please answer my question!!! thank you!!!?

Question

i have a few questions...

1. how do you become a national merit scholar? what are some of its benefits?

2. how do non-valedictorians make it into ivy league schools (if you are one or know of someone who was NOT a straight A student who got into a very prestigious school, please share!!)

3. what are some ways that you can prove to the deans of admissions that you are unique, hard-working and a perfect fit for their school? please share your past experiences if you want!

Answer 1

Ummm....I'm just lucky to be a high school graduate, sorry! (Kerry told me I ought to be "stuck in Iraq" (He's lucky to have passed during birth!)

Answer 2

(-: It's funny, I was a National Merit scholar, and I forgot how I got there (old age is a terrible thing (-:).

OK, first you need to take the PSAT and get a good score. Here's the website on the National Merit Scholarship organization:

http://www.nationalmerit.org/entering.php

Benefits include scholarships which are good at the institution of your choice. Mine ran for four years, and helped pay for the things my tuition didn't.

Second, you don't have to be a valedictorian to get into an Ivy League school. They take into account your grades, but also your test scores, and your activities. And I am under the impression that money helps. You have to consider the reasons why you want to go to an Ivy League school, though. The name will help you in your future career, but so will any degree and a lot of hard work. You should choose the best school for making contacts in the field you want to work in. It may not be an Ivy League school.

Third, I think uniqueness is overrated. In general, you must show the dean through your grades, your test scores, and letters of recommendation. Also, you must show enthusiasm for the school through your essay -- and also show that you have some idea that you know what the school can do for you. A balanced approach will be self-confident.

It would help to know how much time you have left in high school. But even if you are in your senior year (or even graduated and been out of school for awhile!) it is possible to get into an Ivy League school. Don't be afraid to contact the admissions office and ask for details. It might be better to call than write at the beginning.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I have heard that your extra curricular activities count. Such as if you did something with the Red Cross, Scouts, etc. woud put you in the position of passing up someone else.