<p>I'm a soon-to-be junior in high school, and have been having minor mental breakdowns just THINKING about applying for colleges.
I was wondering what my chances would be getting into a top school, if I don't take ALL honors classes. I kind of scared myself out of taking AP classes junior year, and now I'm worried that it will be problematic.
Freshman Year I took honors math and english, and Sophomore year I took honors math, english, and chem, but struggled in math and chem. Based on this, I moved down to 'normal' math and physics for junior year, but honors english and history.
If I were to take all AP classes senior year, would this balance out? I'm so confused, and stressed! I haven't even taken my ACTs or SATs and I'm already freaking out.</p>
<p>Again, the best way to decide what an “appropriate” schedule is would be to talk to kids in your school that were accepted into the colleges are looking at.</p>
<p>Wht do you me by top colleges? Are there specific schools that interest you?</p>
<p>Don’t freak out, honestly. I am a new junior in high school as well going for my IB diploma. I am taking all IB classes along with an AP class as my elective. It is all totally doable - it’s really overwhelming to hear about all the exams and requirements (especially from an IB standpoint), but you just have to manage your time well. I do multiple extracurricular activities along with 25 hours of training per week for competitions…it’s hard, but definitely managable.</p>
<p>As for the ACT, SAT, etc…if you’re going for top schools like Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, etc, I’d recommend at LEAST a 31+ on the ACT and a 2150+ on the SAT (those are just estimates). Sign up for one in the coming months (fall or winter), get a couple study books from barnes and noble, and do a little every day. Since you’re only a junior, you can take them again. I’ve taken both already and plan on taking them again this fall and winter.</p>
<p>SAT IIs (subject tests) will also be strongly recommended and even required from some top schools. Take them in subjects that are your strong points, but make sure that you research whether or not schools you are aiming for require certain ones.</p>
<p>It’s totally overwhelming, I know…this year I will be doing external assessments, interal assessments, my extended essay, 75 CAS hours, along with achieving good grades in super-hard classes and doing things outside of school. But other people do it…so can you. And remember - if you don’t get into an Ivy Leauge school, there are plenty of other extremely good schools with great academics and other things going for them. Take UCLA, Georgetown, USC, other CA state schools, small liberal arts colleges…make sure you do your research on what schools interest you before setting your sights on Harvard, Yale, etc. Be realistic but also try your best - people DO get into those schools.</p>
<p>Just as a starting point…what is your current GPA? Have you taken the PSSS or the PSAT?</p>
<p>Well, I would like to apply to Northwestern for sure, but I’m also interested in UCLA. Going to an Ivy League School would be GLORIOUS but seems highly unlikely. I got a B- in honors math, which is why I’m moving down to ‘regular’ math. I think that brought my GPA down to a 3.76… not my best. My weighted GPA was a 4.71 out of 5.</p>
<p>EC wise: I’m a dancer, and have been doing ballet since I was 3. Sophomore year I enrolled in a pre-professional school that took up ALL of my time, which could have added to the struggle with math. The reason I didn’t sign up for as many honors classes is becuase I thought I would still be attending the ballet school junior year, but due to personal problems I’m not continuing there. By the time I had made my decision to stop training at the school, it was too late to change my schedule. I will be a part of the school modern company though, as well as continuing with my ballet training.</p>
<p>And I haven’t taken the PSAT or PSSS.</p>
<p>Take as many APs as you can without damaging your GPA.</p>
<p>On applications, just make sure you can list extracurriculars and your accomplishments in them - not just “I do ballet” or “I went to a pre-professional school.” Top colleges want to know - have you won any competitions/awards? What did you gain from the pre-professional school?</p>
<p>Wait, you’re just starting your Junior year? Jeez, calm down. Just chill out, work hard, and start actually stressing out when there’s something to fret over a year from now. You’re gonna give yourself an ulcer!</p>