Sophomore in HS. What can I do to improve my chances of getting into college?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hello!
I am currently a Sophomore at HS in Illinois. I am thinking about majoring in aerospace engineering. I did some research and saw that Purdue U. was highly ranked in this area of study. I think that I am set about my major, I would like to apply to colleges that are ranked similarly in regard to AE. My current stats are:

GPA: UW-3.76 W-3.9

2 Honors classes

Junior Year:
Plan to take AB Calc along with Honors U.S., honors language, honors physics,
Senior Year: honors language, AP Physics C?

ECs: Colossal (Physics Club), Congressional Campaign Intern 2016-plan to intern again in 2018, Volunteer at animal shelter, and possibly world language honors society

*no class ranking at my school

What can I do in my next two years of High school to improve my chances of getting into Purdue, or a similarly ranked U. for aerospace eng.?

2

You’re actually off to a really good start, especially making a thread like this as a sophomore. It shows that you’re committed! Here are a few of my pointers.

  1. Study hard and early for standardized tests, either the SAT or ACT, as well as SAT subject tests in math and physics since your major is extremely competitive. Those are huge, and it’s never too early to start studying.

  2. Bring your GPA up. It’s still really good, but for a major like Aerospace, you’ll be going up against people with near 5.0 weighted GPA’s. Keep working hard in school, take AP/Honors classes, and keep bringing it up.

  3. Do more extracurriculars. What you’ve done is great, don’t get me wrong, but remember that many colleges are looking for a well-rounded student that they believe can contribute to the diversity of their campus. Just for fun, try auditioning for a school theater production, or do a sport, or even start a club. There are plenty of options, and you, a sophomore, have plenty of time.

  4. Keep an open mind. Remember that you’re still a sophomore in HS. I remember when I was a sophomore, I wanted to go into Engineering, then theater, but now I’m applying as a film major. Things can change just like that.

Hope I helped, and good luck these next two years!

3

Strictly speaking, colleges aren’t looking for a well rounded student, but a well rounded class, where individuals each Yale something different to offer at a high level.

The MOST important thing for you to do right now is run the net price calculator on Purdue and bring the results to your parents. (Run it with an act 25, 27, 30, 32, too. That’ll wipe away the thought of going into a test unprepared, immediately.) Can you parents afford that price? If not, how much can they afford?
Then, look for schools that give merit aid (if they can’t afford their EFC) and ‘meet need’ schools (if they make up to 75k,and even if they make up to 125k).
When you find a college, immediately run the NPC.

Then, dedicate time to test prep. Start this holiday season, plan on a test in the spring, a test early summer, and if necessary in the fall. Taking sat subjects (math2, physics, plus one humanities to show intellectual versatility) could e best in mayor June this year.

4

If you’re interested I engineering have you considered more STEM related ECs?

First robotics
Intel ISEF
Science olympiads

5

You look like you’re off to a good start! Just some advice:
-if you have a chance to take an AP or advanced class as opposed to a regular one, always take the harder class (unless you KNOW you won’t do well in it). Colleges look for course rigor and if you are taking the most/more challenging courses that you are offered.

-take the sat subject tests after you take the class. Like, take Math 2 after pre-calc, and all the others after taking the corresponding physics classes. It might feel too early, but trust me- it’s much easier to take the subject tests right after learning the material as opposed to trying to relearn everything two years later.

-STUDY for the ACT/SATs and take practice tests for both. Some colleges want ALL scores sent in, and if you have a bad “just to see where i am” test, then it shows up.

-Try to get more ECs in, and with lots of variety. what you have is good, but expanding it will not hurt. It also gives you a lot to talk about during college interviews, especially if something is unique or different (ex: everyone asks me about knitting club).

-GRADES!! what you have now is good, but you can always improve! focus on getting As in your classes, and don’t neglect the ones that seem easy. A bad grade in an easy class sucks. An A- can hurt your GPA, so put in the effort to keep those extra few percentages. AND, don’t be afraid to take an AP class because it might hurt your GPA. Those classes tend to be weighted a lot- I got my first B last year in AP Calc and even with that, I had my highest yearly weighted (LOL lowest unweighted tho)

-if your school or area has an apprenticeship program, do one of those. Even if they don’t have one for aerospace, they definitely will have one for SOME type engineering.

-don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s no shame in getting a tutor or going in to see a teacher early

that’s pretty much all I can tell you. Ask your guidance counselor for advice, they will be able to tell you more.
OH ALSO get familiar with your guidance counselor! don’t be afraid to talk to them about stuff. The better they know you, the more that helps with applying. They’ll be able to write a better letter of recommendation and there’s less of a chance of there being some sort of mishap.

hope this helped!!

6

Can I take the ACT and SAT subject tests?

7

@APwannabe Yes.

8

absolutely :slight_smile: