<p>Hi, I'm sorry if I'm not conforming to the rules of College Confidential, I only just made this account to ask this question. I am only a sophomore in high school so I still have time but I would like to know what I can do right now to better my chances of making Columbia or MIT, my two dream schools, I have a great GPA (about 4.8 weighted) right now and I rank third in my class I believe. I do soccer and tennis and although I am not on varsity for them I do love doing it. I am in my school newspaper which was ranked #1 in NJ which is quite an accomplishment as we are a small school and I am also in the Key Club, student council, and hopefully soon the National Honors Society. I already know I need to start getting tons more community service so ideas on that would be greatly appreciated and also any advice on what I should start doing now to further my chances of getting in. I am realistic and I feel I have no chance of making either schools but I at least want to give it my best try. Thanks in advance, Brandon.</p>
<p>Oh and also: I forgot to mention that I am advanced in my sciences and am currently taking Pre AP Physics and Pre AP Chemistry and am at the top of my class in Physics even though it is aimed at juniors/seniors. Probably not even helpful but I guess any info helps. Thanks, Brandon</p>
<p>Bump</p>
<p>Keep up with your GPA. </p>
<p>Prepare ACT/SAT and subject tests. If you can take subject tests during this year, do it. It’s easy to prepare unlike SAT. It will save some time for prepping SAT or ACT. And don’t forget to look up certain admission requirements that the colleges set. For example, MIT requires one science and one math subject tests. </p>
<p>Do your best in ECs that you can show your potential as much as possible. It’s the best to do something that are related to your future major, or whatever you want to do.</p>
<p>Try to befriend teachers and GC. When I say “befriend,” it doesn’t mean to suck up to them. It means: be polite, talk to them a lot, make yourself known about your academic strength. Try to take classes with same teachers so that they can write good LORs. </p>
<p>@paul2752 Thanks so much! I’m so just stressed over planning how I’m going to maintain a 4.0 GPA while also getting a high SAT coupled with good EC’s and LOR’s so it’s really nice to see someone willing to take the time to stop and assist me. Thanks so much</p>