I am currently in my junior year in highschool. I recently switched from Honors English to Regular English. I have been unsure whether or not this was a smart choice. My teacher gave us more work than AP and with my other classes I was sure that my GPA was going to drop. The courses I am currently taking are Precalculus, AP U.S History, Honors Physiology, AP Spanish Literature, Regular English (used to be Honors) and Folklorico (we need to stay after school sometimes). Many of the people that I have asked for advice have told me that it was a good choice. Since I dropped this course, I am confident that I will get a 4.0 or a 3.8 if I would have stayed I would have received a 3.3 or 3.5. Was this a smart move? Should I have stayed? My G.P.A for sophomore year was a 3.7. and my courses were AP Spanish Language, Honors English, Algebra 2, Chemistry, and AP World History. Also, I have been volunteering at my local library for 7 years and I am thinking of volunteering at the hospital this summer. Is there still a possibility I will get into a UC or a Cal State?
You do realize that the UC’s use your 10th and 11th grades and courses as well as the rigor?
They also incorporate your 9th grade grades into your GPA. The CSUs also look at full GPA, not just your current year, so you need to calculate your GPA over the 3 years.
It’s also about your test scores. You should be taking the SAT’s this October. Have you studied for these? We can’t chance you without your SAT scores.
do you think the switch was a horrible decision?
Only you know whether or not you could do the work.
The universities look at your entire record. If there are courses that were more rigorous on your campus, then they might question why those courses weren’t attempted.
You have to remember that you are competing with students who take the most rigorous courses.
The UCs have entering students with really high grade point averages because they do tend to take all AP courses.
Without an SAT score, there’s really no way for us to predict where you might get in.
Could this switch be a problem in the future? What score do you think I would need to get into a CSU/UC?
What is done is done. See if next year you can take AP Lang since UCs will also factor in 12th grade course rigor (not your grades, unless they’re below a C, in which case they rescind you.)
Would I have been better off with a 3.3? Do you think that I will still get into CSU’s? I am starting to study for the SAT and ACT. Based on my situation what score would I need for both?
Depending on the UC you’re aiming for, you’d have been expected to get a 3.8 AND have AP Lang (UCB, UCLA? UCSD). For the others, your choice is a risk, and if you’re content with UCSC, UCR, and UCM, then your choice makes sense because your course rigor will be above average there and they’ll factor your GPA in.
Of course you will still get into CSUs and even have a shot at difficult majors (Engineering, CS). The only school where it may hurt you is Cal PolySLO which has become more selective than some UCs.
But what is done is done. Plan on taking it next year and you’ll be good. 
You’d need a 28+ on your ACT, or 1800+ on your SAT for UCs outside of UCB/UCLA/UCSD.
Thank you so much! I will definitely ask about AP Lang and begin studying for the SAT.
What scores would I need to get into a CSU? I am planning on applying to CSULA, CSLB, Chico, and Northridge. Do I have a chance in any of these?
Chico and Northridge are not that hard to get into, and CSULB is relatively difficult. I’m not sure about CSULA though. Chico’s average sat composite is 1013/1600 and Northridge is 1000/1600, but it probably depends on your major too. I would just aim for the highest SAT score possible. Considering you have taken many AP courses, you should be fine. However, since it sounds like a weaker subject for you is english, really study for the writing and critical reading sections! Buy the “blue book” and take ALL of the practice tests! This is the best way to get a feel for the test so you do your best on the day of the SAT!!
Csula is the worst csu ( or in the bottom 2-3) with abysmal graduation rates to boot. If you’re aiming for ucs it ahouldnt be on your list. Have you checked out and ran the npc on Loyola and Chapman?
Thank you so much!