<p>I am currently a high school SOPHOMORE. I was wondering where I could improve so I have a standing chance of getting into UC Berkeley or UC Davis. The end of the first semester of sophomore year is near and my GPA is a 3.86. That gpa has lowered my self esteem. =/
Here is what I am taking this year.</p>
<p>-----Courses-----------------------------
Algebra II/Trig
English II- Pre-Honors
Spanish II
Orchestra (I’ve been doing it since 5th grade)
Chemistry I
World History AP</p>
<p>Class Rank: As of freshman year: 54/594. (OUCH!)</p>
<p>------Extracurricular Activities-------------
Orchestra (planning on doing it for all of high school which is 4 years)</p>
<li><p>Volunteer at hospital ( 200+ hours)</p></li>
<li><p>President of the Asian Club</p></li>
<li><p>CSF/HOSA</p></li>
</ol>
<p>----------Expected course load for junior year----------------------
Honors Pre-Calculus
Honors English III
AP Biology
AP US History
Spanish III</p>
<h2>Orchestra</h2>
<p>I am also doing the Princeton Review over the summer to get a great SAT score to compensate for my HORRIBLE GPA. Where did I mess up? What can I do to improve?</p>
<p>A 3.86 is NOT a horrible GPA at all. Go look in the Ivy League "Accepted" threads; you'd actually be amazed at some of the people who get in. I honestly think you're in very good shape in terms of academics. </p>
<p>Your EC's look good, but they're not great (especially if UC Berkeley is your first choice). To make them stand out, I suggest you participate in music contests/festivals in your area (for Orchestra), organize some major activity and have it sponsored by the Asian Club, or earn yourself some recognition by doing something huge for the hospital you volunteer at. Anything along these lines will work - the bottom line is, your extracurriculars are the thing that ultimately separates you from other good students, so have fun with them. Be sure to take them somewhere. </p>
<p>Good luck with your college apps in a couple of years, and I hope my advice helped! </p>
<p>PS - On a random note: I'm a sophomore too. Class of 2011 represent!</p>
<p>ah! Thanks a bunch guys. I just needed a confidence boost; my parents pressure me so much. They think its horrible to have a 3.8 GPA.
Oh and do you want me to chance any of you?</p>
<p>Your stats look pretty good, no screw up. But just out of curiosity, how do you only have 5 academic classes, does your school have block scheduling?</p>
<p>It's going to be okay. First of all, you have a 3.8 GPA which is VERY, VERY GOOD. Do not worry about this, instead focus on doing the best you can an participating in things that you love. You will have a very good shot at both of these schools. Just keep doing what you're doing, and pursuing activities and academics which you are passionate about. </p>
<p>Rank has no bearing on UC admissions, except for ELC status (top 4 percent of school guaranteed to a UC campus, not necessarily the one of choice). </p>
<p>GPA looks good, but ECs need some work... Try to do something out of the box... at this rate, you're the same as any other applicant to UC schools. Study for the testing on your free time, and try to take some AP classes next year. Make sure to keep up with your workload...</p>