<p>I've happened upon this wonderful website in my quest to prepare myself for the absurdity that I am sure this fall will be, what with applying to college and all that. I am the oldest child, and though my parents both went to respected schools, let's face it, that was twenty some-odd years ago, and the process has changed since then, thus, they are a bit new at this. </p>
<p>What I am asking of you is your help. Everyone here seems quite knowledgable on the ins and outs of getting into a good school these days, and quite frankly, I am not. So here is a short profile of me:</p>
<p>GPA: ~3.4-3.5 UW, ~4.5 W
SAT: 660 CR, 660 M, 670 W
SAT II: 700 US History, 620 Literature
AP Exams: US History, 4
Classes: all Honors
Extra-curriculars: intense involvement in schools Performing Arts department all years (various vocal and instrumental ensembles, improv group, plays, musicals); Tri-M (music honors society); studied flute for seven years, guitar for five, voice for two and a half; Gay-Straight Alliance (secretary senior year); Girl Scout since kindergarten (community service--soup kitchen stuff, mentoring younger troops, etc); part-time job since sophmore year (shift leader after five months, hopefully manager come this fall); volunteer at local animal shelter</p>
<p>I am currently very unclear on what I want to major in, but am leading towards something in the Communications field. I'd like a school in an urban area, preferably New York City, but I wouldn't mind Boston or Chicago, and am open to other ideas (ie, anywhere where I'll get a lot of financial aid!). I also really desire a school with a fantastic music department; though I don't plan on majoring in music, I'd like to remain involved with my art because it's a vital part of my life. </p>
<p>I guess the one specific question I have would be whether or not to take the Critical Reading SAT II again. I'm personally at peace with a 620, though I was a bit disappointed at first, but I'm willing to give it another go if the general consensus is that the score should be higher.</p>
<p>Also, in regards to the courses I have taken/am taking:
As I stated, all through high school my courses have been honors, this past year I took AP US History, and next year am taking AP Government and AP Music Theory. However, I am also taking only three years of math classes, but I took precalculus this year, which a majority of the student body will take next year, so I am essentially a year ahead of them (I felt not going on to Calculus would be the best choice for me... I did not fare particularly well in Precalc). Also, this year I had to drop out of my Chemistry class for reasons I'd rather not discuss, they'd only make me sound childish and immature--I'm taking Chem and Physiology next year, but will the fact that I withdrew from Chem this year be a problem?</p>
<p>I think that's all that's been weighing on my mind since I started to delve into this process a few months ago; any input at all would be very, very appreciated!</p>