<p>Hi! I've been reading through everyone's threads and they're all really informative.<br>
I'm going to be a junior in high school next year and I would love to study neurology in college. My top choices would probably be either Columbia University or Johns Hopkins University, but I have tons of other ones I really like also!</p>
<p>ECs:
National Classical Concert/Soloist Pianist, performed with the New York Philharmonic
Juilliard School of Music Ranked Pianist (performed at carnegie hall and new york metropolitan opera)
Columbia University Science Honors Program for Neuroscience- merit based admissions
Columbia University grant for early studies in biological sciences, regular classes on weekends with college students
Cambridge University of England grant for studies in quantum physics and calculus, semester of classes completed
Johns Hopkins University center for talented youth student, qualified for national merit
Research student with doctors at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Member of the National Society of High School Scholars (junior division of the nobel prize foundation)
Member of Junior National Honors Society
Internship at Vogue Fashion Magazine
Founder and director of a nonprofit organization composed of high school students that donates to St. Jude Children's Hospital
President of Model United Nations in high school
Director of School Newspaper
Competitive Racing Cyclist, member of USA Cycling (but I really only do it for fun and exercise)
Studied advanced quantum physics and neuroscience at Mercedes-Benz Design and Safety Institute in Sindelfingen, Germany</p>
<p>All of the programs I've attended at the universities are college level courses, merit based, and aren't just pay to get in.</p>
<p>My grades are good and I have a 4.0 average. I've only gotten 5 on AP exams and I got a perfect ACT score. Haven't taken the SAT yet. I know that good grades are always important but I heard that colleges expect really interesting extracurriculars. Any feedback would be great! Thanks!</p>
<p>Oh and I’m not sure if this is important, but I speak 4 languages fluently.</p>
<p>I think you already know the answer to this one…lol.</p>
<p>Of Course you EC’s are good, they’re wonderful, too good if you ask me lol.</p>
<p>You’re fine.</p>
<p>haha thanks! I think it’s better to be cautious about colleges anyway. I’ve heard horror stories about the wild Columbia admissions process especially!</p>
<p>Oh lol, your welcome. I think you’re fine with Johns Hopkins though. Columbia is really tough to get into, your EC’s are excellent, just as long as your academics are up to par too.</p>
<p>That’s comforting to know! Do you know if colleges prefer the percent scale for admissions or the standard 4 point scale? My school reports in unweighted percentages so there seems to be a lot of varying when I convert to the 4 point system. Is a 99.3% average a 4?</p>
<p>Actually can’t tell if this is a joke or not.
You are an amazing applicant. a 99.3% average converts to a 4.0
A perfect score on the ACT along with a 4.0 along with all those amazing extracurriculars spell success for you. TBH, you could be looking at a lot better schools than Columbia and JHU.</p>
<p>Wow, thanks so much for the kind words! I love the Columbia campus, the professors, the classes, and I’ve made friends with a lot of the students. I’m biased though, I’ve studied here for a year! I’m sure that I would grow to love any school that I end up attending.</p>
<p>Johns Hopkins is really good at anything medical, Johns Hopkins is also one of my dream schools.</p>
<p>Wow I can’t believe the idiots on this website who buy this. The guy is straight up bs-ing. Did you even read the post? Studying with doctors from Columbia? Studying IN Germany and THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE in QUANTUM PHYSICS and calculus? A ranked pianist at Juilliard and playing at Carnegie hall? A perfect 36 on the ACT? They have only completed SOPHOMORE year in HIGH SCHOOL. And on top of all this he/she is wondering if these “extra-curriculars” are USEFUL? This person would be world famous or would have entered college at a much earlier age</p>
<p>It’s good to voice your opinions, but it’s rude to do say those things. I had my second thoughts on this matter too, but the best thing I could do is give my words of wisdom. What if this is a scam, oh well, I’ve just wasted my time, and then I move on. I’m not picking sides, I’m just telling the truth. I’m not an idiot, lets get that straight lol, but there are much better ways to voice that opinion. You never know, this kid could be lying, or he could be telling the truth. Most students on here lie, but you just have to ignore them and move on.</p>
<p>@13alexae Not to be cold or anything, but I hear this everyday. I go to a high school where everyone hates me for my accomplishments. It’s frustrating as it is to deal with them on a daily basis. I only wanted to learn. And so yes, I’ve picked up many accreditations along the way (along with enemies). Perhaps it might amuse you to know that I’m sitting at a desk at Columbia University right now? It’s a Friday. I’m not drinking or partying on the beach. I got to campus at 9 and went to see my professor. I do it because I love science. Consider putting some effort into a subject you love, and you’ll find it easy to achieve awards in that respective field. I think it’s a little sad that students my age don’t ask for help getting into these programs and instead just hate upon those who do get in.</p>
<p>I still don’t believe that you are telling a word of truth but if you are than I apologize. If this is a serious thread than those ec’s are pretty incredible and I have much respect. And about the innuendos… I don’t drink either (never have nor will)</p>
<p>NHHSS isn’t part of the Nobel Foundation- it’s relationship is that its founder is grand-nephew or somesuch. It charges dues and is reputed to be not as selective as its marketing suggests. If you know differently, let us know.
What’s missing on this slate is roll-up-your-sleeves work for others. It’s only showing how you pursue your own interests, those that benefit you, and your plans. A non-profit to donate isn’t the same. Lots of kids have the resources (financial and advisory) to pursue a slate of activities such as these- that’s different than balance, a little “real kid” stuff. Think about that.</p>
<p>I’m sorry if my quick description came across as being part of the nobel prize! I don’t really involve myself in it. It’s kind of an airhead community but I’m attending my first conference with them next week so I’ll let you know if it actually holds any value! Agree with you there! And thank you for the advice regarding the volunteer work. I’ve volunteered at a hospital but, naturally, nothing life-saving. I have some more time to look into other ideas :)</p>
<p>haha good for you! Alcoholism is a big problem where I live among teens.</p>
<p>Vol work at a hosp is good, the more significant the work, the better. But go work directly with the needy- and commit. Not the social stuff where you and friends have some fun on occasion and tally the hours. My rule of thumb is 3-parts: what you do to further your own interests and plans (what you have shown here.) What you do for your group (hs activities, your religious group or cultural identity, etc.) And, what you do for others (the community) simply becase the needs exists and you have the vision, compassion and energyy to do some real good.</p>
<p>But, also fit in some fun. Colleges like to know they’re getting kids who can be a great part of campus life. MITChris has some good posts about that.</p>
<p>Unfortunately at my high school alcohol is the least of our problems 
, but there are good kids who help the school maintain a fairly competitive status.</p>