Chance me please! - Top Schools(1-10)

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey! I’m a current sophomore in high school and looking if I’m going in the right direction or need to step it up(I know this is sorta early).

GPA:
Unweighted: 4.0
Weighted: 5.728/6
Rank: 3/~900

AP Classes(taken): AP Human Geography(5)
AP Classes(taking): AP Chem, AP Spanish, AP Physics 1, AP Capstone Seminar, AP World History
AP Classes(Planning on taking): AP Bio, AP Physics C(or 2 still deciding. C not offered so I would have to self study), AP Calc BC, AP English Language & Composition(Might switch for DE), AP English Literature & Composition(Might switch for DE), AP US History, AP Eco(Macro or micro idk yet), AP Gov, AP Computer Science A, AP Comp Science Principles, AP Statistics, AP Capstone research + 1(Still deciding)

Total: 17-19 APs(17 if I decide to take English DE over the summer)

Got a relatively low score on my last practice psat, so I know I need to work on that quite a bit(only english tho, perfect on math both times I took the psat(8-9 & 10).

EC(Pretty bad or average; No officer positions or stuff won, just in a bunch of stuff):

  • Chess Club(Played in tournaments in middle school)
  • Mu Alpha Theta(Math Honor Society)
  • English Honor Society
  • Science Honor Society
  • Science Club
  • Science UIL
  • Math UIL
  • Key Club
  • Philosophy Club
  • “GT Student” (Though I’m pretty sure its worthless)
  • JV Tennis

EC I’m trying to get

  • Varsity Tennis
  • AIME(Taking AMC 10 Jan 30th and Feb 5th)
  • Place in Science UIL/Make it to state
  • NHS (Can’t join this year)
    *At a brand new HS, not many established things for me to participate in & club officer positions are difficult to get as whatever group that established the club/organization is still at my school.

Just lookin for some general direction of what I need to do - I know my ECs are weak, just need more specific help on what I should pursue.

If you need more information, dm me about it and I’ll add/reply.

2

For the top 10 schools? You are, by no means, a bad applicant - but you will need to step it up to improve your chances - especially since there are so many people like you. Spend a lot of time on getting your SAT/ACT scores to a competitive level (approx .1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT). Anything less is not doing you any favors at top 10 schools. More is better. Also, do not go with the mindset of doing ECs for the sake of looking good. Do whatever, but just work hard at it and excel at it (demonstrated leadership, state level + awards, etc.). Jobs are good too.

3

Your grades are excellent and so for you’re doing great. Remember this. Just because you can get into a prestigious school, doesn’t mean that you should, or that they’ll accept you. These schools turn down highly qualified applicants all the time. Look at your career goals and interests, and more importantly, finances. Shop around and find some affordable schools you’re serious about going to. There’s over a thousand to choose from.

4

College admissions is not a contest of who has the most AP courses or clubs.
My advice is to do what you enjoy and get involved on a deeper level.