Am I on the right track? How can I improve?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>So, here's the story. I'm a freshman in high school, and for my age I'm ridiculously worried about college. My grades are average- I have about a 3.3 GPA unweighted, nothing special. I'm taking all honors classes though, and start junior year I'll be taking 4 APs each year. I took the SATs in seventh grade to get into a summer program, I got a 1930. Doing some extracurriculars- I'm vice-president of the Gay Straight Alliance, founder of Students' Alliance for Gender Equality, and a member of our school's drama club. I'm thinking of joining Model UN next year if it doesn't conflict too much with drama, because I'm interested in international politics. I don't want to turn this into a chances thread or anything, but I guess what I'm trying to convey is that I'm considered smart, but on the great scheme of things I'm pretty average.</p>

<p>Basically, I just want to know what I can do to improve my chances of getting into a good school, so that when the time junior year comes around and I'm applying I'll have more of an edge. I'm not looking for HYPS, but I like a lot of liberal arts schools a la Smith and Sarah Lawrence. What should I do to make me more appealing to admissions officers? I know it's early on, but I want to get a good start early on. Thanks in advance! </p>

<p>(Yes, I know I posted this in admissions, but I think it'd be better suited for chances, due to where I've seen other people post threads of this type.)</p>

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<p>its never too early to start looking at colleges, in my opinion. a 1930 as a 7th grader is pretty impressive. i think if you get the sat score up and try to get the gpa up a little you will be fine.</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/918727-chance-me-i-need-advice.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/918727-chance-me-i-need-advice.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Thanks for the advice. I’m trying to get the GPA up, but of course it’s difficult. Must…work…harder. :)</p>

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<p>You’re clearly intelligent and driven. Start compiling info about schools that interest you, schedule visits, contact admissions officers, and put yourself out there. Yes, keeping your GPA up and getting good SAT scores (1930 as a 7th grader is wonderful) are important factors, but don’t worry yourself sick over them. </p>

<p>For schools like Smith and especially Sarah Lawrence, being a passionate individual is a must. Show your personality. These colleges are looking for academic integrity, but they don’t want all-A robots either. Take rigorous classes. Show you care about your education. Best of luck to you!</p>

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<p>Thanks for your input! I definitely do care about my education, I just need to make that show a little more. I consider myself passionate about what I care about, so I need to show that. I’m going to try out for TASP the summer after junior year- I probably won’t get in, statistically, but if I do I think that’ll really show how “intelligent and driven” I am. :slight_smile: I’ve also been keeping my summers busy even now- this summer I have CTY Spanish Immersion camp, and a class on British Imperialism with the University of Maryland College Park. Next summer I’ll be volunteering with my church in El Salvador and maybe doing the Georgetown International Relations summer program. Hopefully those things’ll help me out even a little bit, although I know camps that you pay for aren’t that prestigious.</p>