Lory
Advice/Recs for HS Student About College Admissions?
Hi! I'm an upcoming junior in high school and I figured that this would probably be the most important year in HS when talking about college admissions.
I'm a Cali resident and most of the colleges I'm applying to are in-state. I'm just worried that with the amount of pressure and expectations that UCs and CSUs have currently, that I won't be able to get in my top schools.
I'm planning on majoring in Health Sciences, and I know that some of the programs are hard to get into.
These are some of my stats:
-I'm taking the SAT and ACT this year
-4.4/4.0 GPA
-11 APs, 5 Honors Classes, 8 DE classes
-As far for Honors and Awards, I only have a State Champs for Color Guard Freshman Year and probably an AP Scholar Award in the future.
My biggest problems are my ECs, I'm president of a Habitat for Humanity Club and planning on making a Medical Connections Club next year. Other than that, I have a volunteer hours and am active in my school. I'm just worried that all of these are average, especially considering the schools I'm applying for. I wanted to start getting in touch with hospitals for shadowing and also do a research/passion project, but I don't know where to start.
Sorry if this was too long but do you guys have any advice or recommendations n what to do?
2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Chinyere’s Answer
College Admissions: Your Path to Health Sciences
Great job on your academic achievements so far! A 4.4 GPA, 11 APs, and a strong course load are impressive. Let's focus on building upon your strengths and addressing your concerns about extracurriculars and college admissions.
Understanding the Competition
You're right to be aware of the competitive nature of UC and CSU admissions. However, remember that competition isn't everything. Admissions officers look for well-rounded students who demonstrate passion, leadership, and a genuine interest in their field.
Strengthening Your Extracurriculars
While your Habitat for Humanity club is a great start, there's definitely room to expand your extracurricular profile.
Medical Connections Club: This is a fantastic idea! Make sure to define the club's goals and structure clearly. Consider partnering with local healthcare professionals for guest speakers or mentorship opportunities.
Shadowing: Reach out to hospitals, clinics, or doctors' offices in your area. Be persistent, and don't be afraid to follow up. Shadowing experiences provide invaluable insights into the healthcare field and can lead to research or volunteer opportunities.
Research/Passion Project: Identify a specific area within health sciences that interests you. This could be anything from public health to medical research. Reach out to professors at local universities or research institutions for mentorship or guidance.
Other Extracurricular Ideas
To further strengthen your application, consider exploring these areas:
Volunteer work: Explore opportunities in hospitals, clinics, or community health organizations.
Leadership roles: Take on leadership positions in your school or community.
Athletic involvement: If you enjoy sports, consider joining a team.
Arts or music: If you have a talent, pursue it.
Summer programs: Participate in academic or enrichment programs.
College List and Preparation
Research colleges: Beyond UC and CSU schools, consider other universities in California and nationwide that offer strong health sciences programs.
Standardized tests: Aim for high scores on the SAT and ACT, but don't let them define your application.
Essays: Start brainstorming ideas early and seek feedback on your writing.
Letters of recommendation: Build strong relationships with teachers who can write compelling letters.
Additional Tips
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone: Try new things and explore different interests.
Network with healthcare professionals: Attend conferences, workshops, or webinars to expand your knowledge and connections.
Stay organized: Create a spreadsheet or calendar to track deadlines, applications, and extracurricular activities.
Remember, college admissions is a holistic process. Focus on building a strong application that showcases your unique qualities and passions. You've got this!
Best wishes!
