I hope to be accepted to a prestigious university such as Penn, John Hopkins, Columbia, or Stanford(my first choice). I studied abroad for a summer in France, worked for a year, been in french club and ski club for four years, played piano for 12 years, mentored kids for 2 years, volunteered at a hospital for a year, and accumulated plenty of other volunteer hours. I have a 4.0 unweighted gpa with all advanced classes. However, my counselor says the lack of leadership (ivy leagues want students who were the president of a club) could kill me in the admissions process. Is this true, do I still have a chance? Also, isn't a job and mentoring just like a leader? Please help me with this leadership thing, will it really kill me?
2007-10-20 03:45:25 · 4 answers · asked by BabyJ 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I didn't do exceptionally well on the SAT, 1800. But on the ACT, I got a 33 out of 36. Also, are there any things I could do to bolster my application that you can think of?
2007-10-20 03:49:41 · update #1
I would not worry about it too much. Just build on your experiences at the hospital and as a mentor. My brother got into Harvard last year and he had a similar GPA (94/100), he was involved in Debate and Soccer, but held no leadership positions in school. Harvard looked upon his community service as leadership, and his continuity and dedication to a few causes showed persistence and passion. Stanford has similar admissions so I think you stand a fair Chance. A rec from someone at the hospital or at your mentoring program that can explain what you did and show your leadership abilities wouldn't hurt you, you should try to ask for one.
2007-10-20 05:05:13 · answer #1 · answered by Warren Fitz Kennedy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your mentoring kids and volunteering at a hospital is leadership and something colleges value. And plus, you don't want to be perfect because then colleges will think you're either arrogant and/or lying and/or not really a human. But do you have safetly schools? You sound pretty smart but admissons are sort of random and every student applying to those schools are going to be similar to you.
2007-10-20 03:52:47 · answer #2 · answered by gang$tahtooth 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about it, but in your essays mention your leadership skills and experience. My son is applying this year to Stanford, too, and its his first choice. Maybe we'll see you there in September.
2007-10-20 03:49:55 · answer #3 · answered by hottotrot1_usa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use some phrase like "I believe leadship is a matter of example and responsibility, not filling an office or position".
2007-10-20 03:50:48 · answer #4 · answered by CanProf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