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@a_random_twig
37 answers, 85 votes
 • a year ago •
Admissions Advice

Rising Junior looking for academics and ECs, for summer & Junior year
Answered

Hello! I'm going to be a Junior for the 2023-24 school year, and I'm not sure what I should be doing to help prepare for my future. Most likely, due to tight finances I'd realistically begin higher education in community college and transfer to a University later on. I hope to attend Howard, I have a 70% acceptance rate via Collegevine's stats for regular decision, and 80% for EA binding, both without test scores. I think Columbia or Princeton would be amazing, but I have a pretty low chance of being accepted. I'm considering a few different majors, like Public policy analysis, or International Studies, because I want to study law and/or become a foreign service officer.

My ECs are ok I think, but not focused or long-term. The only extracurriculars I've participated in so far was 2 essay contests(never won), Newspaper club (World News and Culture editor for 1 yr, though not much got done so I probably won't join next year, unless I have a chance to become an editor in chief), a free summer program with the city planning commission (which I'm likely attending this summer), and a 6 week graphic design internship with the public library system. I feel like they could be better, or at least more focused in my field of choice. I've done some volunteering as well.

I have a decent GPA (At least a 3.5) and course rigor (all honors, 1 ap class and exam already taken, and more honors and at least 2-3 AP planned for this upcoming school year). I've never taken the PSAT, SAT, or ACT, so I don't have test scores. My weakest subject is math, but I'm working really hard to keep my grades in my math classes as mid to high B's, and I have A's or A+ in everything else.

I know I should technically focus on what I'd like to major in and build a "spike" but I haven't found many opportunities in my state for high school students in the fields of law (especially immigration law), and international relations. Most opportunities are for current undergrads or people with an undergrad degree already. I appreciate any and all help.

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Accepted Answer
@Elianna_Keels06
1 answer, 10 votes
 • a year ago

Hi! As someone who is wrapping up their junior year right now, my best advice would be to keep your schedule relatively clear. If your experience is anything like mine, your class course loads will become much more difficult and lots of time will be spent studying for AP's, SAT, ACT, and many other forms of testing. It's nice to not feel like you're running out of time if your schedule is clear and you can study in shorter intervals for a longer amount of time.

However, with the limited amount of extracurriculars you have, I would consider becoming a little more involved. If you don't have much time to join lots of clubs, consider joining just one (but make sure it correlates to your intended future goals) or volunteer every once in a while. Volunteering helps the community greatly, can be done in many different ways, and looks great on a college application.

Hope that can help!

1
[🎤 AUTHOR]@a_random_twiga year ago

Thanks for the advice! I think I'm going to join my school's English honors society and History club, and drop Newspaper Club for Spanish club instead, since that's the foreign language I'm studying. Speaking of course rigor, I wanted to ask for your opinion on AP courses. I'm planning on majoring in mostly writing, social science or law related fields. Do you think it's worth it for me to take any math/econ AP classes or exams?

[🎤 AUTHOR]@a_random_twiga year ago [edited]

I'm trying to build my schedule ahead of time, I'm worried because my school wouldn't let me take any AP's for freshman year, and I've only taken APGOPO, a half credit class. I feel like I'm super behind on AP credits. I have to take a .5 credit of econ as a graduation requirement, and I don't know whether to take macro/micro or just regular. I can take a .5 regular credit class over the summer, and I'm planning to do law studies and Holocaust studies or Econ.

@Elianna_Keels06a year ago

Hi! I think that's a great idea, I'm currently a part of NEHS and it's one of my favorites! I don't think you have to worry much about being behind on your course selection, as taking college-level classes during your freshman year would be pretty difficult and you would want the best possible grade or score if you decide to take the exam. From what you're planning on majoring in, I would suggest AP GOV and AP Lang for your future course list.

@Elianna_Keels06a year ago

I think that if you're trying to major in a law-related field it could be somewhat helpful to take an econ class, especially if it's part of your graduation requirement. Focusing on that same major, I would take macro over micro if you chose to go that route, as macro focuses on a bigger scheme of economics and would be better suited to what you want to do than micro would be. As for summer classes, definitely go with law studies if you're set on a social studies or law-related field!

1
@em-h
27 answers, 38 votes
 • a year ago

Hi!

You already have some great activities! Does your school have a mock-trial club or a Model UN? If so, I would recommend joining that as well as any math-focused clubs your school may offer. Those would both be a good way to spread and expand your resume. If you're interested in joining a sport or other collaborative club, you should do that ASAP. Those extracurriculars in particular show colleges that you are willing and able to work in a team setting.

If your high school doesn't offer a club focused on law, you should start one! This will show colleges that you have management and leadership abilities. Additionally, if you have any other interests, joining or starting a group to support these activities is a wonderful idea.

Good luck!

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