I’m currently a sophomore in high school and was wondering what I can do to put myself out there and compete in competitions. I’ve repeatedly seen a plentiful amount of people in the Chance Me forum listing an incredible amount of ECs. Other than the typical Model UN or volunteer at the hospital type kid, I’ve seen people partake in research and have been invited to do so at universities as well as be apart of invitational competitions. How exactly can I be apart of this? I know you should good grades obviously, but sadly my freshman year and the second semester of my sophomore year didn’t look so hot. As far as how I’m doing now I’m getting straight As in all my classes, but worried if this will effect my chances of participating in research or any other sorts. Other than that I really enjoy chemistry and plan on taking AP my junior year and even plan on taking a few summer classes to skip pre-calc my junior year and jump right ahead to Calc BC to show colleges how much I’ve improved and to obviously skip pre-calc and get ahead of the game. I’m a pretty good coder as well considering I can code in python, java, and a little bit of C++. I plan on volunteering at a hospital my junior year and joining the debate team since I’ve been told I am a very good communicator. What more though can I bring to my ECs? There’s summer programs offered at the University of Chicago, but again I’m worried they won’t take me for my current grades. I’m really stressed out over this and would love to hear what you guys have to say thanks!
Oh and btw if I keep up my good grades, I’ll be able to get into NHS my junior year.
Well it sounds like you’re on the right track! I know what you mean on the whole Chance Me thing, it can be intimidating to see all the ECs people have done. Summer programs can be difficult to get accepted into, but you’ll never know if you never apply. And there’s so many more programs than just U of Chicago, look for different programs, apply for as many as you can. You said you enjoy chemistry, try to look for a summer research program. Many are only for juniors so you may have to wait.
Also don’t underestimate community service. It can make up for ECs if you are really dedicated. If the idea of being a hospital volunteer is unappealing try to vary the places you volunteer until you find something you really like. Soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, libraries, and even elementary schools can use the help.
If the general idea of being a volunteer is unappealing, start up your own community project! Organize a food drive, a car wash for a non profit, teaching a group of kids how to code, forming a tutoring group for younger kids etc.
Now if you just want to avoid the whole “help the community” thing, you can look into taking a summer class at a community college in your area. Or you can go beyond being a hospital volunteer and take a summer course to become an EMT. You would not be able to be nationally registered until you turn 18 but you would have a decent (non fast food) job the summer after high school and throughout college. And speaking of fast food jobs, having a job during high school can be just as good as an EC because you would show that you can balance both school and work.
whew That was longish, but I hope it helps! 