<p>Keep your GPA up, especially freshman year. Since freshman year is generally the easiest academically, you shouldn’t have much of a problem with this. Try for all A’s. That way, there’s room for a B or two during your sophomore or junior year. </p>
<p>I’m glad to see you’re taking the hardest course-load possible. Definitely try to take AP Calc senior year, especially if you’re aiming for engineering. AP Physics, Chem, and (if you want) Computer Science would also be good ideas. Other than that, take as many as you think you can handle.</p>
<p>Don’t freak out about the SAT, by the way. You have a while for that. If you really want, maybe take a practice test next summer to see where you stand. When you’re learning new vocabulary words in English class, actually LEARN them. Try not to forget them after the test; integrate them into your personal lexicon, and use them in your writing. You’ll be glad once you recognize the words on the SAT. Since you say you want to be an engineer, I’m going to assume that you’re fairly decent at math. Just pay attention to the basics in your math classes, and you should be fine. The key to that part is practicing enough and not making careless errors. You’ll see what I mean one you start studying for the test.</p>
<p>Also, don’t just blow off the PSAT when you take that! Being a National Merit scholar is just another thing to add to your application, and studying a bit for the PSAT will help you prepare for the SAT (the two exams are basically the same in terms of difficulty, but the PSAT is shorter). In general, my recommendation would be to begin studying for the exams at the end of your sophomore year and into the summer of your junior year.</p>
<p>And don’t forget about SAT Subject Tests! Cornell Engineering requires at least two–one of which must be on mathematics (Math Level 1 or Math Level 2). I’d recommend taking Math 2 after you take pre-calc; the curve is much better, so if you know the material you can get an 800 much more easily.</p>
<p>I was admitted to Cornell this year for engineering, but the area that worried me the most during the whole college process was my extracurricular involvement. I was certainly involved, but I didn’t think I did anything truly defining. I was president of the math honors society as my school, so I guess that helped. But, if you have the opportunity, aim to do something really cool. If you like robotics, maybe start a robotics club at your school. See if you can get an internship at a local chemistry lab. Take extra classes in a subject that interests you. And try to focus your extracurriculars in some sort of AREA of interest, rather than having them all over the place.</p>
<p>Two books I’d recommend if you’re interested:
[url=<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Admission-Insiders-Getting-League-Colleges/dp/0446540676/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Admission-Insiders-Getting-League-Colleges/dp/0446540676/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1]Amazon.com:</a> A Is for Admission: The Insider’s Guide to Getting into the Ivy League and Other Top Colleges (9780446540674): Michele A. Hern</p>
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