How I did it: Throughout my earlier years in high school, I wasn't very involved in school; from 9-11th grade all I had completed was 79 hours of community service and been inducted  into the National Honor Society. Once I got into my senior year, I realized what I had wasn't enough, especially if I expected to go to my first choice university. So, I joined many clubs (Science NHS, Beta Club, Drama club, Robotics club) and completed more community service. I had always kept my grades up throughout high school and took some AP courses.

My SAT/ACT scores weren't the best, but I took each of them twice and improved my score. Even after the second try, they weren't that great, but they weren't horrible either. I had my application submitted completely by the end of October, and in mid-January (about a week ago) was when I found out I had been accepted!

Lessons & tips: If you work hard, and become involved in school, the colleges you apply to will see that. Don't think that because your test scores are low, or for some other reason, you won't get accepted. There are many other things the colleges look at. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself!

---

Jan 25, 2009, 09:40AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer