what kind of colleges should I consider applying for? (should I go selective colleges?)

College Search & Selection
1

I’m a high school junior and I guess I’ll just get straight to the point and post my stats. :slight_smile:

-4.0 gpa. Sadly, my school only offers 3 AP classes all of which I will be taking my senior year.

  • 32 ACT (when I retake though I’m projected for a 34).
  • Class secretary (3 yrs)
    -Vice president (senior year)
    -cross country (4 yrs, girl’s team advanced to state one year, making me a varsity athlete.)
    -WYSE
    -scholar bowl (jv captain)
    -pep club (4 yrs)

    -SADD
    -I’ve also taken voice lessons for about 4-5 years
    -spanish club (co-pres)
    -I volunteer at the daycare I grew up going to because I genuinely enjoy it. I also have a lot of volunteer odd jobs such as gardening, teaching swim lessons (I was on the swim team for eight years), dog sitting, etc.
    -I was part of an art program at the contemporary art museum in the city closest to me (it’s still quite far away however) for 2 semesters, which translates to 24 weeks. Our instructor was actually a professor at a highly selective college and the museum is held in high regard, we had to apply and be accepted. I ended up quitting only because I got a job waitressing, which I worked full time in the summer and part time during the school year. I also have a second job filing paperwork at an optometry practice.
    -I’m in theatre at my school. My freshman year I was a featured role, stage crew sophomore year, and then my junior year I scored the female lead!
    -So, I have a lot of art-related things because that was also something I was naturally good at. However, I have a passion for biology and genetics that actually ties into my life. A couple of years ago my grandmother was diagnosed with severe Alzheimer’s. She became a completely different person and was very violent. That was an extremely hard time in my life. Anyways, my intention is NOT to make that a sob story and that’s the exact opposite of what I want. I want to tie in how I’m extremely passionate about biology and genetics and how what happened with my grandmother inspires me to try and prevent, treat, or just learn more about disorders like that through genetics and/or genetic testing.
    -ONE LAST THING (I promise lol) I live in a very rural area with very limited opportunities, just something to keep in mind.
2

You will not be penalized for your school’s curriculum. You took the most rigorous courses available to you and that’s what admission committees look for. You should have a combination of safety, match, and reach schools on your list…as everyone should :). Start thinking about if you want large vs small campuses, private vs public, geographic location, and finances.