How to improve my chances of getting into a great college?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>As I entered my freshmen year of high school, I was in a huge public school, something I've never experienced before. Around September, I transferred back to the private school I had gone to my entire life, because I simply did not like the new school I was attending. Unfortunately, I wasn't applying myself in school, or getting the grades I knew I was capable of, when I transferred back, and then one day, I finally had enough. I knew I wasn't stupid and decided to really get my stuff together, because I realized I actually cared about my future. Now, flash forward to right now. I finished my sophomore year as one of the top students in my grade, receiving straight A's in all four quarters, except my first when I got one B. I aced all of my exams and also got all straight A's for both semester grades, in every class. I took two honor classes, the honor classes limited because I'm in a private school, & an AP 2-D Design class. However, I just saw that I got a 2 on my AP exam when my art teacher told me he thought I could get a 5... I'm feeling slightly discouraged, but not just about my AP exam score. </p>

<p>I've never told anyone this but, I want to get into an Ivy league college, but I feel like it'll never happen... I'm still getting my GPA up because of freshmen year. Currently, it's at a 3.5385 weighted and a 3.3846 unweighted. I'm trying to get it to a 4.0 unweighted by the end of high school. I'm taking 3 AP classes next year, my junior year, and then the rest honors. </p>

<p>I guess my real questions are: Can you provide me information on how to improve my chances at getting into a great college? I fear that my freshmen year totally destroyed whatever chances I had, for I got B's, C's, and even a D! But, I'm not giving up, because I know what I want. Also, how can I continue to raise my GPA, towards my goal of a 4.0 unweighted? I'm taking AP classes, which I know help, if I do good in them, which I'm planning to. And, lastly, what can I do to be a standout applicant to a prestigious college? I'm planning on going into Medicine, not exactly sure of what area but, I'm researching. I'm looking for as much information as I can get, and any guidance will be great appreciated. Thank you! </p>

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<p>Your GPA will never be a 4.0 because you have received grades lower than an A in school</p>

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<p>Try to get some reallyyyyyy high SAT & ACT scores. & take both tests more than once! & try to do a lot of extra curricular activities because colleges like to see students involved. Community service, clubs, anything. I’m not sure what state you live in, but if you life in Florida you can take some online classes which will bring up your GPA by a lot if you take enough classes & do good. I’m not sure how that works in other states though. Just take a lot of AP’s & stay focused.
I got 2 D’s my junior year in AP Lang & I have a 4.3 weighted GPA. & try to get straight A’s! Even if you can’t just don’t get any C’s. Also, I don’t know if you’ve heard of dual enrollment? But it could really help bring your GPA up & save you a lot of money for college. </p>