Planning for the Future

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Well, its always been a dream of mine to go to a big-name college. I know that the name isn't everything, and that sometimes small universities are better and such, but I'd still like to give it my all and try to get in to one of these hyper-competitive universities. Right now, I have completed freshman year, heading into sophomore year, and I'd like some advice and feedback.</p>

<p>Last year I qualified for the AIME with a 126 AMC10 score and got a 5 on it. I have done a lot of work on that and have improved to about 120 on the AMC12 and a 9 on the AIME on average, so I think I'll be able to qualify for USAMO next year. </p>

<p>This is also my tenth year of doing Taekwondo. I will be testing for my 4th degree black belt in October.</p>

<p>I have a Level 10 (Highest possible) Certificate of Merit from the Music Teachers Association of California for Piano Performance and Theory.</p>

<p>Last year I competed in the National Science Olympiad and won a 3rd place medal in Division B. I will likely be moving on to Division C next year and hopefully will be able to compete at a national level again.</p>

<p>One thing I was thinking of to improve would be to study and try to qualify for USAPHO semifinals over the next 1 or 2 years. Also, I know I should probably get involved in more school clubs (I was in the math club but didnt have a position or anything) Anyway, I'd like to hear what you have to say...</p>

2

<p>There really isn’t much to say except do what you love. You want depth not breadth. Also, I’m very skeptical at that 4th degree black belt because taekwando is notorious now for being franchised and for profit. Anybody who has any money can now be a black belt in taekwando since the philosophy has been replaced my the monetary gain.</p>

3

<p>I also scored a 227 on PSAT and an 800 on SAT Math II, but I haven’t taken the SAT 1 or a second subject test yet. I scored a 5 on AP Calc AB, and I will have full IB schedule in 11th and 12th grade. I’m taking calc BC next year, and I’m expecting to score a 5 on that too since I’m already familiar with most of the concepts and still have a year to prepare. I’m also self-studying AP Stat and am planning to take that next year as well.</p>

4

<p>@oberyn thats such a true comment about the taekwondo thing. very unfortunate. i think only competition awards or some truly deep story will substantiate your fourth degree, sorry to say. i know too many first degree black belts in this country who are just worthless athletes and martial artists</p>

<p>actually though, keep in mind that the whole money thin about taekwondo occurs in the us :stuck_out_tongue: black belts from countries in asia are legit beyond legit</p>

5

<p>Qualified for AIME after 9th grade? Impressive. Why not contact some math professors at some nearby universities and see if you can volunteer for some research projects?</p>