<p>Hi guys, I am currently a junior and I thought that it would be helpful for me if I start thinking about my future right now. I want to know where I am headed and what I can do to improve.</p>
<p>So far, I have only been an average student. I got 3 Bs freshman year, 1 B sophomore year. At the end of this year, I am projected to have 2 Bs. This will result in an unweighted GPA of 3.69, and a weighted GPA of 4.2 (overall). By the end of high school, I will have taken 5 APs and 10 honors courses. I am from a very competitive public high school in NJ so there are a lot of people smarter than me, and we dont have class rank. </p>
<p>I am worried my average grades will not get me into my first choice college (NYU Stern, which has become very competitive). I have decent extracurriculars (four school clubs, some volunteering hours, musical instrument), but I think they are only generic at best and nothing that really stands out. I have been preparing a lot for the SAT, so I expect a 2200+.
What can I do to improve my chances for NYU Stern? I am planning to apply ED because so far it is my first choice and I will go if accepted in the future.
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>I would love to help, but please provide more detailed information. For example, test scores and extracurriculars would help.</p>
<p>Also, do you get the extra GPA point for the honors classes as well?
Last time I checked, only APs and select honors classes are approved for it.</p>
<p>afcartman, heres a detailed resume so far:
GPA: 3.69 uw, 4.20 w (3 Bs freshman year, 1 B soph year, expected 2 Bs this year)
I still need to take the SAT and SAT IIs, expecting a 2200+ on SAT
ECs - FBLA, Chess Club (secretary), Red Cross Club, Economics Club, School Orchestra (not sure if this is an EC), Hospital + Library Volunteer, Work as a tutor, Indian Classical Music, plan to do an internship this summer, plan to make my own club
Yeah we get an extra GPA point for AP and honors.</p>
<p>mephist0:
I am not sure if my grades are good enough for NYU Stern, which is really competitive.</p>
<p>Your grades are fine, like mephist0 said, you're still a junior. Bring them up if you can, but don't worry about them too much. If your predictions are right, then you should be fine. Can't answer your question about the dual enrollment though.</p>
<p>If you're worried about your grades, take those 2 projected B's and turn them around while you still can! :) I'm a junior too, so I know how you're feeling -- you should take the SAT/ACT soon to get some idea where you stand. Not to be a downer, but it's pretty hard to get a good score your first time. On the other hand, with a bit of studying, you can improve. I went up 160 points from June to November just by doing some basic practice tests. Once you get a real score rather than projected, it'll be easier to chance you. Good luck!</p>
<p>i havent looked into NYU Stern but from what i can say, ur GPA has to be raised. im not sure how colleges view the extra point for honors but these days its getting so competitive with a lot of 4.0 UW applicants.</p>
<p>my advice would be more focused on ur EC, instead of like scattering ur seeds. try to be highly dedicated to fewer ECs rather than being in random clubs.</p>
<p>good luck with ur junior year ;) hardest year imo</p>
<p>My advice would be to work as hard as you can to try and boost up that gpa. I also agree that even if you participate in a lot of clubs, you should focus on a few that you are the most passionate about. If your passion happens to line up with what the adcoms at stern are looking for, then you have a chance.</p>
<p>what i have to say is pretty much consistant with what everyone else had to say.
work on your sat scores and gpa.
but honestly, do you enjoy your extracurricular activities?
i'm getting the impression that although you are dedicated to your activities, you're not really passionate about them. pursue what you're passionate about! there's nothing greater than that.</p>
<p>You have a lot of ECs, just do whatever you enjoy and pare it down to 3-4 you can really focus on. Keep your grades at an A and B. Stern is hard to get into, so you need to show how you are different with your dedication in your ECs. Your essay will probably be a big factor in admission so work hard on it.</p>
<p>Your academics seem quite stong, but as somebody mentioned, par your EC's down. Show some leadership roles (those seem to be things people like). Second semester needs to be the game changer for you.</p>
<p>your grades aren't that bad, work hard on SATs and try to get 2300+ if you can, also don't neglect SAT 2s. They count more than people think, according to this book I read.
Also, upward trends help, so you should do really well senior fall :D</p>