<p>Hey everyone!</p>
<p>Currently, I'm a sophomore. Freshman year, I took one AP (Euro) and this year I'm taking three APS and junior year I'll be taking five. </p>
<p>Last I checked, I have a 3.8 weighted GPA which is probably going to improve. I'm ranked #16 and I'll probably be higher by the end of the year. </p>
<p>I'm studying to take the SAT in June for the first time and I received about 1650 in the PSAT. </p>
<p>For extra curriculars, I don't really have much. I've got dozens of community service hours, but I'm only in three clubs, vice president of one of them. My main problem is that it's difficult to gain leadership positions in my school, since theres not many and they're all popularity contests and that narrows it down to a few people winning all the positions. </p>
<p>However, I'm really passionate about animals, and I'm looking into working with organizations and fundraising for those, which could possibly help my applications. </p>
<p>So far, I know that my college application doesn't look strong, and I know I need work hard. I've been slacking off these past two years and I need to start to work diligently. I just want to know where and how to start off. </p>
<p>Thanks for reading :) </p>
<p>With the right amount of effort, you’ll be a strong competitor for many fine schools. For starters, SAT/ACT scores are very important, so be sure to study. The best way to do so is to take practice tests whenever possible. One of my teachers suggested simulating “SAT conditions” by waking up in the morning on a Saturday and taking a practice test for the five Saturdays preceding the test, which has helped raise my practice test scores quite a bit. </p>
<p>EC’s aren’t limited to your school. Look into other opportunities in your area that you can partake in. As an animal enthusiast, you should definitely look into different shelters and even pet day-cares to see if they can offer you a volunteer opportunity or job. If nothing of the sort really exists, go digital. Creating a blog or web series about animals might be a great way to show that you’re passionate about them. </p>
<p>Have you begun considering majors and/or colleges? </p>
<p>@hqureshi11 Thanks for your response! I’m definitely going to study and try to do something digitally at least.</p>
<p>I do have a few colleges in mind, but I feel like there’s no way I’d get in. NYU Abu Dhabi is my dream school, but that’s really reaching. (I’m going to apply anyways) As for a major, I’m considering something in English/Creative Writing, Social Sciences or History. I’m still sort of finding my path. </p>
<p>With PSAT at 165 (not 1650), it seems there is a lot of room for improvement. Do not take the real SAT test until you are ready as you still have plenty of time. You do need to prepare for it over the Summer though as the PSAT in Junior is what it counts. Try to do as many practice test as you can until you reach a plateau score. Don’t waste your money in taking SAT too early if you have not prepared for it thoroughly.</p>
<p>Ur PSAT is low for a sophomore I doubt you’ll get into an elite college</p>