<p>Here is what is going on in my high school career so far
-just completed Sophomore year
-GPA: 4.0, 3.8.
-Freshmen GPA: 3.6, 3.8
-Varsity track 1 year
-Jv basketball 1 year
-completed advanced ALG 2 class
-taking an honor chemistry class
-taking AP US history
not much. I just realised that I can do something with my life because of my grades</p>
<p>I'm not worried about academics but what I need to know is what are colleges looking for in their students? UC colleges specifically.
I want to attend UC San Diego but if other colleges offer I would consider
What should I do so I can have a higher chance to get into that school?
like what is better? Getting a Job or doing community service or doing a sport?
Which one and why?
Please help Thank you!</p>
<p>^for the UC’s, they basically look at:</p>
<p>1) GPA
2) Academic rigor of classes (esp. senior year)
3) SAT I and SAT II scores
4) Essays**- I cannot emphasize how important the essays are. The two 500-word essays you write are the only chances on the application where you really get to shine–and set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd.
5) Extracurriculars- any extracurricular you’re passionate and genuinely interested in should be fine. Avoid creating a huge “laundry list” of a whole of extracurriculars just for the sake of breadth–adcoms won’t be too impressed, especially if the activities have nothing to do w/ each other.</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, why UCSD specifically? Are you interested in their science programs?</p>
<p>skyraptor is correct, essentially. 
</p>
<p>With regard to the EC’s, it’s level of accomplishment that they look at, for one. (Such as if it’s an e.c. that quantifies: such as the ‘belts’ in martial arts, such as awards or levels in music or dance, such as team or individual awards in debate.) So rather than looking at a cumulative list, they will look at advancement in one (or more) lengthily pursued interest.</p>
<p>Community service is a significant component. Leadership is a separate but also significant component.</p>
<p>The UC gpa for a-g classes is computed from sophomore and junior years only. In addition to that, one can “bump up” one’s overall points for admission by having included in freshman and senior years, additional a-g classes. They will not alter the UCgpa, but they will be computed as add’l courses.</p>