<p>I am currently a sophomore in high school(in Los Angeles, CA). I skipped two grades so I am 14. I am Middle Eastern but born in America ( I don't know how any of that works into the admissions process). I am bilingual. I have taken my PSAT's and am taking test prep for the SATSs. How can I improve my chances and what are my chances so far of getting into these schools:
1. UCLA
2. UCSD
3. Any other UC schools
4. NYU
5. Columbia(just curious)
6. Stanford (just curious)
7. BU</p>
<p>GPA Freshman Year: Weighted- 4.2
GPA First Semester: Weighted- 3.98. Planning on getting it up second semester.</p>
<p>I am also in a dual curriculum school so I'm taking about 10 classes this year including: AP Euro, British Lit, Geometry, Jewish History, Hebrew, Honors Scriptures, Honors Biblical Literature, Honors Religious Law, Honors Advanced Talmudic Literature.
I also took a big coarse load including honors classes freshman year.</p>
<p>ExtraCurricluars:
Freshman year: Volleyball team, STUCO,
Sophomore year: FBLA (future business leaders of America), newspaper, and photography club..
Plus volunteering</p>
<p>I agree. Boost those EC’s. Try to get some leadership positions your junior and senior year and I’d say you’d be a competitive applicant for UCLA (as long as you do well on your application essays and SAT).</p>
<p>I think you should look into adding more community service. I’m also from LA and I know that you could go to one of the many food pantries, help out at St Josephs center, OPCC, Daybreak women’s shelter (all in Santa Monica), or do something with your church/temple. Also, look into applying for something like habitat for humanity summer program or something like that so your summers look filled. I suggest you get a job/internship if possible before applying-It can be anything, doesn’t have to be in your chosen field. </p>
<p>I see you’ve been doing a lot of Jewish studies related things so if you are Jewish and interested in being more involved in the community I suggest you join one of the many Jewish youth groups in LA. Its a nice addition to your app. There’s also ‘Friendship Circle’ which is like Best Buddies but is Jewish-oriented. </p>
<p>FYI, being middle eastern isn’t a category on the SAT or apps when you put in your race. Its considered white. If you are bilingual I suggest you take the subject test for your language. </p>
<p>Keep up the good grades and try to get 2000+ on your SATs for any of the top UCs and NYU. You can probably get into BU with around 1850+ if you have good gpa and ECs. The other two are major reaches for everyone, but its still possible.</p>
<p>Best of luck. Let me know if you have any questions I’d be happy to help.</p>