Is my resume good enough to apply to upper tier schools?

Question

I am now a senior in highschool and this is some information that will appear on my resume:

I have a 3.7 unweighted GPA, 4.1 weighted GPA. I go to a public high school, but a very vigorous one known for its academics, yet it does not have a ranking system.

I took almost all the hard classes there were to take, including honors and AP classes, and I am scheduled to have more AP classes senior year.

1520 SAT on old scale, 2240, on new scale.

660 Math1 SAT2. 640 US History SAT2.

4 on the US History AP test. 3 on the AP Language test.

I have done lots of community service, and different kinds.

I played JV and varsity Fencing and received letters in both.

I have held 4 jobs and spent substantial hours in each since freshman year.

I play saxophone and bass guitar and have committed several hours to each being in both school bands and being a section leader and soloist in both jazz bands.

I was in JSA and the Red Cross clubs.

I was in the script committee, and I was video director for my schools AP play, which are two roles in which my teachers all agreed to nominate me.

Obviously there are other things, but my basic concern is my lack of specific awards, and also my somewhat sub par SAT2 and AP tests scores. I have been looking a schools like Cornell, UPenn, Tufts, UChicago, Northwestern. Considering my weaknesses, is it still worth it to apply to schools like these? I'm sure there are thousands of kids who have resumes similar to mine except with outstanding leadership awards and great SAT2 scores. If I can write a really good essay, would there be a good chance that it could make up for these weaknesses? Thanks for any insight.

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

The essay is definitely a great way to set your self apart from the rest of the pack. You are just like many other prospective students who write on yahoo answers asking to see if you are eligible. And just like everyone else. It appears as though you have done very well in school. Your schools are above the national average and your GPA is very good.

What you need to do is start thinking of things that will set you apart from all of the other gifted kids that will be applying. And typically most schools essay prompts will give you an opportunity to do so.

For example was there a specific reason you worked 4 jobs? Was it because you had to support your family through a financial crisis? It's things like that, that put you above and beyond the rest of the pack.

Schools want to see the well rounded student. And even though you don't have any rewards, that doesn't mean you didn't do well.

Good Luck :)