Hi, I'm currently a 12th-grade Senior High School student from India, and I have been thinking of taking a gap year before applying.
My Grades are great (96% Overall) and My ECs are also good (Self-Funded Research Project, Director of School Clubs, Songwriting), but I think I haven't been able to picture my true self through my application. Somehow, I have been lacking a direction in my Application. I think I could profile my application better for Harvard, with good essays, and supplements and editing the application. Plus, it had been taking a toll on my mental health (If you guys don't know how stressful the 12th grade can be for Indians already--It is HARSHHHHH!!!!)
I do have some ideas for the Gap Year:
1. Take SAT/ACT/AP
2. Engage in Conservation Projects
3. Enhance my skills in Computer Science
4. Further understand my true passions
5. Bettering my Songwriting Skills
6. Start another research project
I don't really know what should I do. So can you help out
For Reference Here are my Stats:
GPA:3.85 (4th in Current Class; 9th Grade and 10th Grade Co-Valedictorian)
SAT: 1480 (790M 690RW)
1. Researcher (Effective Tuning of Autonomous Robotic Agents)
- Explored tuning procedures of autonomous robotic agents using Evolutionary Algorithms.
- Utilized GPT models, APIs, and facial/psychological analysis.
- Won a Rs.60k scholarship and served as the first author.
2. Senior Member - Literary Club (Purwanchal Vidyamandir)
- Co-directed musical dramas, interviewed authors, and organized seminars.
- Fundraised Rs.80k for building libraries in rural Bengal.
- Won awards for best articles on human & technology and social causes.
3. Singer-Songwriter; Saturday Café-Composing Sessions at Starbucks
- Co-produced and composed songs with global artists.
- Founded ACROIRIS, an indie record label supporting low-income musicians.
- Organized events, raised funds for Indian Red Cross, and supported local artists.
4. Music Therapy Counselor/Software Developer (Python & Java) - SECONDGLASS
- Established a private Discord server for AI-driven customized music therapy.
- Created a Cognitive-Enhancer Music Generator for positive cognitive messages.
- Helped 600+ people dealing with solitary depression and psychological issues.
5. Volunteer - Annapurna Bhandar
- Organized a local communal kitchen during the Durga Puja Festival in rural Bengal.
- Managed donations, tracked accounts, and ensured nutritious meal distribution.
- Served 10,000+ people in various parts of Bengal.
6. Executive Member of Student's Council at Bidhannagar Municipal School
- Organized school events, coached players for sports tournaments, and hosted fundraisers.
- Nominated candidates for state and national-level contests.
- Led initiatives on global warming, discrimination, education flaws, corruption, and LGBTQ+ rights.
7. Tutor (Computer Science/Mathematics) for Sikhya (WhatsApp-Based Learning Platform)
- Provided foundational instruction in coding, algebra, and trigonometry to underprivileged children.
- Raised funds to cover tuition fees for 370+ students.
- Co-founder and winner of the Indian Rising Educator Award.
8. Researcher (Pollutants Stimulation Contamination in Urban Areas)
- Studied pollutants' dispersion and regeneration stimulation in urban areas.
- Used AQI records, visual surveys, probability calculations, and climatic patterns.
- Project ongoing with a role as the first author and experiment coordinator.
9. Part-Time Caretaker in Neighborhood
- Freelance caretaker for 35 local elders, administering medications and monitoring health.
- Acted as a part-time caretaker during the 9th grade.
- Demonstrated a commitment to community well-being.
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