<p>Hi everyone, I'm currently a sophmore in high school and I was just wondering if I could get some advice about how to plan out the rest of my high school years and the goals I should make to get into a top college or ivy league? Such as what GPA would be needed, when to take the SATs, which EC would look good, scholarships, when to start searching/looking at colleges, start applying, etc. I just want to set a goal for myself and make sure I'm heading in the right direction. Thanks!</p>
<p>You really shouldn’t be planning your life based on trying to get into college. Just enjoy high school. Take the classes you want and doing the EC’s you’re interested in. </p>
<p>But…for top colleges, you should try to maintain an A average with an SAT score to back it up. You should also be taking in a rigorous course load. That means challenging yourself with APs and honors courses. For EC’s, try to get leadership positions. The most important thing is probably to figure out your interests to better pick a major. Then, you can take courses and do ECs that are relevant to your major and those interests.</p>
<p>Like the above poster said, don’t tailor your hs career so that you think a college will like it. If Harvard accepted every kid who went through high school thinking “I bet Harvard likes what I’m doing right now”, Harvard would be a pretty dull place. Nothing more can be said about academics other than get good grades and good scores. </p>
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<p>I somewhat agree here. Find ECs that you like to do, not what you think a college would want to see. That said, your ECs do not have to reflect an interest in what you plan on majoring in. Find something you like, get involved in it, and express your interest and devotion to it in as many ways as possible. Leadership positions are good too.</p>