<p>So as I'm gearing up to start applying for colleges this summer, I'm curious to see what truly are the weak points of my application that I can improve on, and what I don't need to worry about. I've heard varying stats/opinions around the college confidential boards, and I just want to know what I can do to make my application as strong as possible at this point. I don't mean to make this a chance me thread, all though it may seem like one. Here are my stats/ecs:
Stats:
GPA: 94-95 uw (competitive public high school doesn't rank, junior year grades all A/A-)
APs taken: Euro (5), Bio, Econ, Lang, US
SAT I: cr/m/w: 710/770/800 (I plan to take the ACT in September)
SAT II: math iic/bio/us: 760/730/730 (plan to retake mathii and take lit in October)
ECs
-Regional DECA President, Varsity Tennis Team Captain, Model UN Chair/Officer, Mock Trial Captain, Saxophone (6yrs), Sitar (Indian instrument) 5 yrs, Fed Reserve Challenge Team
Awards
-National DECA Finalist, 3x NYS DECA Winner, Outstanding Model UN Delegate, Williams College Book Award, National Spanish Exam Silver Medal, Varsity Tennis Scholar Athlete, PCSD Business Incentive Award, NY Business and Marketing Honors Society
-will likely get NMSF (229 score)
Intern/Volunteering
-Currently interning at NY Senator Chuck Schumer's office
-Interned with Family Law Attorney
-150+Hours working on Youth Court, childrens camps, non-profits etc.
-I don't have a job yet but am applying for several</p>
<p>So I'm going to apply to HYPS, which are huge reaches, and I'm also applying to Wharton-Upenn (ED), Dartmouth, Columbia, UChicago, Cornell-ILR, NYU-Stern, U of Rochester (local), and some SUNY schools. Essays aside, with so many reaches on my list, what can I improve on my application (scores wise) to give me the best shot at these schools, and which aspects are fine as is? I would appreciate any opinions/responses :)</p>
<p>There’s not much you can do midsummer before your senior year for college applications. I would just advise you to start your applications and essays now. Starting them and perfecting them would be much better for your application compared to starting a new EC or anything like that.</p>
<p>Your SATs are fine.
I’d recommend you raise your Math II to 800 if you want to make Wharton. </p>
<p>You are applying from an incredibly competitive pool-Indians from the mid Atlantic and Indian students from all over the Country. Your stats put you in the running for top schools if your rank is good (colleges will know where you rank from any school whether or not they officially rank), but it will be all about differientating yourself from all of the competition with the same or better stats.</p>
<p>You’re looking very good. Your EC’s are top-notch, I think those are the strongest points of your app and what will put you on top. I can really feel the dedication you have in the political field. However, you might want to leave out the instrumentals part, as it seems kind of random (unless it is a cultural edge you are going to use or you’ve done concerts). Also you’re tennis captain, and sports is a big plus. I also like the diversity of positions in your clubs, not only president and captain, but also an officer position (many people fail to realize that it’s actually a benefit have a diversity of positions rather than being president of everything – it shows more of your abilities).</p>
<p>Grades are great as well, I wouldn’t fret over the SAT, it’s not going to pull you down at all and I doubt even 50 pts higher would give you much of an advantage. Like els said, you might want to take Math 2 again like you said, but if that doesn’t work out just take lit and submit the lit instead of the math if you do better. That’s my plan ahaha. Good luck, though I don’t think you’ll need it.</p>
<p>EDIT: also agreeing with elas, I say you refine your app and continue your EC’s rather than starting a job or something. You have plenty of EC’s now, there’s no need to start anything else.</p>