Question on ACT/EC's/SAT subject test/summer pls help me pls pls pls I am so stuck

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

Hello guys,
I am a 10th grader who moved to California with his family last year. I really want to go into a good college (targeting the UC’s). I have several questions that I hope would be answered clearly. Thanks in advance!!!

Here are some info that you guys might need
: my overall GPA is 3.5 unweighted and the only AP class I’ve taken in AP Chinese. I haven’t take ACT yet but my score on Practice test is 27 with 8/12 essay. I am interested in majoring business or computer science.

  1. I took an ACT book camp last summer but my score only improved by 1 or 2 and my essay is still 8/12. Is there anything wrong with my prep method? I bought ACT books and I do them over and over again then I go and review it in an ACT training class. Does anyone has any suggestion or method that can improve my score?
  2. I always feel like I don’t have enough EC’s and leadership experience. I am not very very good at anything… I play piano but I learn it by myself so I’m not really good at it. I joined baseball team but I’m only on the JV team … Since I’m interested in business and computer science, I want to do some EC’s that will impress colleges and will widen my knowledges/experiences. And also,WHAt do you guys think that I should do now (I feel like I’m stuck and helpless T_T)
  3. Can someone explains what SAT subject test really is (like what is it for and how is it helpful …etc) And which tests are better for business or computer science major? Also, how should I prepare for them and when should I apply for the test?
  4. do u guys know any contest or award that I should /could participate? (It would be better if it’s online or located in California----prefer Bay Area)

Thank you very very much. Thank u for reading it. Pls feel free to skip any question if you don’t have the time to help me.
But I would really really appreciate it if you can help me out. I feel like I’m wandering in a BLACK HOLE …

2
  1. I took an ACT book camp last summer but my score only improved by 1 or 2 and my essay is still 8/12. Is there anything wrong with my prep method? I bought ACT books and I do them over and over again then I go and review it in an ACT training class. Does anyone has any suggestion or method that can improve my score?

You still have time, don’t worry. The only way to improve is to do practice tests. It sounds awful, but it’s true. Also, the more times you take the real test, the less stressful it becomes, and therefore you do better. The first time I took an ACT (Dec. Junior Year), I got a 28, with a lot of prep. The next time I took it (June Junior Year), I got a 32 with virtually no prep (just one more practice test). And the last time I took it (Oct. Senior Year), I got a 33 with again, just one practice test. You need to take it a few times to understand how stress and anxiety play a role. You will be fine though.

  1. I always feel like I don’t have enough EC’s and leadership experience. I am not very very good at anything… I play piano but I learn it by myself so I’m not really good at it. I joined baseball team but I’m only on the JV team … Since I’m interested in business and computer science, I want to do some EC’s that will impress colleges and will widen my knowledges/experiences. And also,WHAt do you guys think that I should do now (I feel like I’m stuck and helpless T_T)

Do what you like. Simple as that. Don’t join an art club because you think it makes you diverse. Join an art club because you love art. The leadership positions will come to you if you are active in a club that you love. I can’t really suggest anything because I don’t know what your school has. Do you have a computer club, or something like it? Do you have a stock market club? DECA? This information should be available to you.

  1. Can someone explains what SAT subject test really is (like what is it for and how is it helpful …etc) And which tests are better for business or computer science major? Also, how should I prepare for them and when should I apply for the test?

SAT Subject Tests are 1 hr exams that judge your proficiency in a subject. Generally, the elite colleges require them and/or highly recommend them. If you are an above-average student, I’d recommend taking at least two, and for your interests, probably a science and a math. For math, there are two tests (Math I and Math II). Generally, it looks better to take the Math II test (and it is easier to do well on it due to the curve). I would recommend taking it after pre-calculuss, and if you do poorly, again in the fall of the next year. There are plenty of prep books out there. For science, I’m not really sure what you should take. You can look up the best SAT subject tests for CS majors, and I’m sure you’ll find stuff. Take it after you complete the science course it is designated to (i.e. take the chem sat subject test after completing a chemistry course, preferably AP, but not required). I’m not sure what the UC’s require, but again, you can easily find this on their website.

  1. do u guys know any contest or award that I should /could participate? (It would be better if it’s online or located in California----prefer Bay Area)

Again, you seem really lazy as you’re not Googling these things. I guarentee you can find stuff. And if not, talk to your teachers, guidance counselors, peers, etc. They’re there to help you. I live on the other side of the country (NY), so I really can’t help you.