What can I do to improve

Hello all,

I am currently a sophmore and I am wondering what I should do to improve my chances of getting in to a highly selective college.

White, Jewish, ~120k income

I am taking 2 aps and 3 honors.
I took 4 honors last year. Each year of hs I have taken the most rigerous schedule offered.

Stats:

99.6 weighted
97.1 unweighted
30 PACT (no preparation)

Ecs

History bowl member 2 years, secretary this year, JV captain this year

Deca member 2 years, plan to hold officer position next year.

Top school jazz ensemble member 2 years

Sci Olympiad this year (it was founded this year)

Wind ensemble/marching band for 2 years

Awards/accolades

State research certificate of merit

6th place nationals for history bowl

International geography Olympiad qualifier (didn’t attend competition but qualified)

Recipient of school respect and responsibility award (given to 5 out of 250 students)

Music

Classical piano for 8 years

Guitar for 7 years

Sax for 7 years

Other

English (fluent)

Spanish (intermediate)

Numerous skills pertaining to biotechnology- I’m trying to get a part time position in a lab for the summer

Pls lmk what else I can do.

Personally I think that you are already doing plenty. You also appear to be doing quite well.

IMHO you should continue to participate in ECs that you are interested in, and keep ahead in your classes. Do not let yourself get overextended by trying to do more than you can do without losing sleep and without giving up having at least a little free time.

When the time comes, pay attention to what you want in a university, keep an open mind, do not just look for a big name, and I think that you will continue to do very well.

Thank you! Do you have any idea of what schools I will be competitive for if I remain consistent? I plan to study bio

You have a very nice course load and extracurriculars, I suggest taking in more advanced classes if possible but since you are only a sophomore, I am sure you will

I’m taking the most rigeruous schedule offered for sophmores. I’m going to take 3/4 aps next year and atleast 2 honors (if it fits into my schedule). Some kids have 10 clubs but I chose to do 4 and invest myself in them. Is that the right choice or should I join 6 more?

“Some kids have 10 clubs but I chose to do 4 …”

I think that it is better to have fewer activities and show that you actually care about each of them. To me 4 seems about right.

I plan to apply early decision to Columbia (which is a stretch). If I keep around the same grades, maintain leadership positions in clubs, and do well on tests do you think there will be any chance?

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It’s impossible to chance or recommend schools without standardized test scores. You are on the right path. Continue to take the most rigorous courses offered to you and study to aim for 34+/1500+ on ACT/SAT. Be aware that schools like Columbia will want to see subject tests as well.

What you can do is study for your grade 11 PSAT that can qualify you for National Merit. I’ve read that many people improve their SAT scores by using Kahn Academy, free online. Other than that, I agree with advice you’ve already been given on this thread.

You are awesome! Fret not.

Thank you! Do you think a 30 on the PACT is a decent grade of I hope to go up 3-5 points after a year of studying? I had no prep for that exam and wasn’t really sure what I was supposed to get.

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