I’m currently a sophomore in high school and am really curious as to what grades/scores you guys got, and what schools you were accepted to.
My GPA is currently a 3.6: I took honors bio and algebra 2 last year. This year, I am taking honors pre-calc, chem 3, and french. Junior year, I’m taking AP calc bc, AP physics, and AP US History. I know my GPA isn’t good and I’m really worried that I won’t be able to bring it up. Any tips/advice on how to strengthen my future college apps? Also, I’d really appreciate if you guys told me your high school stats and what schools you got into? My dream school is UCLA which I know is a reach, I’m thinking of good schools that aren’t crazy. Thanks guys.
@jlia1327 welcome to CC!
If I were you, I would focus on raising your GPA in your junior year. Is your 3.6 weighted or unweighted? You want it to be at least a 3.7 UW (unweighted) for a school like UCLA. Also, are you a resident of California? It’s harder to get into UCLA if you’re from a different state.
AP Calc BC is a notoriously difficult class to get an A in. I suggest that you focus on taking AP Calc AB if your high school offers it. But if math is your strong suit, go ahead and take BC. Same goes with AP Physics.
Start studying for standardized tests now and hopefully you’ll hit the SAT or ACT out of the park. A high test score won’t make up for your GPA but it will certainly help. Also, what ECs (extracurriculars) are you involved in? While academics is the biggest part of a college application, it’s not the only part.
Home state?
How much can you and your parents pay/year for college?
Intended major?
Stay in-state or consider out of state schools? Private or Public?
Good advice from the above poster @doorealthe. Come back at the end of Junior year with all your stats and suggestions can be made.
https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
Although I ultimately decided not to go to UCLA, I got in with a 34 ACT, a UC GPA of 4.1, and ‘meh’ ECs.
I also had around a 3.6 (3.67 to be exact) my sophomore year. You want to try and get your grades up as high as possible (obviously) your Junior year, ie shoot for straight As. I suggest not skipping over AB, since as mentioned before, BC is extremely diffcult and is worlds apart from puny pre-calc and algebra II. With 3 APs, getting straight As will be difficult but far from impossible so apply yourself and kill the SAT/ACT when you go to take it.
Thanks everyone!
I’m really interested to hear what your ‘meh’ ECs were! I’ve been on varsity tennis since I was a freshman, French Honor Society, marching band/wind ensemble, key club, habitat for humanity (though I don’t see myself with a leadership role in the future) and I started my own business selling handmade things which I think may count for something as its been pretty successful.
I am really conflicted on the AB/BC decision because I don’t feel confident that I’ll be able to get an A in BC but at the same time, I think I’d be able to handle it. At this point and with my GPA, would you guys say go for easier classes/better GPA or should I still challenge myself/most likely lower grades?
Also, I’m considering out of state schools (I’m from CT). I got a 3.6 last year and see myself ending with a 3.6 again this year (stressed that I haven’t been able to raise it up). I really appreciate everyone’s responses!
If you are considering UCLA or any California UC, just make sure that your parents have deep pockets. OOS students do not receive financial aid from the UC’s so expect to pay $60K/year to attend.