<p>Hello, helpful college knowledgeables! I'm a white, female junior from Indiana just wondering if I'm on the right track and asking for any advice. I know that I still have some time and that some of my credentials are slight speculation, but I'd appreciate a chance if you feel like it.
I've taken the SAT once, this fall, receiving a 2320 - 770 Math, 760 Critical Reading, 790 Writing. I also took the ACT once this year and got a 34 Composite- 36 Reading, 36 English, 33 Math, 31 Science. I haven't taken any SAT II tests yet, but plan to take around 3.
I received a 234 on the PSAT, so I am pretty sure of a National Merit Scholarship.
I'm currently ranked 1 out of 540 in my class; my GPA is a 4.38 weighted (honors points don't kick in until junior year at my school) and 4.0 unweighted. I am on track to graduate with the IB Diploma, and I am scheduled to have taken 5 AP tests by graduation, though I haven't taken any yet. All other classes are honors when available.
I have been working at a tutoring center 12 hours a week for half a year now, plan on continuing for the rest of high school, and absolutely love my job. I am very involved in my church's youth group, have gone on several summer service trips, and volunteer at a soup kitchen and at Key Club events periodically.
I have been studying violin for 9 years; I've earned golds at the state music competition for 6 years, and I will probably be first chair in my school's orchestra next year (of course, this is speculative!). I'm an active member and officer of both our French Club and Latin Club, and have been a member of many other clubs over the years, including a mentoring program to middle schoolers. I was on the school swim team for 2 years.
My passions are languages, history, and traveling. I plan on taking a college Arabic course next semester.
The extraordinary extracurriculars and accomplishments of others on this board have made me curious - are my academics enough to make me stand out in applicant pools? I plan on applying to Princeton, Harvard (legacy), Georgetown, Notre Dame (legacy), Brown, and a handful of other reaches and safeties. I know it's early, but all I keep hearing is that it's never too early to start thinking! Thanks!</p>
<p>Your academic record and SAT/ACTs are great. If you get high 700s to 800 in your subject tests, then that part of your application is golden. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t know how much you stand out… start a club if you’re really worried about it. Or else just write some spectacular essays. </p>
<p>Princeton - a reach for everyone, but you have a decent shot at getting in
Harvard - ditto
Georgetown - match
Notre Dame - match
Brown - mid-reach</p>
<p>Thanks! I have considered starting a club, but to me that seems like resume-padding at this point, and if I do anything, I want it to concern my true passions. I love writing essays, so I hope that will help.</p>