Liam B•••••
- Economics
- Class of 2029
- United States
About
Freshman at UChicago studying Economics and Psychology
College list · 2 of 3
Academics
Advanced coursework
Advanced coursework
What is your advice regarding the use of private admissions counselors?
I did use a private admissions counselor for a bit, but I found them unhelpful and they just made me so much more stressed than I needed to be. There are many other ways to have your essays and activities checked, like through your own school, so there's really not that much of a need to be paying crazy amounts for an outside counselor.
What insights can you share about taking AP courses and exams?
I recommend taking AP courses that interest you because there is a lot of content to go through. If you are applying to American colleges, keep in mind that grades in the class are generally more important than the AP exam score.
What kind of summer activities do you recommend for high school students?
Don't do a generic summer high school program that everyone does. Do something that makes you unique and niche. I suggest doing research if you're interested in that field.
How did you prepare for the SAT?
I was self-taught from books and online resources. I bought SAT practice books and would look through them and practice alone.
How would you describe the typical student at your high school?
The typical student at my school is an international student who is smart but low-key about it. We have 'cracked' athletes, a very diverse community, and students who are super ambitious.
How did you approach writing about your extracurricular activities?
I made sure to always quantify my impact and be specific. I aimed to be niche and unique in my descriptions. For example, for my tennis experience, I focused on specific tournament championships and regional awards rather than general participation.