htownbrown
htownbrown,
Stanford
B.A., Political Science and Government
An aspiring lawyer who wants to make a difference in the world.
Features Included
35
Essays
19
Schools
22
Scores
6
Advice
13
ECs
1
Sports

Background

Hometown Houston, Texas
GenderMale
EthnicityBlack / African American
Class of2022
English First Language Yes
Other Language(s) Spoken French

Results, Essays, and Advice

Accepted
Waitlisted or Withdrew
Denied
  • Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
  • Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
  • Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
  • Yale University (New Haven, CT)
  • University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
  • Pomona College (Claremont, CA)
  • Williams College (Williamstown, MA)
  • Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
  • Claremont McKenna College (Claremont, CA)
  • Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
  • Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
  • University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
  • University of California - Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
  • University of Texas - Austin (Austin, TX)
  • University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
  • Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)
  • University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI)
  • Georgetown University (Washington, DC)
Tap/click a school logo above to view essays and advice specific to that school.

Stanford University (Stanford, CA)

Applied for a B.A. in Political Science and Government

Accepted and Enrolled Legacy: No

School Specific Essays

I'm alarmed that, as a human race, some cannot see that we're all on the same boat. Growing up, my grandma would always sing “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye. The song rings in my head: “Mother, mother. There's too many of you crying.” Although this song was written some forty-five years ago, the lyrics are now more relevant than ever. Growing up, my mother almost always had two jobs. As a single woman, she always had to work...
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Personal Statement
673 Words
Challenged a belief
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
I jumped up and down and started shouting, “Yes we can! Yes, we can!” But my mother was quick to correct me. She told me, “Yes we did!” because Barack Obama had been elected the first Black president of the United States. November 4, 2008, marked the beginning of my personal infatuation with politics. I was inspired that a Black man from humble beginnings could ascend all the way to the presidency. From that point on, I took up arms for the...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
301 Words
"Why Northwestern Statement"
At Northwestern, I hope to major in and complete an honors thesis for political science, learning about the intersection of political theory, law, and public policy. I would be sure to apply what I learn in the intimate, collaborative classroom settings by participating in the Farrell Fellowship Program, with a special focus on studying contemporary urban voting patterns and indicators of civic participation. At the same time, I would pursue a minor in economics to gain a technical understanding of...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
689 Words
Why UPenn
I jumped up and down and started shouting, “Yes we can! Yes we can!” But my mother was quick to correct me. She told me, “Yes we did!” because Barack Obama had been elected the first Black president of the United States. November 4, 2008 marked the beginning of my personal infatuation with politics. I was inspired that a Black man from humble beginnings could ascend all the way to the presidency. From that point on, I’ve strived to understand the...
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Supplemental Essay: Scholarship application
535 Words
Huntsman Program- HUNTSMAN: Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business
History shows that America’s reign as a global hegemon has allowed for an impressive increase in democracy worldwide. But as of late, hawkish American foreign policy has spiraled into interference with Middle Eastern socio-political development. The current chapter in the book of American imperialism starts with the demise of Muammar Gaddafi, and continues with the rebellions in Iran, Syria, and Turkey. The U.S. has supported insurgencies and has exerted its political dominance to create a volatile sphere of...
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Supplemental Essay: Other
271 Words
Note to future roommate
Future Roomie, Hey. I’m Micheal Brown. I am super nervous-excited, and I can make some guarantees for this year: we’re gonna laugh A LOT, we’re gonna dance (like Big Sean says, I got the moves) and we’re gonna explore! Here are a few facts about me: 1. I am from Houston, Texas, where we are proud to be the fourth largest and most diverse city in the U.S.A! 2. I love Netflix. We definitely have to...
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Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity
