<p>Hey guys so I'm currently a sophomore and I really want to increase my chances of getting into the college of my dreams!</p>
<p>what are ways that will help me stand out?</p>
<p>I was recommended for AP English next year and History Honors
I'm African American
I live in NJ and attend one of the best high schools in the state</p>
<p>thanks x</p>
<p>The usual answer to this is to follow your own passions. Colleges somehow seem to know if you have half heartedly pursued some extracurricular activity because it might look good. Consider summer programs that will allow you to follow up on something that you’re interested in. Take a challenging course load, so the honors and AP are good. Start practicing for the SAT and sign up for some sessions and practices before junior year arrives. When you begin visiting schools, try to compare types first-----LAC vs. university, urban vs. rural etc. It can make the search seem less overwhelming. Try to get advice on which schools might be especially interested in african american students (rural schools, for example, may have more trouble attracting african american students). There are tons of small liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania that would be fairly close for you to investigate.</p>
<p>The most important criteria in college admissions and preparation are academic.</p>
<p>Choose rigorous courses in high school. Aim for at least the following (choose honors and AP courses as they suit your interests):
<p>Next year, in junior year, plan for the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>PSAT. This is “for real” – a high enough score can get you National Merit Semifinalist status, which can lead to good scholarships (more if you make Finalist status).</li>
<li>SAT and ACT during junior year (one of each). This allows you time to retake the better one in senior year after test-specific studying if you want to raise your score.</li>
<li>SAT subject tests in late junior year after completing the subjects, if you are considering colleges which want SAT subject tests.</li>
<li>Late in junior year, talk to your parents about what they are able and willing to contribute to you college education, and run the financial numbers in the net price calculators of colleges you are interested in to get an idea of financial aid. If the need-based financial aid is insufficient, you need to aim for merit scholarships.</li>
</ul>
<p>When making your application list, remember to choose your safety college first. This is one that you will certainly be admitted to, will certainly be able to afford to attend, and will like attending.</p>
<p>If you’re in one “of the best schools” in NJ, it strikes me that the only advanced classes you’re taking in your Jr year are AP English and Honors History. </p>
<p>I’m not sure what is your “dream” college but for the highly selective ones, your peers are PACKING their Junior year will 2,3, 4 and even 5 AP classes. Does your school have that many for you? You’ve posted you’re targeting UNC Chapel Hill which has very poor admit rates and Fin Aid for out of state applicants.</p>
<p>Your 3.58 GPA needs to go way up – all while you take even more rigorous classes. Don’t settle for just AP Eng and Honors History – they won’t get you into UNC. Or at the very least, make sure you have enough realistic match schools while you apply to your “dream” of UNC.</p>
<p>Good luck toyou</p>