How Do I Know That I'm On The Right Track?

Applying to College
1

I am currently a sophomore student and will graduate in 2017.

Last year as a freshman, the main academic classes I took (and passed) were Honors History, Honors Biology, Honors English I, and regular Math 9. I also took several elective classes, such as Spanish I, Art Foundations, and Drawing and Painting I.

This year, I am currently taking AP Human Geography, Honors English II, Honors Chem, Spanish II, and regular Math 10. My elective classes include Home Maintenance/Repair, Ceramics, Drawing and Painting II, and regular Geography. Also, I am taking the ACT in about a month, and plan to do so as many times as I can until I achieve the highest score I need.

I also have a 4.2 GPA and am ranked 18th in the class as of now.

As a junior, I am planning on enrolling in the Post-Secondary Option for college credit (or College-Credit Plus, depending on where you go to school), AP Gov, AP Biology, Psych I and II, Honors English III/Composition, Anatomy and Phys, Spanish III, and as well as a few math classes such as Algebra II, Geometry, and Pre-Calc. I also am hoping that I will be inducted into the National Honors Society.

Senior year, I am going to pile up the AP classes and courses at Post-Secondary.

My main point of concern is that I don’t know if any of this is good enough to help me get into my desired college, based on the academic level. How do I know that this will be enough? Colleges that I’ve been considering include Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Florida, and Vanderbilt University. Will the courses I’m taking in high school look good enough to be admitted? Do I have the right type of goals that will lead me to success? I tend to worry more about things than is necessary, but college is a big deal for me, and as a sophomore I’m already worried that my academics won’t be good enough to be accepted. Thanks to anyone for their help/advice!

2

You’ll be fine. You have a demanding schedule. Just Relax. Do study for the PSAT.

3

@tater3399‌ Hey fellow sophomore! how many APs does your school offer per year (make sure your schedule is rigorous relative to your peers)? If i could offer any advice to you, I would say make sure your UW GPA is high and focus on really immersing yourself in a few extracurricular activities you truly enjoy. Also, from my understanding, i personally don’t think you need to be taking the ACT too much, I’d say try to take like a max of 4–not all universities use score choice, and thus, if you took it like 20 times, they would see all 20 scores. Make sure to spend your summers doing volunteer work/academic/summer programs as well. Best of luck and please try not to stress as much! I try to make a comprehensive list/plan outlining goals and how i will achieve them, which usually helps me reduce my stress levels!

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@samsunguser‌ I’m not sure how many AP classes are offered total, but I know that juniors can take up to four. And that’s so great because I really don’t want to take the ACT a bunch of times, unless necessary. I really am scattered when it comes to college and I tend to worry WAY more than is needed, so I will definitely make a plan so that I can organize myself with work and extracurriculars for the next two years! Thank you!