164 Words
Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
I looked at the Round One schematics on the cafeteria wall. I walked down the hallway to meet my first-ever debate judge. She was a seasoned high school debater, and she gave me amazing advice: “You don’t have to win, but you have to speak. Then you have achieved the objective of debate.” I began, unspeakably nervous. I stuttered through my first substantive speech, and after that, I stood up for my first-ever crossfire. Crossfire consists of debaters going...
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Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest
262 Words
Write about an idea that excites you-- intellectually or otherwise.
In Advice to a Young Tradesman, Benjamin Franklin wrote that “time is money.” Some religious scholars argue that time does not exist. Most people use time as a measurement of when events take place. Time is a vacuum. I’ve spent a lot of time conceptualizing time in many contexts: economics, society, religion. etc. Discussions on time intersect every sector of knowledge, and these discussions have evolved over time. The 2011 film, In Time, depicts a dystopian society wherein at the...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
268 Words
Why Claremont McKenna College?
Firstly, CMC provides the perfect enmeshment of my academic interests with the PPE major. The 11 CMC Research Institutes provide a platform for specialization. The Lowe Institute, in particular, provides programming that would help me grasp the nuances of politics and economics. Secondly, all of the professors I met had a genuine passion for mentoring students in their field. During PREVIEW, I was privileged to sit in on an international politics class led by Professor Favretto. She engaged me in her...
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Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity
421 Words
Write about one important instance when you had to work with a team.
Current interests essay On competition day, everyone stated their name, going down the row….until the chain reached me at the end.“My name is Micheal Brown, and we are the CEOs!” It was like a scene from Shark Tank. We presented the logic behind our marketing strategy and provided data to consolidate it. And because we compromise, we finished runner-up in the marketing challenge. As a function of the U-Texas Marketing Academy, I was placed on a team for...
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Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity
439 Words
Write about one extracurricular activity that had a serious impact on you.
I looked at the Round One schematics on the cafeteria wall. I located the team code and gave the assigned room number to my partner. We walked down the hallway of the dilapidated school, entered the room, sat beside our opponents, and spoke to our judge. Our judge was a seasoned high-school debater. She gave us some advice that I have never forgotten: “Just speak. Even if you’re not totally sure of what you’re talking about, go for...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
358 Words
1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
Intolerance is a crippling condition, and ignorance, its pervasive companion. Although the majority of Lamar’s student body identifies as a minority, Lamar’s social atmosphere did not encourage diversity; my peers would frequently perpetrate unbelievable micro-aggressions. I reached my tipping point when some Lamar students went to a school-related social event in Blackface and decided to use racial slurs. Acceptance and inclusion should be a guarantee, not a privilege, so I decided to found Lamar’s first Diversity Club....
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Supplemental Essay: Issue of personal significance
350 Words
5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
Like any other day, I rode the school bus to the stop near my house. Walking home from my bus stop, I pondered on some fourth-grade trivialities, excited to tell my father about my day. Like any other day, I opened the door and called out for my father. But unlike any other day, he wasn’t home. That night, he didn’t show, and the same for the next night and every night thereafter. He had left. My father...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
421 Words
Briefly discuss a current global issue, indicating why you consider it important and what you suggest should be done to deal with it. (one page)
History shows that America’s reign as a global hegemon has allowed for an impressive increase in democracy worldwide. But as of late, hawkish American foreign policy has spiraled into interference with Middle Eastern socio-political development. The current chapter in the book of American imperialism starts with the demise of Muammar Gaddafi, and continues with the rebellions in Iran, Syria, and Turkey. The U.S. has supported insurgencies and has exerted its political dominance to create a volatile sphere of...
Read more...
Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest
349 Words
