<p>Hi all, I am currently a sophomore enrolled at a "prestigious" New Jersey private school (the only reason I put that or any of the other material that may be considered arrogant into this post is so that you get a better image of who I am and what I do in order to more usefully help me). Anyways, I have an "A" average (at a school where an "A" is a 94-96%) while taking a challenging course load. Since my school does not allow AP's before junior year, I have not taken any. But having made my course selections for next year I can give them as an indicator of the strength of my classes. Next year I will take AP US History, English (with the option of sitting the AP and the end of the year), Analysis, Honors Physics, AP Spanish 5, AP Macro and Micro Economics, and AP Computer Science. So I will sit 5 or 6 AP tests. I will also be the captain of Cross Country and Track and Field at my school, as well as the President of two business clubs (both junior and senior years). My strongest "wildcard" is my running. I am a very competitive runner on the state level with hopes of being recognized to an "all state" team. By the time I am sending in applications I will probably draw attention from a wide range of D1 coaches. I also do my community service, by organizing a charity run every year. </p>
<pre><code> So that is basically me in a nutshell, but the question for you all is: By looking at the above, what recommendations would you make? Are there summer programs I should take (I am looking for a summer internship as I post)? Am I weak in any aspects (extra curricular etc.)? Or any other objective criticism that you might have will help.
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<p>You sound like a strong candidate with a plan. Good for you.</p>
<p>Thanks a bunch,</p>
<p>-Dan</p>
<p>P.S., I tried to make my post sound as impersonal as your's, but I had a hard time! </p>
<p>Life isn't a game of chess, and you are only a small fraction of your stats. Like I said before, you have strong stats and ECs, but what are you interested in? What are your passions? What do you want to do in the future besides 'business'? People of your caliber apply all the time to prestigious, highly selective schools and are turned down because they don't stand out. If anything, my advice for you is to continue as you're doing academically, but also diversify yourself in ways that show your passions in a tangible manner. "Should I take this class? But then won't this give colleges the wrong idea?" It seems to me like you're getting lost in the game far too early.</p>
<p>Rereading the first post it does sound impersonal. And that is probably because I was just trying to make it as concise as possible. But anyways, my passion is running, I spend a very large portion of my free time involved with it, even to the point where I am afraid there is no way colleges will understand how much effort I put into it, but I do it anyway because, well, I love it. </p>
<p>In response to what I would like to do in the future other then "business": I plan to run on the college cross country and track teams throughout my tenure and continue running as long as I can. Academically I am interested in computer science and economics (two classes that I cannot wait to take next year). </p>
<p>I hope that gives a little more insight into what I really am.</p>
<p>-Dan</p>
<p>Ps thanks for the response Cbf88, I think you hit the nail on the head on some points, part of my query in this thread was to find a way to express what I really enjoy doing in a way that colleges would appreciate. But I feel that another important part of the application process is trying some things that are out of my comfort zone, or my usual zone, in order to show colleges, but most importantly myself what I can do. </p>
<p>So the question is now twofold. First off, how do I show the colleges what I enjoy doing while making it seem worthwhile (running and the business clubs). Second of all, what are some things I can go out and do that will help me as a well rounded person and in the end help my college application?</p>
<p>you sound like a strong candidate for most schools. now -- a few items to consider:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Grades in your Junior year are very, very important. don't let anything get in the way of good grades -- don't start up any clubs, get a job or anything else unless you can maintain that GPA!</p></li>
<li><p>Test scores will make a difference -- but you have time. take the PSAT and the ACT and see how you do and make long-term plans to work on your weak areas. A little studying each week is better than three weeks of cramming. (and life will only get busier -- you won't really have time to cram). Keep in mind that some kids do better on the ACT and some do better on the SAT. They are both accepted equally at all schools -- so figure out which one you do better on and then ace it.</p></li>
<li><p>keep focus in you EC's and activities -- don't join a million clubs, sports, etc because you think it will look good. Colleges want depth and leadership, not a laundry list of clubs. Look at what you are currently involved in and see where you can lead or where you can pursue a passion or interest even more. </p></li>
<li><p>College like top athletes -- I don't know much about this, but find out how it works to be recruited. Stay in good shape and avoid injuries!</p></li>
<li><p>Finally -- colleges are also looking for kids who stand out. You can do this by pursuing a passion (running for you, maybe) but make sure that your resume doesn't have the same facts as every other track kid with good stats. Throw in something different -- organizing a running club for elementary school students, summer track camp for underpriviledged kids, a donate for shoes campaign, training with a top Olympic Athlete, running a marathon in Bolivia -- just something different that the admission officer will remember.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>In terms of running, do as the poster above said: stay sharp, avoid injury, and do your best to catch the eyes of recruiters.</p>
<p>For business, try to find an internship at a financial institution. Around here where I live, Washington Mutual has a summer internship program, and I'm sure there are such programs around your area as well. Your stats make you a strong competitor for these. </p>
<p>What do your business clubs do? There was a business club at my school last year, but all those guys did was eat donuts and watch movies at meetings. It was popular, but vapid. Being a club is sort of pointless unless you produce something substantial while in it, as anyone can create a club as long as they have some friends to sign a charter and a half baked idea. Perhaps you could offer the services of your business club to other clubs for fund raising?</p>
<p>When it comes to clubs, you're doing fine. If anything, I would do something that demonstrates leadership such as recognizing two business clubs as redundant and overall detrimental and accordingly, leading a merger between the two. This shows that you're interested in more than just the 'laundry list' of clubs.</p>
<p>Also, you said you organize a charity run every year. That's a good combination of your two interests. One thing colleges like seeing is improvement: try to set higher and higher goals each year in terms of donations. How well you can market and sell the donation is reflective of your determination, networking skills, etc. </p>
<p>edit: There was a senior last year in my high school who was accepted to Princeton. It certainly was not because of his stats, as Northwestern was his target school last time I spoke to him. However, he did start and maintain his own fairly successful commercial design company by selling his services and talents to local companies (Making business cards, logos, websites, etc). You could look into starting a small business based on what you're good at, but I would only do it if you can make it substantial, as colleges can smell ******** from a mile away.</p>