoods. Also should I take more SAT Subjects? I am very happy with the ones I have now but would one in biology help if I intend to major in sciences?
That’s good. Try to expand your business. Register it as an LLC to make it look more legitimate. I don’t see the point of taking more SAT subject tests unless if you really want to. But if you’re confident that you can get 780+ in other subjects, I say go for it just to make your application more impressive.
I say you do something that can make you different from others:
Are you good at particular subject so that you could do competitions? Are you good at sports/music etc that could make you more well-rounded? etc…
Pick a “passion” and really have it shine through on your application. Mine was biology/medicine. I got AP BIO 5 SAT Subject Bio 800 and took summer biology classes at Cornell. I was in science Olympiad, biology club, HOSA, volunteered at a hospital, and did a cancer research internship at PITT. colleges like to see a subject or activity that you are 100% Commited to. Find yours and you’ll be find.