<p>I am currently going to be a sophmore in high school. My grades are average as I have a 3.2 GPA. (My school's grading system is weird though). I have almost no extra curricular activities (School basketball). I am looking to improve extremely during my sophmore year by havng more ECs and increasing my GPA to at least a 3.7. Should my ECs be mostly inside or outside of school and how many should I do? I kind of screwed up my freshman year. I am looking to go to a good college like Pitt or PSU. What do I need to get into a college like that?</p>
<p>Your ECs should be the things you are passionate about. Nothing more, nothing less.</p>
<p>Ok thanks for the advice.</p>
<p>Your primary focus should be on taking the most challenging classes and getting good grades in them.</p>
<p>Continue taking difficult classes (preferably Honors, or AP/IB) and doing your best in them. On the other hand, if you see you’re struggling in very difficult classes, don’t take more than 1-2 really hard classes per semester, if you can help it.</p>
<p>Take the PSAT this fall, and see how you do.</p>
<p>Find things you like and want to try, and join ECs for that reason. If possible, try to run for a smaller elected position in one of your ECs (even if it’s secretary or treasurer or something) for junior year.</p>