OK so here is the deal. I know there is no sure way into the Ivy League and that a lot of smart people are turned away. I’m just looking for ideas to increase my chances of getting in with stuff I can work on now. I am a freshman at a small high school in CA, that only offers 4 AP classes: APWH, APUSH, AP English Lit and AP English Language. I Intend to self-study the rest of the AP social studies courses over my high school years, since that’s where my interests lie. I am not at all worried about grades or tests because I love school and learning and I have never had trouble in that area. Here is my first question. #1. Do the Admissions office take in account that I don’t have any chance to take more difficult classes like these? #2 I have read that Ivy League schools like when you have accomplished something important, but all their examples were in STEM study areas where as I love Social studies. Can Liberal arts people make an accomplishment without resources (Money)? I have also read that what you do in the summer is important, #3. Is this true, and #4. Again what can I do, when I have no money and there are no job’s or internships, ( Trust me, I look everyday) and THE only college in the county does not offer summer courses? My glimmer of hope is that I am in the semi-finals for an NSLI-Y scholarship ( Critical Language study abroad program in Turkey) for this summer. My next question has to do with extracurricular’s, which again I hear are important and again, not a lot of opportunity to shine at my school. I am not a music or sports person, so again, my mind went back to academics, and I plan to start an AP club, for people to group study AP’s that are not covered at my school, and also theater, for its another passion. #5 does starting a club count for anything? ( And I not doing this just to look good on an application, its something I want to do) OK I know I am laying a lot on you guys, just got a one more. #6 Do you guys have any idea of where else I can go to ask questions, because I cant talk to my college counselor, because she is against going to 4 year colleges. REALLY!?. So these are my many and main challenging questions and would appreciate any insight or answers to these questions.
Thanks!
PS: After writing this I realize this is why mainly rich people do this. I’m out-sourced unless I’m a genius!
Yes, they take into account what your school offers.
I’m wondering what your sources are for this info. At your stage, really read up on what the colleges themselves say.
No, starting a high school club doesn’t carry weight, few kids transform that into something meaningful. Get involved with theater, do some solid community service (that helps people directly) or volunteer with some program, discover your own interests and how you can challenge yourself besides academics. What distinguishes some kids from others isn’t the glossy, it can be the quality of the ordinary, ongoing steps. Start with something now and re-evaluate next spring.