So I’m going to be an incoming junior at a private high school and I’m nervous about college already. I want to know what I should try to do this coming year (differently) to make it count. My dream is Stanford and I want to be in the best shape possible when I apply there. Also, I’m really nervous about my freshman year grades being considered heavily because they are REALLY BAD (compared to my current grades). I mainly did poorly because it wasn’t used to private school and I had no friends which made it harder to focus on my academics.
Currently, I have:
200 hours of community service since freshman year (mainly tutoring kids)
Participated in 3 clubs
During freshman year, I played JV soccer and JV tennis (I didn’t play for sophomore year- never going to play again)
National Honor Society
Speak French, English, and Arabic
Received a ‘Finalist’ and ‘Select’ award for the High School Photo Competition
GRADES (unweighted):
Freshman year:
1st Semester: 3.68
2nd Semester: 3.85
Sophomore year:
1st Semester: 3.94
2nd Semester: 4.0
I need advice!! What should I do going into junior year (should I just do what I’m doing or add more clubs, etc.)
You don’t necessarily need to add more clubs. I would say focus on what you are already involved in and try to become a leader in those areas. Also, an upward trend in grades is about just as good as starting out with good grades and maintaining them. Take some challenging and interesting courses to show academic ability. Study for standardized tests when those approach for the same reason.
Remember, if you don’t get into standford, it is anything but the end of the world. Stanford is THE most selective college in the US, and there are LOTS of other schools that can offer quality education that will lead you to success. Best of luck!
Without test scores it is hard to say. Focus in on ECs you like and try to add some depth to those. Study for your standardized tests. Don’t focus in on one school. Get a copy of the Fiske Guide to Colleges and develop a list of safeties, matches, and a few reaches – try to find schools in all categories you would be happy to attend.
You are still a sophomore so you have plenty of chance! Your ECs are good, but not great. Try to get some leadership in ECs and state and national recognition in a particular passion if possible. Try to pursue one field on top of being well rounded in everything. Yes, well rounded is needed, but you need to show admissions that you have something that sticks out from that well roundness. Also, think about what will make you stand out in the 1 in 20 applicant pool in which 75% of applicants are academically qualified and perhaps more than half have same or better ECs? Good Luck!