<p>Hi, I am a sophomore in high school. I am an NC resident, so my chances at Duke are slightly higher. I took Algebra 1 as an 8th grader. I have enrolled in Honors level courses in the following: English 1, Communications, Earth and Environmental Science, Algebra 2, and Geometry as a freshman. I took the following regular level classes as a freshman: Vocal Music 3, Physical Health, and Physical Science. (These are not offered as Honors.) As a sophomore I have completed honors level courses in the following: World Literature, World History, Chemistry, Biology, and French 1. I am currently taking Honors courses in French 2, Physics, and Discrete Mathematics. I have a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.7 weighted. I participate in 10 clubs, church activities, and volunteer at various organization. I have about 50 hrs. of service. I am secretary of the Interact club and treasurer of the International Club. (Although, I am not international.) I am a caucasian, male student. I hope to pursue all 5 AP courses my school offers and continue in the rigorous honors program. I haven't taken the SAT since my freshman year. I scored 590 in reading, 680 in math, and 560 in writing. These should increase significantly. I also plan to take SAT Subject Tests in Biology, Chemistry, Math, and French without Listening. I plan to enter a Chemistry major along with a Math minor and pursue a career as an orthodontist. I know that my two top choices for college, Harvard and Duke, are not my only options. I would just like to know what you think my chances are so far? Also, when you respond, please tell me if you are a HS student, college student, applicant to one or both of these schools, guidance counselor, or parent. All feedback is appreciated.</p>
<p>I’m a parent, but the reason I am looking at this is because I’m also an SAT tutor part time. I’m not really sure about your chances, everybody posting on this place seem like excellent students, it certainly wasn’t this tough when I was applying to school. You’d have been a shoe in back in the olden days.</p>
<p>But I guess I don’t understand your course schedule. You’re a sophmore, right? Aren’t chemistry and biology year-long courses? Did you complete them in one semester? And now you are taking Physics, starting in the second semester. It’s a little confusing, but pretty good.</p>
<p>At the moment, you would have a hard time getting into those schools. Your SATs are way too low for a school like Harvard. Also, your ECs sound like a laundry list (“10 clubs”). Its not about how many things you do, its about being passionate about what you do.</p>