My high school plan?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>OK I'm a freshman in a private school. I have not been putting in my max. effort this year, and it's really bothering me. </p>

<p>For the first quarter, I think my gpa (weighted, 0.5 for honors) was 3.25 or 3.3.
2nd quarter- 3.625 (much better)
3rd quarter- Around 3.6, (one of my teacher's screwed up my grade in an elective, so I have to wait for the exact gpa to come later)</p>

<p>This quarter, I want it to be my best. Here is my courseload:</p>

<p>Honors Biology(I got a D the 1st quarter, and a B for the 2nd + 3rd)
Honors US Govt. and History(B for 1st and 3rd quarter, C for second)
Honors Algebra II(C,B,C[78%])
Honors Literary Classics(B's throughout)
Honors Freshman Religion (I go to a Catholic school, I usually get A's in this class, except this quarter, it was a B)
String Ensemble (I guess this can count as an ec, easy A)
Honors Spanish III (B's, but if I worked harder, I could get an A)</p>

<p>What are your general tips for succeeding? I really want to get into a place like Stanford (and other top schools), it's one of my dreams. But I feel stupid for thinking such a thing because of my low gpas.</p>

<p>This year I haven't been very good with extracurriculars and activities, but sophomore year I want to do:
-String Ensemble
-JV Volleyball
-Forensics (Speech & Debate, I tried it a little this year)
-More community service</p>

<p>OK after all of this, I've narrowed down to some questions:
-Any ideas for ec's?</p>

<p>-Is it bad that I'm not taking APUSH or IB Chem SL (they're offered to sophomores) when I have the chance to? Is it wiser not to take too big of a leap?</p>

<p>-AP vs. IB? I'm considering the IB Diploma, any input from Stanford and other top schools on it? Do they like it?</p>

<p>-Do competitive schools look at freshman year? Do they weight gpas?</p>

<p>-Summer program ideas? I can do well in math, I just don't like the subject. I think I work better with people, studying the population.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Omg college!!!</p>

3

<p>Don’t listen to this ^ Stanford and most other competitive schools don’t consider freshman year grades.
That said, considering your current grades, I think it’s probably wise that you are not taking AP/IB classes next year, even though they are offered, because they are considerably harder, and your current grades in honors classes aren’t spectacular. Your courses are certainly on the right track though. Have you considered tutors? This may be beneficial, because from here on out your grades will be even more important. I would reccomend taking AP/IB courses as an upperclassman. Colleges view the two course types as equals, so it doesn’t matter which one you take. Does your school actually offer both? That’s pretty interesting.
Anyway, as far as EC’s go, I would reccomend sticking with a sport (volleyball in your case) and demonstrating an interest in a variety of areas, such as music, art, science, debate, etc. But don’t do things just for colleges. Find EC’s you like and stick with them. Also, don’t forget about community service. This is important.
For summer activities, I would reccomend community service, maybe some tutoring in your case, summer camps, volleyball camps, whatever you find interesting. You’re still young, so it doesn’t matter as much what you do this summer. Try and find something that is fun and beneficial.
I’m a Stanford hopeful too, going into my senior year next year. Hope this helps, good luck! :)</p>

4

<p>Trust me, they consider freshman-junior year. </p>

<p>Try harder next year and you’ll be good.</p>