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
On the first day of my Turner for Mayor Campaign internship, I watched the field director host seven strategic meetings. I also met Mayor Turner, who is a strong figurehead for public policy. Leaders come in two varieties: thinkers (the field director) and doers (Mayor Turner). Economics is the study of the intersection of thinking and doing. On my first day in my IB Economics class, I was not aware of what I would be studying. Our teacher defined economics...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
661 Words
Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?
On the first day of my Turner for Mayor Campaign internship, I watched the field director host seven strategic meetings. Each meeting focused on a separate aspect of the election: voter psychology, logistics, etc. I’d previously met Mayor Turner, who is a strong figurehead for public policy, but I realized that the field director was the main strategizer and organizer. The world spins on its axis, and on its surface, human beings facilitate life. There are people who lead...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
826 Words
Why Tulane?
I arrive at Cafe Du Monde and order their world-famous beignets along with a fulfilling cup of hot chocolate. During the meal, a man starts singing. I walk up and down the French Quarter, appreciating the beautiful architecture. Then I get back on the charter bus and ride until I arrive at the Tulane Application Workshop. I am greeted by strangers who are smiling and wearing similar green shirts. I walked towards the front of the group, intrigued by the...
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Supplemental Essay: Issue of personal significance
256 Words
What matters to you and why?
My closest family consists of me, my mother, and my dog. We are a tight-knit unit. My non-immediate family is our web of support. Although our relationships may falter, we persevere and always remember that we are bound by blood. I’ve had my chorkie mix (Samantha Serena Brown, named after the tennis great) since she was five months old. On her first night, she whined and cried until I picked her up in my arms and rocked her to...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
50 Words
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 word limit)
The North African and Middle Eastern regions are entering another year of major chaos. Yet the rest of the world only gawks about solutions without taking any action. We suffer from apathy, which facilitates cyclical conflict. The Western world must become informed so that our politics can engage “third-world” countries.
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
50 Words
How did you spend your last two summers? (50 word limit)
Summers are my sessions of independent discovery. I spent some weeks debating the intersections of business and government in Texas, Kentucky, Alabama, and Vermont. I ventured a month in California in two college enrichment courses, learning plenty and meeting hundreds of amazing people. Undoubtedly, I made memories for a lifetime.
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
51 Words
What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 word limit)
World War One was one of the largest death events in world history. Although there are many delineations of what sparked the war, historians agree on the main cause. I’d observe from the side while Bosnian revolutionaries fail many times to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand before succeeding in their crime.
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
5 Words
What five words best describe you?
Boisterous, Rational, Ardent, Veracious, Entertaining
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
52 Words
When the choice is yours, what do you read, listen to, or watch? (50 word limit)
Most nights, I flip between YouTube and various articles from Flipboard. On Wednesdays, I jump to watch Empire. On Thursdays, I live for Shonda Rhimes’ “Thank-God-It’s-Thursday”: first up, Kerry Washington; next, Viola Davis. On weekends, I’ll watch SNL and juxtapose it with the reality presented by the New York Times.
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
49 Words
Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford. (50 word limit)
At Stanford, I would explore my background by completing a minor in African and African American Studies. I would complement my understanding of political science by undertaking the thematic emphasis in Theory. To crystalize my identity, I would join Stanford BSU and pass the torch at the 2022 Kente Ceremony.
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
50 Words
Imagine you had an extra hour in the day — how would you spend that time? (50 word limit)"
Many friendships consist of communicating in the digital world. I would spend an hour talking, in-person, to a friend, family member, or stranger. Every day, I have a story to share or an opinion to voice. I want to have an active dialogue, wherein I listen and am listened to.
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
307 Words
Short Answer 1: Career Plans

