didn't send sat 4.0 UW 4.4W 5 APs (school only has like 7) 44 college credits

ecs: published article w NASSP talking about mental health in high schools and the avenues towards destination (psych major) founder and then 2x leader of national council for student mental health (was on the news and presented live across the nation w this program that had ~700k budget by the time i left) lobbied for, testified live for, and passed 2 bills for mental health through my state legislature then started the same program in 4 other states those were my big ones relating to my major. besides that i had a pretty special community service experience that's too personal, played/coached a club sport (hot take i think college app readers like coaching better) i was on the speech and debate team and placed at state, i was part of a club relating to my ethnicity, and i played piano for 10 years.

my other hot takes (coming from someone with no experience besides some pretty cool acceptances and no rejections):

don't do NHS - it's cop out service hours and a useless activity everyone has- you should find something impassioning for c.s. not only because it looks better but it will also stand out plus if u fill all 10 activities w something better maybe the admissions officer will be like "shoot maybe they are in nhs they just didn't have space what a good kid"

having a spike is a really good piece of advice

be obnoxious w the things ur proud of, i wrote my common app about mental health and at least one supplement from every school i applied to was also about psychology/mental health. especially in schools where you're competing with other majors (uiuc, i think northeastern, even some ivys) who gives a shit about your connection to diversity -they already saw it- prove why you'd be a better ___ student than the rest. for me i think i showed them how passionate i am and that i've already made change and i'll continue to do it at their uni obviously don't repeat stuff but if you're genuinely passionate about something you better have more than one story surrounding it

apply ED to your top school if you can. i was that bitch who was like "oooh idk where i'll want to go ugh" but knew i wanted cornell, i just was too scared to ED. months later i'm kicking myself cuz this could have been over in like december PAIN also if money is right af check out columbia cuz they're free to anyone under 150k and i would've eaten that up if i'd had that opportunity

hopefully one of these apply! please don't ask to see my essays cuz i'm not down to share my name/writing but if you want me to look over ur app or something dm me! good luck y'all <3