What classes to take?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi I'm a high school sophomore planning my junior year classes. I want to get into UPenn or Columbia, so I need advice.</p>

<p>Classes Definitely Junior Year:
Honors Trig/Precalc
AP English Language Composition</p>

<p>Classes Definitely Senior Year:
AP Calculus AB
AP English Literature Composition</p>

<p>Possible Classes:
AP Statistics
AP Chemistry(11th grade only)
AP Microeconomics
AP US Government and Politics
AP Physics
Honors Anatomy/Physiology</p>

<p>Other APs:
AP German
AP Studio Art
AP Calculus BC</p>

<p>APs Taking Sophomore Year:
AP World History - (A+) Will be taking AP test
AP Bio - (B+ MP, A Final) I took AP Bio 1, I dropped to normal Bio 2. I have a week to return to AP Bio 2. </p>

<p>I could take AP German if I was tutored over the summer in the language. I have up to German 2, I could take German 3 junior year and then take 4 in the summer. Not sure what to do here. AP Studio Art isn't my talent, and as for Calculus I won't have the credentials to take it.</p>

<p>I don't know which classes I should take. AP Chemistry is not going to be my strong point - that's the chapter in Bio that lowered my grades. </p>

<p>Math is also difficult for me - but I am working on that. AP Statistics is not required, but would probably help.</p>

<p>I did take the PSATs, I got a 147. I have an excuse for the day, but I could have done better obviously. I want to get that up way higher. </p>

<p>I do some extra curriculars as well, which are:
2 years FBLA (Officer for both)
1 year Leo Club (Running for Secretary)
12 years Soccer - (Club)
1 year School Soccer - (JV, not sure if trying out again)
3 years Fair Volunteer Group - (VP)
20+ Hours Volunteer Work (working on)</p>

<p>I don't know what to do, so any help is appreciated!</p>

2

<p>You don’t need pre-calc to take Calculus I, it is a fairly easy class for anyone half competent. And a 147 PSAT may be a sign that you are not qualified intelligence wise for “Penn or Columbia”, I suggest you look over other colleges, perhaps state colleges and aim for that.
Edit: and looking over your EC’s, unless you have a cure for cancer you are hiding until junior year, I project you to have 0 chance at your dream schools.
Definitely try aiming for state schools or liberal arts, they are not as easy as you think to get in, especially with your credentials at the moment.</p>

3

<p>"You don’t need pre-calc to take Calculus I, it is a fairly easy class for anyone half competent. And a 147 PSAT may be a sign that you are not qualified intelligence wise for “Penn or Columbia”, I suggest you look over other colleges, perhaps state colleges and aim for that.
Edit: and looking over your EC’s, unless you have a cure for cancer you are hiding until junior year, I project you to have 0 chance at your dream schools.
Definitely try aiming for state schools or liberal arts, they are not as easy as you think to get in, especially with your credentials at the moment. "</p>

<p>As I said, the day of the PSAT a few things happened. Plus, it was math. I feel like I will improve. I do have backup schools for if those two don’t work, but I still plan on setting my goals high. </p>

<p>And I’m working on EC’s. I haven’t had too many opportunities to do much without being able to drive. It will change, as I have my permit.</p>

4

<p>Colleges do not look at PSAT score, try to get better SAT scores. What is your GPA?</p>

5

<p>I’ll take the SATs next year. My GPA is 3.91 at the moment, hoping to raise that more.</p>

6

<p>Last year, a classmate from D2’s chemistry class got into Columbia with just Honors Chemistry in Senior year. My advice is not to overload on science classes if you are not strong in science subject. UW GPA is very important. Colleges want you to do well in classes that you choose to take.</p>

7

<p>i’ll focus more on the math courses, then. instead of science</p>