Hello, everyone! I’m currently a sophomore who plans on applying to NCSSM later this year. I am a VERY involved member our of school’s band (symphonic band, wind ensemble, jazz band, also made county band 3 years in a row, and district/regional 2 years.) I’m also currently employed, limiting my availability to join clubs once school starts. My question is: will NCSSM look down on me for having less clubs, but being super involved with band, working, and school work? (taking all honors courses, I’m also 2 years/classes of math ahead of my fellow classmates, and I plan on taking an online 5th period, and potentially volunteering at my local community theater)
Your ECs will be fine I am sure. Just be sure to work on the other parts of your application like SAT, leadership, recs, etc. Good luck, my son will apply this year also.
Depends, are they looking for a member of marching band? 
But really, I’m not sure how selective NCSSM. I would say that they would actually like to see a student who’s so involved outside of school. I would probably repeat what yearstogo said: focus on everything else, you’ll probably be fine.
From what I understand, selectivity is highly dependent on the congressional district you live in during your sophomore year. If you are from Wake/Mecklenburg the selectivity is very high, outside those CDs and it is not too bad. Good luck!
I’m in congressional district 11. I’m unable to find much information on how competitive CD 11 is, I do know that my high school is not as academically competitive as others, even those in the same county.
I believe CD 11 is one of the districts that does not have that many applicants so it will not be as competitive as some of the other districts and this should really work to your advantage. Maybe you can ask your GC about other kids from your HS that have attended NCSSM to see how you might compare. Be sure to take the SAT and you want to have a much higher score than what is avg for your HS. Start the essays early and be sure to talk about why you need NCSSM.
My school has recently converted to the ACT, stressing ACT prep, and making all students take it. However, my school’s average ACT is a mere 18.7, which (using a converter) is in the 940-970 range. (It’s this low because a majority of students don’t care when they take the test, and don’t care about their score.) A practice SAT I took gave me a score of 1190, I’m hoping with more practice I can consistently receive a 1250 or higher.
There’s also an opportunity that’s available specifically for students in my county, it’s an early college. I’m wondering if you might have any insight on whether or not this could potentially be a good fit if NCSSM doesn’t work out. (Majority of students who attend are low-income, and get their associate’s tuition free, are able to go to any public university, with all their credits transferable.)
I do not know anything about that opportunity but from what you describe, it sounds like it could be a fantastic opportunity. It would be great to already have your associates. Apply to NCSSM and see how it goes, if it works out decide between the two. It sounds like you have two potentially wonderful options. Good luck!!
Also don’t just list: Band
but symphonic band, wind ensemble, jazz band, county band 3 years in a row, and district/regional 2 years.