<p>The UC's do indeed care about your extracurriculars, especially ones where you've shown leadership. it's part of the comprehensive review process. I know of people with perfect GPAs and great test scores that didn't get into the top UC's --- when their GC's called, EC's were cited as the reason. </p>
<p>I'd suggest that you read all of the information about a-g course requirements, how the UC GPA is computed, required test scores, and the comprehensive review process at <a href="http://www.ucop.edu/pathways%5B/url%5D">www.ucop.edu/pathways</a>. Then, plan your class schedule and test prep accordingly.</p>
<p>You're only a sophomore, don't worry too much at the moment. Start worrying first semester of senior year. haha. Also, you should take as many AP classes as you feel comfortable with, if you pass them with a good grade, you get college credit. I only took 4 AP's and got into UCLA and Berkeley. Your SAT score range I wouldn't know because I took the old SAT's but then again, it'll be somewhere in the top range of the totals. And with your EC's, just stick with something. The UC's like to see dedication to something instead of random joinings of clubs just for college apps, they know when you do that. goodluck but don't stress right now, enjoy school while it's still easy. if you come to UCLA, i'm here haha.</p>
<p>You should plan on five academic classes each year -- health is not an academic 'a-g' course. For Berkeley and UCLA, you should consider taking four years of each academic discipline (math, english, history, science, foreign lang). btw: Pre-calc counts as a fourth year of math.</p>
<p>Frosh grades don't count for UC admission purposes, but adcoms do look at them. Test scores are relative -- e.g. as try for 700+ for Berkeley and UCLA, but they could be much lower for Merced.</p>
<p>As others have posted, get involved in something that interests you.</p>
<ol>
<li>For your SATs, aim for a 2000+ score.</li>
<li>Challenge yourself academically. If there's an AP class you wanna take make sure you meet all the prerequisites. Take classes that your school doesnt offer at a local community college for enlightenment. Sign up for major projects at your school.</li>
<li>Colleges like well-rounded people. Stick with your swimming. If you can get a varsity letter, that looks even better. Do lot's of volunteer work. Rack up over 150 hours if possible. If there's something you wanna major in, doing volunteer work related to that looks good too. It shows you have passion.</li>
<li>Maintain a high gpa.</li>
</ol>
<p>Shoot for a ~4.1 weighted GPA, ~2100 on the SAT I, and 3(~700) on the SAT IIs for UCB/UCLA to remain a Match and UCSD to remain a Safe Match/Safety. Five ECs is all you need to fully complete the EC portion of the UC admission application.</p>
<p>classes: dont know what your school offers, but based on what youre taking now, i'd suggest eng3, spanish, science (preferably AP), AP calc, AP US History, and perhaps an art/music/theatre class if you havent done so already. </p>
<p>gpa: UC's only look at your soph and junior year GPA. it's nice to have the freshman 4.0 but it doesn't count for anything unfortunately. i'd say aim for a 4.2 UC GPA (right now, berkeley and ucla are around 4.1 UC GPA but i'm sure it'll be more competitive). note UC GPA is not the same as weighted GPA. </p>
<p>EC: try to get an officer position in keyclub and try to make varsity swim. perhaps you may be able to add another quality EC if you have time. but it's about quality and what you've learned, not what laundry list of clubs u have. </p>
<p>SAT I and SAT II scores should be like what flopsy said above, except i think you only need two SAT II's. </p>
<p>AP classes: take as many as you can handle. preferably at least 4 so you can earn the extra GPA weight points (8 semesters max) for the UC GPA. passing AP tests is also a good thing as it will transfer in college credit and thus help boost your class standing and therefore let u register ahead of the freshmen. </p>
<p>EC's: UCSD has a formula that translates EC's into points. most of the lower UC's are a little more numbers driven, but still care about EC's. for berkeley and ucla though, EC's can make a significant impact. berkeley and ucla are definitely NOT purely numbers driven, as there are way too many statistically qualified applicants. things like EC's (with leadership) and personal statement (and perhaps overcoming obstacles) make people stand out.</p>
<p>dude ur in the 10th grade!! wat are u worried about?!!??!? go and have fun dont' stress on college stuff now! u'll have plenty of time to stress on it senior yr.</p>