<p>Hey CC, I'm somewhat new to this site, having used my brothers account for some time. With that being said I'm in need of advice for my junior year. My Freshman year was pretty weak, having only a 3.1 or so. Junior year was stronger, having a 3.5 in all honors classes. (Second semester i had about a 3.7). I'm starting to put in the work and effort needed to succeed. Junior year my schedule is: Honors Chem, Honors French IV, AP English, Honors Pre Calc, APUSH, and Music Theory.
~My question to you is "How can I succeed in these classes". I'm looking to get straight A's this year, and willing to put the work into it. What I'm most worried about is Chem and Precalc, both teachers I have are difficult and I'm not strong in math and science. Both AP English & History I'm not necessarily worried about because I'm more of a History and English guy.<br>
~Another Question is what other EC's can I pick up? Currently I'm a peer minister at my church (Mission trips, community service), Debate Team, Varsity Swimming, Model UN, and 2 years of band.<br>
~How can i prep for the SAT? I already took the PSAT last year in October and sucked in that, but I've done the Q of the Day at collegeboard nearly everyday since.<br>
For what its worth I'm aiming to go to either UVa or W&L. Idk if there would be any unique EC's geared towards these school.</p>
<p>-Study, study, study. Pay attention in class and take good notes and study, and ask the teacher for help if you don’t get something. I know how you feel–I’m not too good at math or science, and I took the same math class as you did last year. (I’m a senior.) So study. Practicing on problems in math also helps. Once you do the problems over and over they should become easier. </p>
<p>-I think your EC’s are fine, but you should try to get deeper into them. That is to say, gain leadership positions in them. Like captain of the Debate Team, Swim Team, ect. If you can’t get those positions this year, participate enough so that you can next year.</p>
<p>-I’m not too good on the SAT topic. I could not study for that test. But if you get those prep books and take a lot of practice tests you should do fine. Also, does your school offer SAT prep classes? Because if they do, you should take those.</p>
<p>Everything said before is good, you simply have to pay attention, and take good notes. Read that day’s notes that evening, it will reinforce them in your mind. And study well in advance, and get help well in advance. And have confidence. If you think in your mind that you can succeed, you will. Kinda lame sounding, I know, but it helps you stay focused on tests and stuff. </p>
<p>Yes, your EC’s need leadership, that’s the main thing. Get a leadership position, President of stuff and the like. Oh yeah, and Honor societies. Mu Alpha Theta for math, National Honor Society in general, your school have those?</p>
<p>I’m good with SAT stuff, PM me and I’ll give you a good study plan of books and everything. If it means anything, I have a 2340 superscore.</p>
<p>You need to prioritize. First, gpa. You need to put the time and effort into academics. You have a lot going on, what needs to be done to get the grades I want? Second, SATs. Do you have the discipline to study on your own? You need to step it up if you plan to take the tests in Spring 2010. Third, ECs. Ditto advice above, seek leadership and involvement into the activities already invested. Last, try to think ahead…which teachers from this year will I ask to write my LORs? Do I have a relationship with my school’s GC, who also may be needed to write a LOR?</p>
<p>To Biggie- I’ve already been recommended for French Honors Society which I’ll do, and, contingent upon my grades this year, I hope to be doing NHS. On top of that, I will look into more leadership positions.</p>
<p>Batllo- Yes, I am willing to study on my own for the SAT’s. And the relationships with my sophomore teachers, for the most part, is great.</p>
<p>Speaking of recommendations, plan to ask your teachers in June. It gives them time to do the letter and they won’t be as busy as, say, December. Or they might be there in June and not in September. You never know.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Don’t procrastinate, and ask for help when you need it. Junior year is only killer if you procrastinate. </p></li>
<li><p>Your EC’s look nice, but I agree with the other advice about gaining leadership positions. Also, try working more with the current adult leaders of each activity, and if you see something that you think could be fixed, take the initiative and fix it. </p></li>
<li><p>Did you suck in each of the categories, or were you better in some? Definitely buy the blue book and dedicate an hour of your day to the purpose of studying.</p></li>
</ol>