<p>@lovelyshores to answer some of your questions:</p>
<p>1) UCSD is a great school. You’re almost at the top 10 percent, just so long as you keep working at it. Literally 2 spots away. A rigorous class schedule should be a plus if competiting with peers who might have had higher GPAs but easier classes.
2) Many colleges might actually offer you a higher chance of admission if you apply specifically for the winter term due to their lack of space first semester. Be sure this is what you want to do though first, because you might be missing out on some orientation activities where you meet new people.
3) An alternative could be the ACT if you find yourself nervous with the guessing penalty and giving the wrong answer. The key is to practice though. It really makes you better and more familiar with the material
4) @Torveaux can correct me if I am wrong, but I think that 1370 is out of 1600 (CR+M)
6) Find a volunteer place you are passionate about where the people aren’t just there “just because they ned volunteer hours” but that they are genuinely invested in it. That environment will help you too.
7) If science is your interest, do well in your science classes, show interest, and perhaps get a rec from your teacher. That would go along well with your interest in dermatology.</p>
<p>No, 1370 out of 2400 is not ideal, but you can get into college with that score. It could depend upon how it is distributed. 1498 is ‘Average’ according to the College Board. If the scores are straight even 457 for each section, that would put each one at about the 30th percentile +/- about 5. </p>
<p>We tend to think in terms of the 90+ percentile kids out here in cc Land, but in real life, the numbers stretch much more widely. 500-500-370 would be average at CR+M and 13th percentile in writing. Not getting into competitive schools with that, but there are many colleges that will take this sort of score. Do well in those colleges and you can transfer in to almost any school.</p>
<p>@LAMuniv
Haha thanks:) hope things go well for you!
@shawnspencer
I found the practice ACT to be a lot easier than the PSAT. Especially the math.
It’s going to be hard to show that science is part of my interests anymore, I ended up having a B in honors chemistry second semester when I had an A first semester, won’t colleges notice that I didn’t improve and went down?
Thank you!
@Torveaux
So I guess I really need to improve my score on the SAT if I want to get accepted into UCSD :/<br>
But when do I take it? Do I also need to take the ACT? Or both? </p>
<p>Whose expectations? Parents? Teachers? Peers? They are not you. Tune it out. </p>
<p>Stop worrying about what colleges will think. It’s irrelevant, really. What do you think?</p>
<p>Don’t have a dream school. If you don’t get into UCSD, the sun will still rise in the east, and set in the west. You’ll just go somewhere else. No big deal. If there is something you want to dream about doing, dream about doing it and try to execute a plan to do it. If you haven’t found your niche yet, look slowly, try things out, allow yourself to fail at it. </p>
<p>Pick a level of effort that you are comfortable working at. If you are not doing well with that level of effort, you need an easier schedule. Make sure you exercise. What makes you happy?</p>
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<p>Says who? Getting a B is plenty respectable</p>
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<p>I’m not surprised that you don’t like anything. Whoever has been setting their expectations on you has been stifling your natural curiosity in the process. How can you like anything if you feel like every second you’re being pushed and told to do better. I would hate everything too. </p>
<p>You sound like the prototypical “Race to Nowhere” kid. If you’re not suffering from depression or anxiety already, you are certainly on your way there. Ask your parents to find a therapist for you to help you develop strategies to deal with this. </p>
<p>Slow down, sample the merchandise. Find things you like. </p>
<p>You should be learning about life, not racing to some college nirvana fantasy on someone else’s timetable. </p>
<p>My parents are the ones who want me to step down. They’re the ones worried.
It’s my teachers and society that pressure me. The whole “you students need to step up because there are people your age who read classics and you’re all reading cotton candy books” speech my English teacher gave us once. I know teachers are suppose to push you to do better, but sometimes the push is too much. I had friends who gave up, accepted D’s and C’s. </p>
<p>I’ve always had anxiety. This year it got worse though… But now I’m putting my health first. I had someone to go to after school and I would talk about my problems with her (she’s a teacher, so I did get help from an adult) </p>
<p>I decided not to take AP chemistry also. Because I know I would’ve been just so stressed from that class. So I did do something to help myself.</p>
<p>The only subject in school I like is art because I can do what I want. </p>
<p>I’m a nature person so I’m happy when I’m outdoors, at the beach, doing crazy activities, etc. So it’s not that I completely shut myself out from the real world. I’m always up to do anything wild </p>
<p>You sound like a great kid. I’m glad your parents are supporting you and that you are finding other avenues of support. </p>
<p>Really, things will work themselves out. It is teacher’s job to push you, but don’t let it get to you. It really isn’t a race. Make sure you get plenty of sleep stay healthy physically and mentally and just do the best you can within your comfort zone of allotted time. </p>
<p>Feed your curiosity and enjoy what you learn. </p>
<p>One B in Chem is fine. Most schools only look at final grades anyway, and sometimes interests don’t always correlate with the highest grade. Good luck</p>
<p>I feel like I’m probably just being redundant (sorry I didn’t read the other posts), but YOU ARE NOT SCREWED. You still have two years left of high school. Junior year will be your most important academic year. You can do it!</p>
<p>The fact that you’re already reflecting on what you’ve done in high school makes you WAY ahead of the average high schooler. Of course, most people here on CC don’t like being compared to the average high schooler. Start studying for SATs! Go find some ECs in an area you love. I see some people suggesting community college or military, but you can definitely attend a 4-year university if that’s what you want. Unless you plan on going to a super top prestigious school (like most people here), lack of ECs won’t even kill you that much. But get involved in something you enjoy! Even if it isn’t for college, it’ll be a good experience.</p>
<p>Some kids do much better on one test or the other. I would recommend to anyone to take each test once.</p>
<p>crd has it right here. UCSD is one school. Ultimately, it is what you do with your education that matters most. You could go to the least of the UC or CalState schools and still have a great life.</p>
<p>It is still a bit early for most people to know what they want to do ‘when they grow up’. Check the data on people who change majors and/or careers in their lives. Get a well-rounded education and do something you love (that can at least pay the bills).</p>
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