Hello! I am a rising sophomore hoping to apply to the North Carolina School of Science and Math next year. My absolute favorite subjects are sciences and maths, and I currently feel that my school is not providing enough stimulation throughout the day (too easy), and I was hoping to get some tips if I wanted to get in. I moved to North Carolina this August from Belgium so I’m not too familiar with what’s offered around here so I’ve turned to the place that’s never failed me before — the internet!
Let’s get started, then… I’m currently attending Western Alamance High School (unfamiliar with district codes so the school name will have to do…) and have taken these courses throughout the year:
Intro to Computer Science (98%)
Biology I Honors (95%)
English I Honors (96%)
Horticulture I Honors (100%)
NC Math III Honors (90%)
Health/PE (95%)
Chemistry I Honors (94%)
Civics & Economics Honors (92%)
I am currently in the extracurricular groups of the FFA and the female a capella group of my school.
In the past I have been head of the STEM club (there were no roles but I have been a main helper to the one in charge), part of the school’s band, and part of the Math Counts math competition group.
I play rather advanced piano (just finished learning Chopin’s Valse op. 64 no. 2, currently moving on to Beethoven’s moonlight sonata movement 3) and have been taught Clarinet in the beginning & intermediate band. I have recently inherited a banjo and piano accordion and am currently trying to self-teach myself this.
I am looking for some activity to do over the summer, but have been thinking about sending a letter to LabCorp to see if I can get a spot for internship. As I said, I am recently moved and do not know the area very well or what programs are offered for extracurricular, volunteer work, or just any summer activities that might boost my resume.
Back in Belgium I went to a week-long space camp hosted by the European Space Agency (I have a slight interest in this).
I have also been to a week-long leadership seminar held in Germany where I was selected to represent my school.
I do not remember my exact PSAT score from this year but I do know it was relatively low. At least above 1200 but do not know exact, unfortunately (still at least above average from the school, if that helps any!).
I am also taking a course with the local community college (ACC) for Aquaculture and Aquaponics, as I have always been interested in how agriculture ties into science.
I have a VERY strong interest in the medical field. One of my sisters has a terminal neurological disease that doctors do not know (they believe it is a previously unknown string of Leukodystrophy) and I have been very interested in Genetics, Neurology, and Biotechnology ever since learning about her disease.
I also own and raise my own small flock of chickens, no help from even my parents involved! I have always loved animals… not sure if this counts for anything but if it does I might as well.
If anyone has any tips that can boost my resume it would help a lot! I really don’t know who to turn to where I am at the moment, and if anyone has any tips or suggestions, no matter extreme or minuscule, please post them here! If you absolutely believe I do not have a shot at this school please tell me as well! I would love some feedback from people experienced in application processes and everything related. Thank you all very much!
If I remember any other qualifications or ‘unique’ qualities in myself I will post them I the comments below.