<p>I'm a sophomore who has moved to from Georgia to NJ about a year ago. I had a greater drive and motivation my freshman year, getting a 4.0 gpa (out of 4.0), getting into the varsity soccer team (2nd in state 40th in nation), and doing significantly well in a few other extracurriculars. However, during the transition from the south to the north, I've faced problems with standing out in the crowd. At my new school, we send a large number to ivy league schools. The students are smart, have leadership, and are talented. Everyone is just good at SOMETHING, whether it's making all-eastern in band or choir, winning first in states at OM or MUN, or getting governors school for history or science. Having been here only for about a year, I had to make new friends, adapt to the school and the different curriculum (block schedule to regular 8 class schedule), and join new clubs. So far, I've maintained a 3.7 gpa (out of 4.3, but 3.8 gpa really isnt bad because our school is one of the best schools in the state. many top colleges know who we are), made the varsity squad, won my first award (verbal) at Model UN, became leader of electrical team in the robotics club, and started art but have yet to win anything. I'm trying to take the toughest courses I can, but lately, I've been having doubts about whether I can get into ivy league/2nd tier schools. I know I still have my sat and sat 2's (which im taking in a month). I plan to take sat 2: physics, us history, world history, math 2 and 4/5 ap exams. if i combine my gpa from fresh and soph year (assuming i do well 4th quarter and get a 3.8) i will have a 4.0 gpa. do i still have a shot in getting into an ivy league or 2nd tier school if i continue to work hard? or should i just forget about my aspirations?</p>
<p>Just try your best that is all you can do. People that are good enough for those selective colleges are constantly rejected because there just isn’t enough space. But it never hurts to apply because you never know what whoever Is reading your app thinks about it, you may even be surprised with an acceptance. I really regret not applying to reached and dream schools cause I counted myself out without even applying. Goodluck and your just a soph you have plenty of time. I was fortunate enough to get into all of the colleges I applied to but a rejection doesn’t measure your worth sometimes things just don’t go in favor.</p>
<p>I think you’re good enough. I don’t see why you’re not qualified for the Ivy League or any top notch school.</p>
<p>But my opinion doesn’t matter. It’s up to you to decide whether you are good enough, because ultimately you’re going to be deciding which colleges you apply to. I know opinions from other people will help you calibrate yourself, but how do you feel about your accomplishments and your grades? What is that “one thing” you are good at? Your passion? Have you taken the SAT/ACT? That might help evaluate you in comparison to your peers. And by the way, if a college doesn’t accept you, that doesn’t mean you “weren’t good enough” either ;)</p>
<p>I would say you are in quite a good position, if you routinely have top kids from your school go to ivies, then all you have to do is keep up with them. </p>
<p>Work hard your Junior year, try to work your way up to the top of the class, work hard outside of the classroom on EC’s and bam, you have a great chance at the Ivy league schools.</p>