[Tungrus]

Though I have not completed applications for all colleges, just reviewing the information from my favorites, I have started believing (almost) that college admission is mostly luck. There is no guarantee that anyone person will definitely get into a good college. It’s not just about GPA (subjective depending on the school, city and state you attend), it’s not about SAT/ACT scores (they vary from test to test), it’s not definitely about extracurricular activities or interview or the Essay! Well you need to have decent scores and GPA, you are expected to have participated in diverse activities, some of them must be focused to your interest, you are expected to show leadership, not in just one activity and what not! From early middle school I focused on Engineering, just because my brain is hardwired to building and programming. Did Flash animation, not a good artist, but had fun making stick man do crazy stuff, build structures and competed in Destination Imagination, once got 2nd place in Nationals, unbelievable achievement for my school district. Did FLL went to Nationals, 2nd team (of the 3) from my city to go to Nationals ever, then joined FRC! Did Science Olympiad for many years. Had no time to join student association or year book clubs, did not do competitive sports, I play for fun though. Did not join drama club, dropped out of quiz bowl after couple of years. Barely got the sleep during school days (no not video games), just the home work, school projects and managing FRC stuff. Now I am applying for Engineering, thinking dedication to FRC would give me some advantage compared to non-FRC applicants. Standing with thousands for students some are like me and others slightly different, not knowing which college will accept my application… I am beginning to wonder if my decision to pursue engineering related activities will really help me in my college admission. Would joining DECCA or quiz bowl or heading student group or becoming editor-in-chief of school paper or taking up summer job, had given me a better chance? I am keeping my fingers, hands and legs crossed and waiting patiently. If nothing works out, will join local college and start my own FRC team…know enough to do that confidently!