<p>Incoming junior. Instate.
Stats: 3.8-3.9 uw
28/32 PLAN test(pre act)
No APs or honors at my school
All As in my academics except a B+ second semester freshman year physical science..
Will be doing PSEO junior and senior year
ECs:
Math league, knowledge bowl, basketball and softball manager, volunteering for different community events.
I want to major in something math/science related or international relations..</p>
<p>Bump…
…</p>
<p>vthorsen…Until you’ve got some actual ACT or SAT scores to add to your profile it’s hard to say, but GPA-wise you’re certainly on the right track and your ECs are a good start. As you head into your junior year you may want to look for some leadership positions within clubs, etc. to broaden your experience.</p>
<p>Since your school doesn’t offer AP/honors courses, PSEO will be your opportunity to show your ability to handle advanced level courses. If you do well in those classes it will certainly help your chances. </p>
<p>You should be taking the PSAT this fall. It will not only give you a potential read on how you might score on the SAT, but more importantly it is the “gateway” test for potentially earning a National Merit scholarship. At U of Minn that could mean $10K-$12K per year for 4 years so it’s certainly worth spending some prep time this summer. There are several prep books available for this test as well as SAT and ACT prep books. Test scores will be a BIG factor in your admissions decision at most universities.</p>
<p>Here is a link to the profile of admitted students so you can see what ranges you need to shoot for in class rank and standardized test scores to be more competitive. Since you’re interested in a math/science major you’ll more than likely be applying to either CSE or CBS, and those two are the toughest colleges to get into at the U.</p>
<p>[Academic</a> Profile](<a href=“http://admissions.tc.umn.edu/academics/profile.html]Academic”>Academic Profile of Fall 2022 Admitted Freshman Applicants by College | Office of Admissions)</p>
<p>Just be aware that college admissions standards are getting tougher across the country, so take advantage of whatever opportunities your school offers to show breadth/depth of your interests and experiences. Don’t participate in activities just to beef up your applications, but work experience and longevity/leadership in ECs are things that can certainly give you a little boost. Good Luck!!</p>
<p>Thanks for the input! I don’t know if I’ll get the chance to take the SAT since the closest testing site is 60 miles away, but I’m hoping I can.</p>
<p>^ The PSAT is important for National Merit qualification. As far as the SAT is concerned, ACT scores are fine if that’s easier for you to do.</p>
<p>Personally, I wouldn’t focus on the SAT. The University of Minnesota mostly looks at ACT scores, so you’d probably be better off spending your time studying for that test alone, especially since there isn’t an SAT testing center close to you. The SAT would only be beneficial if you’re already planning to take it for a different college application.</p>
<p>Vthorsen I agree with noimagination and Papertown. I think it is more important to spend an hour or so online practicing or looking for tips on the PSAT. Most high schools will simply hand out the test with 5 minutes of instructions…the extra points earned from prep work could mean a national merit ranking. </p>
<p>I have heard that your PSAT is an indicator of how you might do on the SAT. I think almost every college accepts the ACT. However, if you do poorly on the ACT and really well on the PSAT, then you should consider taking the SAT.</p>