Advice on Getting into a Target School

Hello, I'm a rising junior right now looking for advice on college admissions. I will be taking the only 2 APs offered at my school this upcoming year. I'm going to self study for Macro and Micro AP test. I currently have an internship at a local business. I have managed my own stock portfolio for 3 years, and I have been the captain of the football team for 3 years. Football is a big part of my life and I dedicate 15-25 hours weekly year round to it. I am planning to start a TikTok page that is dedicated to helping people my age become financially literate, if this is successful then there will be an online community of people to talk and discuss different stocks and investment strategies . I also plan to start a stock market club at my school this upcoming year. In the club we will trade stocks with fake money and analyze different stocks and vote if they should be included in the fund. I have also done a bunch of community service at local elementary schools and special needs living facilities. Do you guys have any advice on college apps to selective schools? And are these activities I've listed enough to be respected at selective schools? I have a 3.9 GPA and a 1560 SAT. I plan to apply as a finance/ econ major. Any advice would be helpful. TIA

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Your ability to self-study for Macro/Micro, self-developed stock portfolio, club idea, and volunteer experience proves that you have dedication and drive, far beyond your already-stellar SAT score. Remember to highlight your accomplishments extensively in your resume and application essays. Hammer in the point (without being cocky) that you did this on your OWN time, with your OWN money, in lieu of doing usual high school shit like slamming beers - not that you shouldn't also do that every now and then. 

This will demonstrate to schools that you not only plan to study rigorously for academics and get good grades but also that you are self-motivated and have a problem-solving mindset. Elevate these extracurriculars to the best of your ability, as it will set you apart from the generic kids who only have good grades but nothing else, lacking personality and character entirely. Colleges these days take a more holistic view of applications, which counts a lot more than they did in the past. Now, it's up to you to adequately articulate through your essays to have the admissions team understand the tangible benefits that those self-taught and self-driven skills have provided you and your community. 

Best of luck to you in the future. 

 

I’m the biggest strongest dude in my high school. To a certain degree everyone knows not to mess with me. I am respected. I’m always told I’m very mature for my age. I like having fun but I don’t like inhaling and snorting the most chemicals possible in order to be considered “cool”. But people think I’m cool, I’m cool with everybody but after high school I will most likely not talk much to anyone from my high school. Because I will be off to college.

 

I think the biggest pet is conveying your story. Show you are a person outside just econ and finance or maybe tie in how those have changed who you are. The application should have a story behind it

 

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