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I am a sophomore pre-International Baccaluareate student in North Carolina, entering into full IB this fall. I have a pretty solid academic record, so far I am making all A's with the exception of a B in IB French and a 1450 SAT. I have already started to look at several colleges, and have visited with several that are in-state. My tentativve "short-list" (and I use that term loosely) includes Swarthmore, UPenn, and Brandeis, followed by Harvard, Emory, Duke, and North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

I come from an academically rigorous school, and I wonder if my activities are up to par to get into any of those places I listed above. I don't think I have a 'laundry list' of activities, I devote a significant amount of time to everything I do. I currently rank in the top 15 of my class of around 500, and I was accepted into the National Honor Society this semester. I currently serve as French Club Treasurer, and will be the VP of SADD/SAVE and Interact. As a debater, I have won numerous awards (this year, I was a state finalist in my event, and was the 2nd alternate to the National Tournament) and I will also serve as VP of Debate next year. In orchestra, I have been involved in several honorary ensembles, and will be playing in Carnegie Hall with one of them this summer. I serve my church in the worship orchestra and the youth group. I volunteer my time as a coach for a middle school academic competition team as well as campus cleanups and the Kids Voting booth during elections. I serve on the YOuth Advisory Committee for my Congressional District. Last year, I placed first in a regional math competition and did well on the state level; I also qualified for national recognition on the AMC-12 math test. I swim, and post decent times. At the State Science Olympiad meet this year, my partner and I placed 7th in our event. I have been selected to conduct a summer research project on microbiology, and also to attend a Rotary Leadership camp for Interact. I'm kinda worried because there are some people at my school who have credentials on par or even better than mine! Some of them are also looking at the schools that I am. Thus, I am a little scared. Do I have a legitimate shot at going to any of these colleges? I also happen to be Asian, and my parents are of little help because they constantly call me a "failure." I also am looking for a school with a supportive atmosphere and a generous financial aid program as well. Some of the competitive kids at my school can drive you insane!!! Please help!!!

By Dave Berry on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 08:32 pm: Edit

Cliff, first of all, you're not a failure. I'm hoping that you're not quoting your parents when you say that. Second, I like the way you express yourself. I can hear your voice clearly through your words. That's something not everyone can do. This will be a big help to you when you write your essays. You have plenty of time to polish your already accomplished writing style.

Lastly, while your list of ECs is very impressive, I'd like to know what you do for fun. Your list of activities is very heavy on the serious and academic side, but I'm guessing that you do some pretty interesting things that you haven't mentioned here. Do you have any special hobbies or personal passions that you pursue as an extension of your personality rather than to please someone else or to create a resume item?

I'd be interested to hear what some of these unmentioned things are. Don't be shy. Let's hear about them. If you can list a few, I'll tell you how you can weave those into your profile so that you can market yourself as being not only competitive with these other kids who drive you nuts but also actually get an edge on them. Fair enough?

By Cliff Wu on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 08:53 pm: Edit

Thanks for your response, Dave!

As for fun things, I am a big fan of Ultimate Frisbee, it's a refreshing release from the stress and rigors of school...I would also consider myself a devoted philatelist and numismatist. Stamps and coins have been one of my interests ever since I was young. One can learn so much about the world and cultures around us through the images depicted on these coins and stamps! Of course, as a teenager, I also approve of simply "chilling" with my friends. A group of true and honest friends provide the much-needed detour off the stressful path of school!

By Cliff Wu on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 10:55 pm: Edit

I also consider myself lucky to attend a great public school that has a VERY good relationship with UNC-Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill definately ranks as one of the best public universities to attend. It does relieve some of the pressure knowing that an excellent school like Carolina is a great choice in case things don't work out (which at times can happen) in this time of super-difficult admissions processes.

By Cliff_Wu on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 07:16 pm: Edit

Hey...I have another question,

I recently received a "nomination" for Who's Who among American High School Students. However, it seems a little suspicious to me. Does this "honor" have any legitimate value to it? It seems like many people (qualified and unqualified) are in it, and inclusion is determined by a single "nomination." One of my friends told me that his private school counselor nominated anyone in his class who had a GPA of 3.0 or above without taking into consideration any other factors.

Thanks again for your time.

P.S.-I guess this question could apply to the National Honor Roll as well (which several of my friends received nods for), and any other "honorary" services.

By jenniferpa on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 08:09 pm: Edit

I may be wrong, but I think you're on the money with this one - it's just a little too easy to get into such publications. As for the national honor society, (is that what you're talking about?) the problem with that is that it seems to vary school by school. At my daughters school it's fairly difficult to get into, based on a somewhat complex algorithm for grades, recommendations and volunteer activities, but I know that's not always the case. I think it's probably like those presidential achievement awards you get - I'm thinking of using those to decorate a bathroom, we have so many of them and I really doubt their value!

Jennifer

By Dave Berry on Monday, June 03, 2002 - 08:29 am: Edit

Cliff and Jennifer, you're both right. These are worthless awards. In fact, I believe that serious applicants to top schools risk damaging their credibility by listing these in their applications. I'm always amused (maybe "annoyed" would be a better word) when I see our local paper featuring a student's picture with a headline and write-up about these all-you-need-is-a-pulse-to-get-them "awards." Thousands are taken in by these every year.

The goal of the companies promoting these is profit not honors. But, hey. That's what capitalism is all about, right? Otherwise, why would we have personal checks with the American flag and the World Trade Center towers on them?