Hello, I am a junior in high school at the moment who is getting ready to start deciding on colleges to apply for next year. I am thinking about going into politics, or some form of government major. Right now, I have:
- A 3.925 GPA (weighted a 5)
- Have completed 3 APs, but currently doing 3 more this year, and planning on doing 4 next year
- So far, I have gotten one 4, and two 5s.
- I haven't taken the SAT, but have done practice on the psat prep and gotten 1440.
- I have been involved in a sport since last year, and will be on it till senior
- I am in a band ( also since last year )
- I volunteer at a church
- I am president (and founder) of a history seminar/ club, and lesson planner for a design club
- I have also been a constant member of a language club since freshman year
- My school doesn't have a ranking since it's a selective enrollment school.
Is there anything I can do better? Am I in the right path?
It sounds like you're doing a fantastic job so far! Your strong GPA, involvement in AP courses, and diverse extracurricular activities are great assets. Let's explore how you can enhance your profile further, especially with a focus on politics or government:
Standardized Testing: Your practice PSAT score is impressive! Consider taking the SAT or ACT soon to establish a baseline. This will give you time to retake if needed and potentially improve your score.
Extracurriculars: Your involvement in clubs and leadership positions is excellent. To further align with your interest in politics or government, you might consider joining a debate club, student government, or a Model United Nations team if available. These can provide relevant experience and demonstrate your passion for the field.
Summer Programs or Internships: Look for opportunities like government internships, political campaigns, or summer programs focused on politics or international relations. These experiences can provide valuable insights and strengthen your college applications.
Community Engagement: Your volunteering is commendable. Consider expanding it to include work with civic organizations, local political campaigns, or advocacy groups related to causes you care about.
Networking and Mentorship: Seek out mentors in the field of politics or government who can offer guidance and potentially write recommendations. This could be teachers, local politicians, or community leaders.
College Research: Start researching colleges with strong political science or government programs. Look for those with unique opportunities, such as internships in Washington, D.C., or study-abroad programs.
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