What kind of ECs should I do to better my chances at applying to target schools like Wharton, Ivies, Stern, etc. for ibanking?
Currently a high school sophomore with a ~4.4 weighted GPA (my school does not provide on demand access to it, I have to wait until report cards come out in a few weeks), and last quarter I was ranked 9th of my class of around 300 and steadily rising each and every quarter. I got a 1280 on my PSAT, on which I didn't wholeheartedly try, partly because we were given a three days notice, partly because the teacher and students kept telling me it "didn't matter," and partly because I didn't study at all (for that reason). Well, next year when I take the SAT, I want to get at least a 1500. A 1550 would be nice. I'm going to actually study and try on the actual SAT very hard.
Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the real stuff. ECs. After researching for a few days now, it's pretty clear to me that if I want to get into one of these target schools I have to partake in ECs that will show my leadership and hard-working potential. (Is this the big thing I need to do; it's pretty much what I've seen consistently be mentioned?)
Here's the kicker: I have no idea what ECs to do. Where do I start? I'm having an appointment with my guidance counselor today but I'm not sure if that will help or not. I know that I have to write a kickass essay and a kickass interview is all the better. I know I need a kickass SAT, toward which I'm going to work furiously. I know that this is not enough. I know that to even STAND a chance, with all the aforementioned, I need kickass ECs. The rest I can't really do anything about, but the ECs I can. I thought about running for NHS office (I'm in the NHS itself right now), and then that'd be a starting point. I figured president would be the best-looking position, but perhaps a less fought over, more realistic position would be better with which to start off, like treasurer or VP maybe. That's just the surface of the surface though.
I read that internships can help when I'm in college for getting hired when I'm out of college. A job on Wall Street or a brand name bank would be my dream I suppose. I can use the ECs I've had to help me land a good internship too (I'm looking at you Goldman). But what ECs do I do? I'm just so lost at this point in life. I've been searching for a career for a while now, and ibanking has caught me like no other. Whether it's the long hours (I don't have a life), the pay, or the mathematically-inclined part of me, it has stood out. So now, I need help finding types of ECs to get into top schools such as these. Barring ibanking for a second, I need ECs that display leadership and dedication for Ivies regardless. The reason I'm posting here is for the specialized approach that ibankers need to get in to these colleges and eventually jobs (potentially; again I'm pretty new to all this).
Final thoughts: Is there anything else I could be doing to increase my chances of getting into one of these colleges and increasing my experience?
That and what ECs to take are my real two questions. This entire post is part of my quest for answers, which I hope will end soon so I can focus on life. If you read this far: thank you. I'm just looking for guidance right now. Those who reply: you're a saint.
I'd recommend directing your attention to the college confidential boards for college application help. I looked over what you wrote briefly and you seem to already have an idea of what you need to do, most of what comes next is executing.
Also having any type of attitude like "maybe I should try for VP or treasurer because president would be too hard" is a sure sign that the hustle isn't right for you.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. It's greatly appreaciated. By the NHS thing, I meant that the current officers are more well-established in NHS than me; they've simply been there longer than I have. The juniors-to-be-seniors this year have been in their longer so they would probably win that. I'm going to look into it and see how many people are running in each. If there's not too much competition or I think it's fair enough, I'll consider president. I just don't want to not stand a chance simply because I'm a new recruit (because of my grade; next year I'll stand a better chance, but I definitely will try this year).
Any other tips? What you said really helped me. Maybe other ideas for ECs or stuff in general? Thank you.
If you have the opportunity to move up from treasurer/VP to president once you become a senior but stand absolutely no chance at president this year, this obviously becomes your best option.
As for ECs, they should be stuff you enjoy - you're in high school after all. Try your best to have multiple leadership positions covering a wide array of fields, but also having some standout talents, or "spikes". A good article to read would be http://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-and-the-ivy-league-…
General tips would be to have a killer SAT, GPA, and essays but having a slightly lower GPA could be made up with a very good SAT. If you really have pressing questions you could PM me, but again I would recommend you consult college confidential for more detailed information.
Imagine being this sad of a human being in high school
If you become president of the Black Student Union you can get into any school
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