I’m a sophomore, but at the moment, I have:
Freshman: 4.0 GPA
Sophomore (so far): 3.7 GPA
Extracurriculars:
-Cross country (1 season)
SAT IIs:
Biology: 800
I’m aiming for MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, Johns Hopkins. Probably to study computer science or biology.
I live on the East Coast US and attend a competitive public high school.
I’m really trying to turn sophomore year around and up-trend, but what’s really bothering me is my lack of extracurriculars. Considering I do the following, would I have any opportunities?
Trying to:
-Raise my GPA to 4.0 this year.
-Going to join the school newspaper for the next 2 and a half years.
-Join an athletics club.
-Tutor at a local prep school.
-Help launch a startup.
In addition, would colleges care if I have a blog? It might not be hugely popular, but I blog about things like books, films, music (reviews), as well as things like environmental problems, and my views on the world as an American high schooler? Would that even be seen on a resume?
Thanks!
Well, let’s consider a few things:
You’re still a sophomore but you already scored an 800 on the SAT II Biology test which in my eyes is pretty good. However, the colleges you are applying to will have applicants who have achieved something equally or much more important and impressive.
Now as far as your GPA goal, that’s a good goal. I must also say, as of now you need to pick up that GPA as soon as possible. Most applicants for MIT, Standford, Harvard, etc have 4.0 unweighted GPA with a 2400/36.
I think your EC’s are a good start but nothing special in the eyes of the elite colleges. Your goals are a little scattered as well. To answer your blog question, do it if you enjoy it. In the long run, if you enjoy what you do, you will make progress in it and in turn it may or may not be a great achievement or extracurricular. It all depends on you.
Realistically, you are still too young to chance however, you already have the “worry” factor in you so that’s somewhat good. Just study hard and do things. Yes, anything.
Good luck!
A blog can be nice if it’s something you like, but literally anyone can make a blog. It’s not unique, as far as extracurriculars go. But don’t let that stop you from doing it.
start looking elsewhere you will have little to no shot
@DefineGravity: Thank you! Your advice is really helpful. But, does everyone have a 2400/36 at this point? I hardly know anyone with those scores. And what kind of ECs are elite colleges really looking for? I’m a little new at this.
@bodangles: What kind of extracurriculars are really unique? Just wondering.
Just pick an EC that you are passionate about…if there isn’t one at your school, find one in the community! If you like blogging, and writing in general, that might be something to look into. Perhaps you can enter some contests or writing groups.