<p>It’s important to have a reason for everything on your application. Why did you work so hard to get into a good college? Why did you join certain clubs? Did you take AP’s because you wanted to look good, or because you wanted to challenge yourself? Maybe you were drawn to the subject because you actually wanted to learn it.</p>
<p>I worked hard for my 2310 SAT and 3.7 GPA. But so did many kids who got denied. I am in the class of 2017, and I can tell you that from the selection, it seems the admission officers were looking for students with conviction and drive. It certainly wasn’t just about numbers. There are plenty of students that snobs on CC would deem “average” academically, but they show a will to learn for higher reasons than a grade or a score.</p>
<p>Write a great essay, this is often overlooked. And build a relationship with a teacher, get recommendations from people who you feel a connection with. These are often the most powerful. Don’t get them from AP teachers or ‘smart’ teachers that you <em>think</em> will write good ones (without getting to know them). </p>
<p>Good luck! Work at it, and you will get accepted.</p>