Hey guys do you know what would be considered a “strong” candidate for the Pearson full ride scholarship and if I have a decent shot at getting it?
Demographics: Asian male. Currently a senior in a Texas high school.
Major: Political science
Academics: SAT (post March 2016): 700 math 790 English, class rank: 98/367, GPA: 3.65 weighted and 3.516 unweighted. I will take the SAT Subject Biology and Math test in December.
Courses: Virtually all my early classes were honor courses except for English. Took/will take AP US History, Physics, and Biology. AP scores aren’t so hot; the highest anyone got in our school for APUSH was a 3 if that tells you how much AP specific prep they give. I have 19 credit hours with a community college and I anticipate about 7 more by the time I graduate.
ECs:
•Speech and debate.
•Model UN – President and Founding member.
•Choir – All Region choir since 7th grade.
•Used to be a cashier.
•UIL Current Events – Team Captain.
•Science Bowl.
Awards/distinctions:
•NSDA (National Speech and Debate Association) Academic All American.
•NSDA Honor Society member: Outstanding Distinction Merit.
•NSDA National Tournament Qualifier.
•Recognition from the congressionally established Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership for having been elected Presiding Officer at the National tournament.
•Qualified for state level competition in speech/debate about 7 times since sophomore year.
•State finalist in Congressional Debate.
•Placed 2nd at state in a prestigious civics competition sponsored by the State Bar of Texas.
Essays: I’ve had a few of my teachers review some of my essays and they say they definitely show positive character growth, ambition, and a strong passion for politics.