Hi, I’m a sophomore in an NC High School, and have my heart set on UNC Chapel Hill, so I just want some advice and
critique from anyone willing.
Currently, my GPA unweighted is 3.5, and weighted is 3.97. I haven’t taken the SAT’s yet, but I got a 26 on the Pre-ACT this year, and a 1200 on the SAT I took in 7th grade. I’m taking two AP classes my Junior year, and probably 4 or 5 my Senior. I’m also in the Beta Club and volunteer around at a local nursing home and my church. My freshman year was fine, but my first semester sophomore year is what set my unweighted from 3.7 to 3.5.
Anybody have any idea on how I stand currently, and any advice to better my chances. Thanks
Improve your test scores first of all. 1200, even in 7th grade, is not good. 26 is also far from spectacular.
Try to get some leadership positions as well. Good luck!
Hate to be harsh, but you’re going to have to have a MAJOR turnaround in school performance. If possible, take more AP’s. Contact your GC and ask her to change your schedule and add some easy AP’s like psych to increase rigor and add quality points to your weighted GPA. Course rigor is one of the most important factors in college admission. Also, it looks like you’re having a major downward trend in GPA (I have a slight downward trend so I know how you feel to some degree) so do whatever you can to keep your GPA up. Talk to your teachers and other students in your class and get help for the stuff you’re struggling with. Since it’s early in high school for you, there’s still time to fix things. Hit the books for your classes. You’re going to have a lot of late nights studying next year and it’s frankly going to suck (I’m a junior at the most competitive high school in NC lol, it’s been a rough year) but if you work as hard as you can, you may be rewarded with an acceptance letter from UNC. Also, follow your passions in high school. A lot of kids make the mistake of trying to be president of every single club as resume fillers but colleges see right through that. Find something you love and do things to help the community and yourself that are associated with that thing. For example, if you love running/cross country/track, don’t just be on the team; try to be a captain or organize a 5K sponsored by your team to benefit the community. Be passionate, not fake, with your EC’s. UNC is my top choice right now and I’m applying this fall. I have read over their admissions website and have been to all of the admissions events/presentations for UNC so if you have any more questions about UNC, PM me. Be sure to study up for the SAT/ACT as well; aim for at least a 30 on the ACT or a 2000 on the SAT for UNC. Good luck. Just turn around those grades and be passionate with your EC’s/essays.