Hey, my dream university is UC Berkeley or UCLA and I was wondering if I’m on the right track?
My current GPA of this semester is 3.8 unweighted and 4.0 weighted.
My courses so far:
Honors English
Concert Orchestra
Algebra
Intro to Psych
Spanish
Bio
EC: Secretary of Student Council
Book Club
Badminton
I have chosen my courses for Sophomore Year:
Honors English, Honors Chem, Spanish, Honors Geometry, Symphonic Orchestra(only for juniors and seniors but I’m allowed to be in that class), possibly AP Psych.
The reason why I am taking most honors next year (can’t take Honors Spanish because you have to be a junior to go into Honors Spanish) is because I’ve realized that I am fully capable of encountering challenges instead of taking easy classes like I am doing in my freshman year. I was afraid I wouldn’t be capable of handling honors classes before high school, but now I am more confident.
Looks pretty good, except maybe math (idk at my school we’re a grade ahead but it could be different for you). Otherwise it looks great, keep it up with language and definitely do community service/clubs/leadership positions in clubs, etc. Good luck!
I believe 2 years of history are required for admission to most schools including Berkeley. http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/index.html
Take a look at the common data set for any school you are interested in (google it by school name). It’s the best way to ensure that you are on track. The other two things to do are 1) talk to your parents about your family’s budget and expectations for college. No point in getting hung up on a ‘dream school’ that isn’t going to be an option. 2) make sure you get to know at least two teachers really well - especially junior year - so they can write compelling letters of recommendation for you.
Also, if you are in orchestra than I assume one of your ECs is playing an instrument? Don’t sell yourself short and remember that it’s the quality of the ECs you have, not the quantity, that matters. A passionate committed music student doesn’t have to do any other ECs except those that are purely fun. You can also broaden and deepen your investment in music - give lessons, attend music camps, perform at community events, try composing, collect music, whatever contributes to your enjoyment of it.