That Kid

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm that kid that everyone assumes is valedictorian but coasts along in the top 5%. Anyone else share this situation?</p>

<p>Here's the thing: I have regional awards in three separate fields, national recognition in two, have had my creative writing reputably published, run two clubs and a small writing-and-guitar camp jointly with my brother and live a fulfilling private life (with a beautiful girlfriend, though that can't go on an app), having taught myself a language to near-fluency and being a dedicated practitioner of a martial art. I've gotten 5's on all my AP's, got a 240 on the PSAT last year and hope to repeat the feat for the real thing. I've always taken the hardest courseload out of anyone in my class, all the while maintaining lead roles in every play I've been in.</p>

<p>I'll be able to pull into the Top 10, but that's about it considering my freshman grades. So, what will the top-tier schools think of me? Have I screwed myself? I really feel like I've let myself down.</p>

2

<p>you seem to be perfect. I wouldn't worry about it</p>

3

<p>You don't have to be a valedictorian to get into top-tier schools. Really. I was near the bottom of the top 10% in my high school class. I got into MIT, JHU, U of Chicago, Rice, Duke, Vanderbilt, and NYU.</p>

<p>Lots of non-valedictorians get in. Lots of valedictorians get rejected. It depends on the rest of your application. And it sounds like the rest of your application is pretty good. :)</p>

4

<p>Wow, MIT? Truly impressive. We should talk, haha.</p>

5

<p>You know what might be more important than an Ivy? The fact that you're really happy..
NO ONE IS A SHOE IN FOR IVIES... There is really nothing you can do to be comfortable with Ivy admission unless your parents have ten mil they don't mind donating.
However, you seem to be doing everything right and are well within the range of who they consider.
Chill.</p>