Uh, so I’m currently a sophomore and I did pretty bad freshman year (weighted GPA 3.7, C on record, and failed AP Physics (2)). I’m really stressed out and I was wondering if it is still possible to raise my GPA to a 4.3 overall and any tips for leadership activities(is taking leadership classes enough??). I appreciate any advice, please help!
GPA: A 3.7 isn’t awful, and since it was your freshman year you still can make up for lost ground. Really, really apply yourself this year if you want to raise your GPA!
AP: A 2 on an AP test won’t make or break you, as long as you take some more APs and get 3+. But again, since you’re a sophomore you definitely have time to catch up. What APs are you in this year?
Leadership: Hmmm…I would look into some clubs, and if you aren’t particularly interested in them, find out how to start your own. If you have any opportunity to lead or organize an event, go for it! I’m a junior right now, and this has opened up a lot of doors for me. For instance, my martial arts instructor once asked me to help out with some classes, and a year later I now am a co-instructor with my own private lesson practice. Basically just get involved in whatever you’re passionate about, and jump at the opportunity to lead, because those can really blossom your leadership skills. As for leadership classes, those are a great start! Just make sure you’re putting those skills to use–again, getting involved as much as possible will give you the best chance. 
Also–don’t stress! For me personally I constantly worry about grades and ECs and SAT/ACT, but in the end you can’t always be perfect, no matter how many practice tests or leadership classes you take. So just try your best and enjoy what you’re doing. That’s going to make the process easier and less stressful.
Good luck!!!
Please DON’T start a club or even focus on ‘leadership’ activities. For some reason people have the idea that being president of something is what selective schools are looking for. They aren’t. They are looking for excellence in your areas of interest, for impact, for people who look for challenges and like to push their boundaries, for those who want to develop skills and have experiences beyond what they can get in the classroom. If that should involve being president of something or starting a club, well, fine. But there are so many ways to demonstrate the characteristics schools want without being a cliche. How many applications does an adcom want from editors of the school paper, president of the honor society and head of the math team? These do not make you interesting, let alone stand out from the pack. EllaSci4’s example of being asked to co-instruct classes in martial arts and ending up with her own private lesson is an example of demonstrating excellence, making an impact and pushing her boundaries. So much more interesting than starting some service club and making herself president.
In my area, where there are a lot of parental lawyers, you can’t believe the number of kids who think the way to stand out is to start their own non-profit (50c3). I always ask why they didn’t simply join one of the several thousand service non-profits that already exist in our metro area. The answers are rarely good ones. (Not ‘never good’ - but rarely.) Don’t be one of those kids who is padding their resume in this very obvious way.
Thank you so much for the advice! I’m taking AP Computer Science this year, and I think I’m doing okay so far (any tips/books to recommend?)…
I’m planning on entering the medical field, but I was wondering how to apply leadership in that particular field. I’m going to volunteer at a hospital, but I’m clueless on what else to do. Additionally, if I were to create a club, what would it be about? Any ideas?