Hi, I’m currently a sophomore in high school and lately I’ve been worried about my chances of getting into my dream colleges. (UCLA, Wellesley, Colorado University Boulder, Colorado School of the Mines, and NYU) I already joined ib diploma program which is the most rigorous classes you can get at my school (What I’ve heard) but I didn’t chose it knowing that that classes were going to be hard, the ib program just interested me but later I heard so many awful stories about the ib program and that its almost impossible to get an A in any class. So I’m kind of worried of how I will do in ib. Through out my time in school I’ve always been a good student, not really standing out in grade because I would say I got pretty average grades. Always more B’s than A’s but never lower than B. (except this one time this year I got a D!!! but never never any other time. Also brought the grade up to a B now which is better. 
)
For Freshman year I wasn’t that active in school. The only thing I did was join the Cross Country team. (lettered too)
Beginning of my Freshman year (1st semester) I took NO HONOR classes at all. All my classes were super easy for me so when 2nd semester came around I switched my lit class to honors lit (the only class they let me change.) and did really well. At the end of 2nd semester freshman year I got a 3.8 GPA (which is basically the highest GPA I ever got)
But as a Sophomore (1st semester) I feel like my GPA has dropped a lot. And I am taking a lot more honor classes now. (Except for history and math) My GPA after 1st semester was 3.4 (really close to 3.5) I’ve been struggling with my Spanish class and my gear up class (gear up is a college readiness program I’m in and in the class we take a math remedial course so we don’t have to in college) So, think those two classes were what brought my GPA down… but I’ve been kind of disappointed in myself for dropping my GPA that much!! And that 3.4 will show up in my transcripts… Will it hurt my chances? Maybe it’s not that bad?
But now Finals are really close and I’ve been studying really hard so far. I’m hoping to bring up my GPA again after this semester. I am also doing way better in my Spanish and Gear up class. (Have an A- in spanish right and B+ in gear up)
Other than grades, Sophomore I’ve been really active in school.
I joined the Gymnastics team but didn’t letter since I’m new to the sport. (I really didn’t want to do cross country again, I have no idea how I did it as a freshaman…) And I’ve also joined the girls swim team! (also didn’t letter) being apart of both team was a really fun experience though. I have confidence that next year I will letter in swim team though.
I’ve also joined the Diversity Club at my school and now I am the secretary of the Diversity Club.
I am also in a dance group with a few friends and dance/learn kpop dances. We even performed in front of the entire school for the Diversity Club assembly. (My favorite part of this year tbh)
I’ve also joined FBLA and went to the city conference (everyone in FBLA went) but didn’t get any award for my website design or anything.
So far I’ve done no community service hours but over the summer I’m planning to go help at a local nursing home by my house. (I’ve already emailed the coordinator and everything)
I’ve also joined the link crew at my school. Which is a leardership thing. Before school starts Freshman come a week early to the Freshman academy and it’s run by link leaders only. So basically in the program I will be guiding and leading a group of Freshman by myself for a week. (but also for an entire year… since I will be their link leader and have to help them through though times. Also need to be able to tutor them if they need any help! )
Sounds fun right? I am excited about doing this but also nervous due to my quiet/shy personality.
So far it seems like I was participating more but not actually winning or achieving anything. Which depressed me… but I still have hope for myself (2 more years!!)
What do you guys recommend me do to help achieve my dreams of going to my dream schools? or at least any high level college? What will help me increase my chances?
I know I kind of sound like a slacker, I am lol. But I’m not too much of a slacker, I’m working really hard to stop my procrastination. I am also kind of shy and really nervous or quiet… So when I danced in front of my entire school so many people were surprised but complimented my dancing. 
I’m trying so hard not be afraid of talking. It’s always been a challenge for me. I also feel being quiet has taken a lot of opportunities from me… like positions in a club or sport team since I separate myself sometimes so of course people wouldn’t pick me for those things but I can’t help it (except for Diversity club cause I am now the secretary but only because nobody was fighting with me for the spot :p)
What do you guys think? sorry this is so long!! but please I need opinions? I’m willing do anything.
(I apologize for any spelling errors I know those are annoying. I typed this pretty fast.) ALSO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT ME PLEASE ASK.