Thoughts on the Honors College (a disguised chances thread)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>Hey guys, just wondering if I'm up to par with the LSA honors college. I'll be applying mid-late September (our guidance department won't send out transcripts or anything before then).</p>

<p>So, here goes nothing.</p>

<p>female, in-state, looking to double major in biology and linguistics (know Spanish, some Italian, am learning Latin, and am going to get a job this fall to pay for online Swahili classes. I like languages.)</p>

<p>Academics:
GPA - uw: 3.99
GPA - w: 4.59
Class Rank: 1/185</p>

<p>Standardized Testing:
SAT I: 2300 (but I retook it for possible scholarships and b/c math was my lowest section, which is definitely not the way my brain works)
ACT: 35 (might be retaking it, too- again, math and science were my lowest. WEIRD.)
SAT II U.S. History: 740
SAT II Math Level 2 (IIC): 770
SAT II Biology - M: 740</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Debate [9-P]- State Quarterfinalist (10), State Qualifier (11), Erin Russell Most Valuable Debater Award (11), 1st Varsity Affirmative (9-11)
Quiz Bowl [9-P]- Captain (11), All Metro-Team (11- only non-senior and/or female), All-State Team (11- 4 players chosen statewide)
Math Team [10-P]- 1st place "Chalk Talk" on proofs and origins of the Pythagorean Theorem in State-wide competition (11)
Lacrosse [9-P]- Varsity Letter (9-11), Captain (11), First-team All-State (9), Best Midfielder Award (9-11), Consistently ranked in the top 5 regional lacrosse players preseason by our local newspaper
XC [9-P]- Captain (11), Most Improved Runner (10)</p>

<p>Volunteer/Service Work:
Working on establishing a "Science Saturday" program to introduce the at-risk children temporarily housed n a loval crisis center to scientific exploration. I've volunteered there quite a bit and now would really like to get this program up and running by the fall.</p>

<p>Honors and Awards:
Spanish Department Award of Excellence (10)
Academic Letter (10-11)
National Honors Society (11)
USABO Semifinalist (11)
Harvard Book Award (11)
Cum Laude (11)</p>

<p>Summers:
10- MMSS (U of M summer program for math and science)
11- Choir tour of Italy (sang for Pope Benedict at a high holy mass, had concerts in Assisi, Florence, and Rome)
12- Research at MSU. Commuting 2 hours round trip during the first 2 weeks of the summer then living on campus and participating in the HSHSP program. Definitely will be entering a paper into competitions this fall.</p>

<p>So, uh, yeah... what do you think? Anything I should emphasize? Work on? Should I just chill?</p>

<p>I really hate this college admissions stuff... way too stressful.</p>

2

<p>Sorry, classes would probably help.</p>

<p>AP
10- Bio (5), Spanish Language (4- no class formally offered at my school)
11- US History, Chemistry, English Language
12- Calc BC, Economics, Gov (self-study b/c I can't fit the class in my schedule), English Literature</p>

3

<p>Why are you even asking? You're an obvious shoe-in.</p>

4

<p>Taking a 2300 SAT and 35 ACT again? </p>

<p>You didn't ask, but that's not what I would advise. Go to the beach or something.</p>

<p>And I speak from experience because my son has those exact scores on his one and only sitting and got plenty of merit scholarship money. Also, he's in Michigan Honors Program.</p>

5

<p>OK, thanks to both of you.</p>

<p>I've already retaken the SAT just because I'm also applying to MIT and Princeton and such and want to bring up my math subscore. Depending how that turns out, I might not retake the ACT. Thanks for the personal anecdote, SBDad- that makes me feel a lot better.</p>

<p>Thanks again, guys.</p>

6

<p>You are in to Honors. Personally, I don't think very much of the Honors Program. I made it through two semesters and am simply opting out now by not taking the required two honors classes this fall semester. Seeing as how I will also be transferring out of LSA in December, there's no point for me to take it any further.</p>

7

<p>ducktape, Princeton does not look at ACTs, so retaking it just for MIT would make little sense. Focus on your GPA, your ECs and essays instead. That's what will get you into a school like MIT or Princeton...well, that and a whole lot of luck! But as far as Michigan goes, your chances are very good, even at the honors college. A MErit scholarship is also likely, but apply before November to be seriously considered.</p>