If you could have any career, what would it be? Why? Describe any activities you are involved in, life experiences you’ve had, or even classes you’ve taken that have helped you identify this professional path.
When I was a young child (6 or 7), I would be very excited when my mother let me stay up past my bedtime. This usually meant that I would get to go on our special ride. My father used work until 10 p.m. as a busy bureaucrat, and we would go to pick him up. For my mom, driving in the dark was arduous, but the trip was always worthwhile. Seeing Municipal Courts would light up my eyes. Early on, I...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
305 Words
Short Answer 2: Academics

Do you believe your academic record (transcript information and test scores) provide an accurate representation of you as a student? Why or why not?
I remember sitting in the stands. They called her name, and she appeared on the big screen as she received her diploma. I clapped and cheered. So did my grandmother, and then the rest of her fans. My mother was 42 when she finally earned her Associate’s degree. To this day, she says it took her 25 years to graduate from college. I remember nights when my mom would come in the door at 9 p.m. These nights, she would work...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
309 Words
Short Answer 3: Leadership

How do you show leadership in your life? How do you see yourself being a leader at UT Austin?
Although most argue that leadership develops with age, I’ve learned that youth inspires ingenuity. Leadership is strengthened by boisterous, wide-ranging perspectives. As a leader, I am perceptive and passionate. Armed with a positive disposition and adaptability, I have grown into several leadership positions wherein I work tirelessly to improve each perspective organization. I am a pivotal part of my school’s tennis, debate team, and many clubs. Outside of school, I maintain leadership positions within a host of community...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
250 Words
Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.
On the first day of my internship with the campaign for Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, I watched the field director host seven strategic meetings. I also met Mayor Turner, who is a strong figurehead for public policy and community. The world spins on its axis, and on its surface, human beings facilitate life. Leaders come in two varieties: thinkers (the field director) and doers (Mayor Turner). Political science and economics are intersecting frameworks that the greatest intellectuals use to...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
259 Words
Most Pomona students enter the College undecided about a major, or they change their minds about their prospective major by the time they graduate. Certainly we aren’t going to hold you to any of the choices you’ve made above. But please do tell us why you’ve chosen the major or majors (or Undecided!) that you have (in no more than 250 words).
On the first day of my Turner for Mayor internship, I watched the field director host seven strategic meetings. Each meeting focused on a separate aspect of the election: voter psychology, logistics, etc. I’d previously met Mayor Turner, who is a strong figurehead for public policy, but I realized that the field director was the main strategizer and organizer. The world spins on its axis, and on its surface, human beings facilitate life. There are people who lead and...
Read more...
Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
548 Words
For Pomona students, the College’s location in Southern California is integral in shaping their experience. Tell us about a location, real or fictional, that has shaped you in a meaningful way. (400-600 words)
In May 2017, I came across an article by the LA Times entitled “How Houston has become the most diverse place in America.” I was glad that our diversity was finally being recognized. My admiration for diversity comes from a trip to Starbucks. I was assigned an “immigrant interview” for my 6th-grade World Cultures course. I met with Bendu Dawolo, an immigrant from Liberia. She said, “America is the land of opportunity... because America is the melting pot of the world....
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
649 Words
“Culture is what presents us with the kinds of valuable things that can fill a life. And insofar as we can recognize the value in those things and make them part of our lives, our lives are meaningful.” Gideon Rosen, Stuart Professor of Philosophy and director of the Behrman Undergraduate Society of Fellows, Princeton University (650 words).
My life is defined by culture and diversity. I come from a city with millions of different people. We all should be connected through our life experiences, but there is disunity in my city and community. So every day at school I struggle to mumble, "Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible." Texas is one of seventeen states with its own pledge. Texas is a proud state. Most Texans are...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
251 Words
Please tell us how you have spent the last two summers (or vacations between school years), including any jobs you have held (250 words).
2017 Calvin Coolidge Foundation Debate Camp- attended essential content lectures in economics and politics and participated in the Coolidge Cup national tournament. finishing in 11th place 2017 University of Texas McCombs Future Executives Academy- attended twelve content-heavy business lectures and won runner-up in the Vital Farms marketing challenge 2017 University of Texas Subiendo- attended leadership workshops ran by prominent business, political, and community leaders across industries and conducted a seven minute policy presentation at the Texas Capitol 2017 Stanford Envision Intensive Law & Trial Summer...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
86 Words
Favorites
Your favorite book and its author: The Help by Kathryn Stockett- first book I liked more than the movie Your favorite movie: “Akeelah and the Bee” Your favorite website: youtube.com Two adjectives your friends would use to describe you: boisterous, straight-forward Your favorite recording: “Everything is Everything” by Lauryn Hill Your favorite keepsake or memento: My baby book with photos of my earliest years Your favorite source of inspiration: My little cousins-- or Obama Your favorite word: Pulchritude
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
1323 Words
Option B Please submit a graded paper from your junior or senior year that best represents your writing skills and analytical abilities. We are particularly interested in your ability to construct a tightly reasoned, persuasive argument that calls upon literary, sociological or historical evidence. You should NOT submit a laboratory report, journal entry, creative writing sample or in-class essay.
An analysis of gender and personal responsibilities in Chronicle of a Death Foretold Chronicle of a Death Foretold, written by Gabriel Garcia Márquez, describes the murder of Santiago Nasar. Nasar is accused of deflowering Angela Vicario, so Angela’s twin brothers act to get revenge. The novel relays the important nuances of Hispanic culture, small town atmospheres, and the Catholic religion. The small town setting delineates a number of rigid standards for the town’s women; women in Chronicle...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
206 Words
Questions About Research
If you have engaged in significant research in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences or humanities that was undertaken independently of your high school curriculum, please provide a brief description of the research project (50-75 words maximum): I am co-writing an article on the intersection of mental illness, institutional racism, and law. The article analyzes specific instances of racist action-- like the Charleston church shooting, the Charlottesville incident, the Brianna Brochu incident, and more --and the response to...
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School Specific Advice

