- Nora Sun
Tags: NYU
Institution: New York University
Study: Major in biology
High School Experience
I went to a smaller high school, so I enjoyed the aspect of being in a tighter-knit culture. I didn’t have any particular dislikes.
Course choices
I was really interested in the subjects of economics, physics, and history. I use history almost everyday in my life when I’m reading. Physics played a huge role in wanting to become an engineer and economics influenced by the decision to pursue a minor in business.
AP/IBs
I believe I took 5 AP classes. Calc 1, US History, Lang, World, and Literature. I would’ve taken more if offered, but there weren’t as many. I took the Lang exam (scored a 3) and the US History (scored a 4).
GPA
3.93 unweighted
Standardized Testing
SAT: 1430; 750 reading, 680 math
Extracurriculars
Varsity Tennis Team (3 years and Captain)
Varsity Debate Team (2 years)
Scholastic scrimmage (2 years)
Model UN (1 year)
National Honors Society (2 years)
Accepted to the Lehigh University High School Scholars Program (2 years)
Recommendations
I was in good standing with my teachers who helped me throughout my college application process. I tried to ask teachers who taught subjects which pertained to my major (engineering). Therefore, I asked my physics teacher and another teacher I had a good relationship with (AP US History). Both were very receptive, in part because they felt I was polite in class and largely contributed to class discussions, collaborating with other classmates, etc.
Essays
I wrote about growing up with a younger sister, however, specified it about the time she ruined one of my drawings. It showed how her humor and outlook on life influenced my humor (which I added in the story).
Strengths
I’d attribute it to my essays and supplements. Writing was a strength of mine and being able to incorporate certain elements in my essay that describe me (my type of humor, how I perceive the world, etc) helped it significantly.
Advice
Truly find something you enjoy doing, as it will come a lot easier for you to write about in the supplements. Try, if you can, to get a head start (unlike me) with your SAT and brainstorming ideas for your essay. Lastly, focus on certain extracurriculars that have meaning to you; don’t just join a plethora of clubs that you’ll rarely participate in.
Circumstances
Why?