Increasing Chances for Top School?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi I'm a 15 y/o sophomore and I was wondering how my transcript and stuff look to other people. I screwed up my freshmen year and was wondering what I can do to really increase my chances over the next two years to get into an excellent school. Thanks!</p>

<p>My freshmen year I took Honors English and Global I along with Algebra I, Physics, Band and an art elective. I did terrible in physics b/c I just couldn't seem to pay attention. I had an 82 overall average and got a 73 on the NYS state exam which I am retaking this year. I took algebra twice, in 8th grade I wanted a really good grade on the state final so I decided to retake the class next year, a stupid decision. </p>

<p>This year, I am still in H English, AP Euro, Chemisty, Geometry, Band and an art elective. My grades are only decent with a 92 1st quarter average. Also, might take a Phsycology class at my community college and the AP Physcology exam.</p>

<p>My school has limited AP's and some terrible teachers, so I may have to take some classes at my community college. Also, b/c I am not accelerated I math I don't know how I will be able to take an AP math class without taking an online or summer course.</p>

<p>Overall I have approximately a 3.8 GPA with no college credit.</p>

<p>EC's: Peer Leader, Cross Country Running (maybe captain next year), Community Service Club, I take piano lessons and am in my cummunity colleges Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Community Band on oboe and English Horn.</p>

<p>Also, this summer I went to NYSSSA SOS, a rather competitive summer program with the Philedalphia Orchestra and have been in All-County multiple years. Next year I am fairly confident I will go to All-State and maybe All-Eastern/National and I may attend the Juilliard pre-college next year. </p>

<p>I took the PSAT this October but do not know my score yet.</p>

<p>As far as volunteer hours I probably have about 30, cleaning up reservoirs and volunteering a my local library. </p>

<p>Also, I am eager to travel so was thinking about studying abroad my junior or senior year. If I can't take courses that are particularly difficult or APs, is that a good idea? </p>

<p>I am reaching for a career in Zoology or some sort of Wildlife Biology but also love the arts and stuff. I would love to go to an Ivy or any other top school but am not sure if I have that wow factor. Any input on how to beef up my transcript would be really appreciated! Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I’d say that you should definitely take the most challenging courses available to you. Colleges understand and consider the fact that not all schools have the same resources/courses available so all they want to see is that you are challenging yourself and succeeding. I would say it is more important to do well academically that pursue study abroad depending on how many APs you’d like to take overall and what colleges you are looking at. Perhaps consider internships/fellowships during the year that would allow you to work in your desired field (great EC for colleges) while also continuing to succeed academically? </p>

<p>Chance me please if you can:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1713081-early-to-stanford-and-overall-chances-please-i-chance-back.html#latest”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1713081-early-to-stanford-and-overall-chances-please-i-chance-back.html#latest&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;