<p>Hi, I'm only a freshman in an average high school. Currently taking all honors classes. I'm in the school band, and next year plan on joining jazz band. I play soccer and I'm on indoor track. Spring sports I was going to do tennis, and next year I will but this spring I'm doing an out of school, rock climbing program. I'm on the science team, and next year I will be captain. For grades, honestly this year hasn't been my best and I know I have to step it up. First quarter I was on high honors, straight As, second quarter I had to b+'s just on the cusp of an a- in bio and English. This quarter I think it's the same grades, however we haven't received them yet. Not my best year. However, I do a lot of my own independent study and research at home, reading quantum physics and relativity books. I'm very passionate about what I do. I know I want to be an astrophysicist, and I teach myself a lot about it. This summer I plan on building a dobsonian ( however you spell it) telescope on my own. My question is, if next year I bump up my grades, and continue to do the others things I do, would I have a chance at getting into caltech or berkeley? </p>
<p>Sorry if this is poorly written, I'm on my iPod.</p>
<p>My opinions:</p>
<p>Extracurriculars should reflect a “T-shaped mind” meaning you have a wide range of interests but also demonstrate the capacity for in-depth knowledge and passion in one area. A couple of sports and science team isn’t going to cut it. If you can’t keep up with the busywork your average high school gives you, then try to have an “upwards trend” next year and the adcoms may be more forgiving. How successful is your science team? leadership roles are usually only impressive if they are validated by regional awards and recognized performance.</p>
<p>You may find that the independent research and study benefit you for the rest of your life. The problem is you may not break IN to college that will allow you to pursue your passion in a comfortable fashion. However, plenty of students read quantum physics and relativity books. Authors like Brian Greene are great for being accessible. Reading is different from understanding and being able to apply your knowledge though. Unless you can demonstrate your competence in, say, a state-wide physics contest or the Physics Olympiad (I know astro in particular intrigues you more though), the best you can get out of your current pursuits is an admissions essay about how much you like the subject. >_< Perhaps you should not be so quick to decide on being an astrophysicist until you have more exposure to scientific rigor (perhaps take courses at community colleges).</p>
<p>In any case, I would say three 800s on a Subject Tests, a fistful of 5s on APs, and a 2400 on the SAT are a substantial part of the equation too! These are all things you can self-study for to certify your expertise. After all, if you already have exposure to physics, AP Physics, Calculus, etc. may be more approachable than if you were starting off dry.</p>