<p>Please keep in mind that this thread is about Ivy level schools, so please give me advice based on those high high standards. Also, feel free to be totally harsh.
1. I want to know of my EC's are competitive. Let's not even worry about other things. I just want to know if my EC's are above, at, or totally below those of the applicant pool to Ivy/Ivy-level schools. They are:
School Cabinet-this is the highest leadership position in my school. There is the President, but at my school, he is considered to be just another position of the Cabinet.
Academic Team. I've been in it since my sophomore year. I've played varsity since last year. I am the varsity captain this year. Our school has annual competition among team members and I got second place last year. I hope to and plan to win this year. I've also gone to every single tournament since I joined (I'm the only team member to have done so). Also it counts as being our school's History Bowl team because it is considered by most schools to be a separate event from Academic Team.
Math Club-I've been in it since Frosh. Of the three officers we have right now, I'm the Historian.
I've competed in local math competitions since Frosh. When I was a sophomore, I won our school's math contest level 9-10. Last year, I ousted the seniors and won 11-12. Even if I win this year, though, it won't make a difference because it's in April, but it is a thought.
I've competed in science olympiad in 9&10. I was invited last year, but I had Music Festival on the day, so I couldn't go. I plan to do it this year.
I will compete in Science Knowledge bowl this year.
I've been in NHS for 3 years.
I also play violin, piano, and drums.
I've taken violin lessons for 6-5 years and piano for 5-6 years. I play violin in my schools adv orchestra and am a member in our town's Youth Symphony. I had the honor of playing at Carnegie Hall with them last summer (a possible hook?). Piano is more of a hobby. I play drums at my church.
Is this competitive, or am I way down there compared to other applicants.
2. This is about choosing majors. I am completely ambidextrous (for the lack of better words) in majors. I really like and excel in both Biology/science and history/humanity/philosophy. I really couldn't care less about what I do, so there is absolutely no bias. Also, it is to my understanding that you can change majors in college if you want to. At the current situation, the deciding factor for choosing a major (premed vs. history/humanity) is which one would increase my chances at the most competitive schools. What should I choose. And is this underhanded?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Your EC list is definitely up there with the rest of the ivy league caliber applicants. Don't worry about this too much. Just make sure that you properly represent your interests in your essay. </p></li>
<li><p>Not knowing exactly what subject you want to major in could be a slight problem. I'd suggest with taking a major that reflects your interest for one specific thing; from your EC's, the major that makes the most sense would be to major in science (you've been in Science Olympiad, going to be in Science Knowledge Bowl etc.) or math (your involvement in math club, math competitions etc). Now, if you chose a more random major like business, that might not be a very good reflection of your interests shown through your EC's. Adcoms could assume that you are a wishy-washy person who can't make up your mind about anything. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Lastly, it is certainly not underhanded to choose the major that makes the most sense to you (when looking at the competition). If you are Asian, declaring pre-med might not be the way to go, as you might be stuck in a stereotype. History/humanity might be a better choice if that is the case. However, it doesn't really matter; if anything, stick with the general college's arts/sciences majors if you want to switch around later.</p>
<p>Thanks. It's good to know that I'm not as far behind in terms of EC as I thought I was.
I understand and agree with your point about how a major in history/humanity will be less representative of my interests. Does if change things if:
My specialty in Academic Team is history and I'm the leader of the history specialties.
I participated in Model UN, which is considered a social studies activity in my school.
I went to History Bowl, which is our only pure history event. I would definitely have gone to every single history event if they were available.
I've been told (I do not want to brag) by many people that I'm obviously the history teacher's favorite, and I myself know that I will get the most spectacular recs from my history teachers.
Of the 5 AP classes I'm taking, 4 are history/social studies.</p>
<p>Certainly. With your wide breadth of EC's, you can go into practically any field (history included) that still shows your passion(s)</p>
<p>
[quote]
This is about choosing majors. I am completely ambidextrous (for the lack of better words) in majors. I really like and excel in both Biology/science and history/humanity/philosophy. I really couldn't care less about what I do, so there is absolutely no bias. Also, it is to my understanding that you can change majors in college if you want to. At the current situation, the deciding factor for choosing a major (premed vs. history/humanity) is which one would increase my chances at the most competitive schools. What should I choose. And is this underhanded?
[/quote]
Why not put down both? I had similar interests and mentioned both majors.</p>