How I would rate the diversity of the student body
78 Words
The diversity of thought is second to none at Stanford. I am personally liberal, but I am particularly a fan of Stanford's political...
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5 adjectives that describe a typical student at my school (Feel free to elaborate!)
9 Words
Intelligent Dedicated...
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More Essays

These essays haven't been tagged by school. Click school logos above to see tagged essays.

General Admissions Advice

How to deal with the stress of applying to college
155 Words
The first big step in applying to schools is figuring out where you want to apply. I'm all for reaching for the stars and dreaming big, but your college list should have a bit of reality mixed in. Have a mix of safety, likely, and reach schools;...
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How I narrowed down my essay topics
253 Words
The key is to start your writing early to give time to yourself and others to review your work. I think of writing as a Four-Step Process: 1) think about ideas based on the prompt, 2) plan your essay; how will you hook the reader, 3) write the essay without worrying about the maximum word count, and 4) cut down your essay, revise the excess content and check your grammar. The personal statement is a monster of its own; it...
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What I wish I had known as a first generation applicant
103 Words
The process is arduous and is not intuitive, but there are many organizations-- like QuestBridge-- that are there to support you through the process. Know that you are valuable and know...
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My advice about getting recommenders
374 Words
What's Required? 1) Two or More Teacher Recommendations: should be completed by either a junior or senior teacher; must be from a main subject: math, English, science, social science, foreign language 2) Counselor Recommendation and Report; completed by a principal or school counselor and includes a report of your grades, class ranking, and judgment of your leadership and character 3) Optional but not required is an Additional Recommender; Employer, CBO/Summer Camp Counselor, Peer Recommendation, Coach or elective teacher Who to ask? Ask someone who knows you personally and academically.. Ask someone who knows about your career plans.Ask someone who will write...
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High School Performance

Weighted GPA
4.72
(equivalent to 3.97 unweighted)
Rank
Top 5%
 
High School TypeMagnet
Academic Performance in High School Steady

Test Scores

Highest ACT
34
 
ACT Score Details
 
Other ACT Scores
ACT Prep
Highest SAT
1530
 
SAT Score Details
 
Other SAT Scores
SAT Prep
PSAT Scores
Other Standardized Tests

AP / IB Classes and Scores

Details16 classes and scores

Sports

SportsTennis

Extracurriculars

ActivitiesKey Club, National Honor Society, Black Student Union, Debate Club/Team, Student Council / Government, Political Campaign, Debate Club/Team, Other Club/Activity, Student Council / Government, Other Club/Activity, Academic, Student Council / Government, Other Club/Activity
Elaborate on Extracurriculars or Work

Experience & Awards

How Spent Summers
Volunteer Experiences
Awards Received
Application Additional Materials

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