I’ll start by saying I’m a really smart kid. Also, I’m hard-working. Not trying to brag, but I’m just saying that I think I can make it as long as I am on the right path. Here are the main ECs I am considering:
Research (I am in a mentor ship program through a very large, research oriented state school. Unfortunately I live 1.5 how would physical research there work?) this would include participating in ISEF
Coding club (president
Jazz Band (through school)
Jazz band (through local youth organization
Math Club (hoping for some officer position, only happens once a month)
I self study math about 5-7 hours a week, making USAMO is going to be something I am counting on (at least AIME, however my iq is genius level, so it shouldn’t be extremely difficult).
I’m also going to start coding more, I have some projects on the side. Also want to self study competitive programming and participate in USACO
Piano lessons. Ive only been playing for 3 years, but I’d say I’m really good and I practice 2-3 hours a day. I’m planning on competing and getting certification through ABSRM.
Piano for choir (accompaniment).
Peer tutoring (math).
Marching band
Intended major: CS perhaps with a minor in math or piano.
Please tell me if this is a good list, as well as other recommendations/advice.
Hmmm. These types of statements are always going to lead to skepticism.
If you’re a genius, please provide context. A good list for what exactly? Are you talking about HYPSM and the like? As a rising freshman, you have PLENTY of time to figure out what these colleges look for in their applicants. Hint: it isn’t a laundry list of EC’s.
Don’t worry about college admissions, please. Just follow your interests and talents naturally.
The fact that you are already listing EC’s as if you are applying to college is worrying. Live in the moment while you can. Enjoy high school and whatever challenges you find. Be a good friend, a work with others, try to be helpful to the community. All good stuff for high school.
What do you play in the jazz band and marching band, and why? I don’t think they have pianos in marching bands, but my kids play violin and ukulele so I’m not super familiar with marching bands. Are you playing this much piano because you love it, or because you think it will be impressive? If it isn’t related to your intended major, you should only do it as an EC because you love it. My D23 has been playing violing since she was four years old - but because she asked for the lessons and put in the minimum amount of practice time to demonstrate that she liked it. She doesn’t care what chair she is in within her school orchestra (likes the commaraderie but not really the music), and her private lessons are all about playing contemporary pieces she loves that she never gets to play in the orchestra (hello Lindsey Stirling). This won’t factor in as a good EC except that it shows long-term committment and some passion in an outside activity. She’s also interested in CS, but I don’t think having her spend 2 hours a day playing the violin to reach a competitive level or become first chair is going to improve her chances much. I don’t have a kid in college yet, but I’ve seen a bunch of posts on CC about trying to do completely unrelated major/minor combos and they aren’t recommended - you won’t have any overlap in classes for CS and music so you’d probably have to add another year (at which point you’re wasting a year of time/money that might be invested better by getting a job and picking up skills/experience in your field or working on an advanced degree). Why would you want the minor in music? Are you thinking of trying to work for a company that produces music-industry software? In that case it might make sense.
If you are as smart as you tell us, you will read this post from an MIT admissions person (post is old, but he is still there, and when he pops up on CC from time to time he affirms the validity of the post:
got a certified iq test with 140 iq. I can send the documentation by a real psychologist. I said this to provide context. Ok it sounded dumb. Whatever.
You could cure cancer and still have only a 5% chance of getting into Ivies. Ability to pay will be a huge factor.
Do ECs that interest you. In admissions essays you can discuss how they have helped you grow as a person and how they may relate to the college and your major.
oh yeah i should have clarified. I play piano in jazz band. For marching band, I’m going to switch to piano next year but I play percussion in concert band, so I wanted to get some more experience with drums (there is no piano in concert band).
I want a minor in music cause I love it so freaking much. I do not want to pursue it as a career (maybe on the side?) cause it makes jack ■■■■ in money.
Never share identifying information with anyone online.
Your IQ score isn’t relevant in college admissions and no admissions officer will care or ask about it. Probably the majority of students who get into HYPSM are not geniuses. Common sense and good work ethic are probably more desirable qualities.
Your “list” of EC’s, some of which it seems are not things you actually do yet, is very standard among applicants to those schools. As of yet, you aren’t even in high school. You have no grades or teacher relationships. The proposed ECs you mentioned will be good for many colleges.
I blocked out the names. Ok yeah I’m making a real fool of myself here. I’m just really really nervous. I just feel anxious and want to be successful. All right.
You’re not even in high school. Do you think you’ll be able to maintain feeling nervous for the next 3.5 years? If you want to keep hair on your head and actually enjoy your high school years, instead of turning into a stressed out basket case, you need to relax. We don’t want to see a post from you in a few years titled something like “I didn’t get in anywhere.”
Stop right now with thinking of dream schools and that you must get into HYPSM. Discover what matters to you. Make friends. Engage yourself in your classes. Enjoy yourself. None of that means you don’t have to work hard and it doesn’t mean you won’t get into a great college.
Don’t post your personal information. As a person with a genius level IQ, I’m sure you are aware that posting “personal” information on any internet site is not a good idea.
As for your testing, I’ve interpreted thousands of IQ tests in my career.
I’ve also had many students, with similar results as yours who have had accompanying medical and psychological diagnoses.
Some students were excellent in academics, but were delayed in social skills, interaction or just plain common sense.
It’s not the greatest idea to say that you have a high IQ and are genius level based on a single test in one sitting. Also wouldn’t a genius level IQ figure out:
Miles, hours, days?
I know a former student who tested at high IQ levels but wasn’t interested in an academic education, but he could/can take apart and rebuild any engine without a manual. His social skills are excellent and he’s making a great living at doing what he loves.
Point: the colleges want students who want to be part of their university; they seek students who will be part of their family.
They don’t need students who will brazenly note their superiority to others. That’s not playing nice.
You’re a freshman and are on this site. That’s very telling. You should be “playing with friends”, and having a great summer.
I meant hours. Also yes, it was stupid of me to put that up, but I blocked out the names. And yes I am aware the deviations that can occur in IQ, especially in kids. I’m just insecure so I fall back on that. You’re right.
If piano is your passion, keep at it. Become really good, participate in several ensembles, find ways to make your talent useful to others.
Use freshman year to figure out what you like. Try many different things. Make sure to include things that arent competitive, just fun with friends (or fun for you).
Sophomore year, you can start to narrow it down. But freshman year : explore. Try new things.
Also: read.
Academically, make sure to take a class in each core subject (English, foreign language, history/social science, science, math).
Never compromise on sleep. 9h30 a night set aside to keep your brain a smooth engine.
Try and find how to be a hs superstar by Cal Newport.
