Help a Non-impressive(ish?) Sophomore

Applying to College
1

Hello all, I still have like a year to go in terms of SAT/ACTs but I was just wondering if y’all could just give me areas to focus and improve on? I’m already looking at a few colleges (I live in MA so there’s a ton nearby) and I’d like to go to a pretty competitive one. However, I get really stressed out thinking about things like this and how uncertain my future is. By the way, this is my first post so if I leave something out or format something incorrectly then my bad.

PSAT sophomore year (no studying): 1360
GPA (weighted): right now it’s about a 4.25, but realistically I could end sophomore year with a 4.35 or higher; unweighted is around a 3.85

Classes (freshman)
H-English: A
H-World Cultures: A
H-Geometry: A-
Programming in Visual Basic (CP1): A-
H-Latin II: A
H-Bio: B+
Photo I (CP1): A-
GPA: 4.17, high honor roll

Classes: (sophomore, predicted overall grades)
H-English: A-
APCSP: A
H-Latin III: A
H-Algebra 2: B-
AP Euro: A
H-Chem: A
GPA: hopefully 4.3ish by June, high honor roll

Classes next year: AP English Lang/Comp, APUSH, AP Computer Science, honors Latin IV, honors Precalc and honors Physics

ECs/Work/Community Service:
Fenced for 5 years until freshman year, placed in about 10 competitions and was ranked 5th in the region at one point
Piano: played since 2nd grade but haven’t really done anything with it
Harp: played since 4th grade, and play monthly in retirement homes/church
Equestrian: on an IEA team, frequently place in shows, a founding member of school equestrian club
Polo: I/I team, will continue playing with the team for as long as I can
Alpine Skiing: since I was 4, raced at a mountain but not with school
Sailing: since I was 7, raced occasionally

Co-founded a program where I teach local third-graders the basics of programming (I am really interested in this idea and want to develop it further)
Member of the school newspaper, write articles on a monthly basis
Worked at a ranch in Montana every summer for a few years, will continue in the future
Have a stand at a few farmers’ markets where I make and sell terrariums
I also have four younger siblings who I take care of/tutor a lot, not sure if colleges care at all though

Demographics/Hooks (I think?)
Female
1/2 Filipino (mom is a first-gen immigrant, went to community college)
1/2 white (dad went to Trinity)
Income bracket: high enough that I don’t need financial aid

If I missed anything let me know! I am aware that I probably shouldn’t be subjecting myself to college stress yet (better to wait till junior year, I’m assuming) but I would just like to know people’s opinions. Thanks!

2

First of all, your title is misleading- you are not unimpressive!

Keep in mind, I’m learning to as my daughter explores colleges, but a few things jumped out at me.

Your PSAT score is similar to my daughter’s freshman score - she self-studied a bit and was able to get her PSAT up to 1510 - good enough for NMSF. I’m sure with 30 minutes of study a day this summer you’d see a big leap as well.

If you’re struggling with a class, be sure to get help. Stay after school, get a tutor, do whatever you need to make sure you do your best. Everyone will run into subjects that are more difficult for them, so don’t struggle by yourself - self-advocacy 101!!

Do you still like fencing? I ask because we’ve laughed how my daughter should have gone into fencing, instead of gymnastics and swimming. Some top schools give generous aid and/or tips to well-qualified fencers.

I love that you teach coding to younger girls. Women are still under-represented in this field, and you will find some scholarships/opportunities in this field. For instance, we’re looking into the CyberScholars program at UMBC - not necessarily selective, but it offers numerous benefits to students.

Rather than worrying about specific colleges just yet, explore different types of schools - Do you want an urban or rural feel? What size will be the best fit? Do you want a traditional liberal arts program or a pre-professional slant? And begin to think broadly about your career path? Do you want a STEM-oriented school? An open curriculum?

Finally change your language - try to reframe this from “stressing” over college to having fun exploring your option. No pressure (yet at least) - you’ve got this!