<p>Hi, I am from California (the Bay Area specifically), and I was wondering what colleges I should consider that are in-state...I know this is quite ahead of time, as I am currently a sophomore.</p>
<p>My unweighted gpa is around 3.85, and my weighted average is about 4.2 (School adds .5 for both AP and honors classes). I had a B+ in freshman english (fml). I got a 220 or so on the practice PSAT our school gives to us, so I am really not sure how that translated into the actual sat. </p>
<p>Anyways, I am taking 4 Ap's this year, 3 next year, and 3 in senior year. I have gotten 5's on all the practice tests so far. </p>
<p>For extracurriculars: NHS (starting this year), Robotics, Lincoln Douglas Debate, President and Founder of Puzzle Club, Featured Columnist on sports website (bleacherreport.com) and I hope to win the election for the president the Spanish Club. Also, I have done a few science research projects within school, and next year I plan to enter some national science competitions. I also plan to either to a research internship or an internship at a hospital.</p>
<p>You are obviously very competative at the upper tier UC + privates.</p>
<p>Your UC/CSU GPA as calculated here:
[CSUMentor</a> - Plan for College - High School Students - GPA Calculator](<a href=“Cal State Apply | CSU”>Cal State Apply | CSU)
will be more relevant than your high school’s weighting in terms of UC/CSU admissions (UC differs from CSU in that 12th grade course grades are not included, though this may not be a significant difference for a current high school student who applies before completing any 12th grade courses).</p>
<p>Note that many UCs and CSUs do have different levels of selectivity based on division or major, and changing to a more popular major once enrolled may be difficult.</p>
<p>If you continue to maintain a good record, you are likely to have a decent shot at the more selective UCs, but you should include some safeties that you will get into, will be able to afford, and will like in your application list.</p>
<p>Check the net price calculators on the schools’ web sites in consultation with your parents to see how affordable each school is.</p>
<p>Besides UCs and CSUs, there are plenty of other schools to consider, including private schools and out of state schools. While out of state public schools usually do not give much financial aid, some (e.g. Minnesota) have relatively low out of state list prices. Some private and out of state public schools have generous merit scholarships available, sometimes just for having high enough grades and test scores; National Merit Finalist status can also get some generous merit scholarships.</p>