<p>hello all!</p>
<p>I am currently a high school SOPHOMORE. I was wondering where I could improve so I have a standing chance of getting into UC Berkeley or UC Davis. The end of the first semester of sophomore year is near and my GPA is a 3.86. That gpa has lowered my self esteem. =/
Here is what I am taking this year. I live in California (The Bay Area), if that helps.</p>
<p>---------------Colleges----------------------
- UC Berkeley</p>
<li><p>UC Davis</p></li>
<li><p>UC Irvine</p></li>
<li><p>Stanford</p></li>
<li><p>Brown (Possiblity)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>-----Courses-----------------------------
Algebra II/Trig
English II- Pre-Honors
Spanish II
Orchestra (I’ve been doing it since 5th grade)
Chemistry I
World History AP</p>
<p>------Stats-------------------------------
GPA: 3.86. (grr)</p>
<p>SAT: Haven’t taken it yet</p>
<p>Class Rank: As of freshman year: 54/594. (OUCH!)</p>
<p>------Extracurricular Activities-------------
- Orchestra (planning on doing it for all of high school which is 4 years)</p>
<li><p>Volunteer at hospital ( 200+ hours)</p></li>
<li><p>President of the Asian Club</p></li>
<li><p>CSF/HOSA</p></li>
</ol>
<p>----------Expected course load for junior year----------------------
Honors Pre-Calculus
Honors English III
AP Biology
AP US History
AP Phychology
Orchestra</p>
<h2>Possible GPA for Junior year: 4.86 (Considering I study)</h2>
<p>I am also doing the Princeton Review over the summer to get a great SAT score to compensate for my HORRIBLE GPA. Where did I mess up? What can I do to improve?</p>
<p>If you reply to this; ill chance you.</p>
<pre><code> Thanks!
</code></pre>
<p>It's not as bad as you think. Just spend the next year working as hard as you can. If you get all As during junior year, that will not only increase your GPA but also show an upward trend. Also, work on those extracurriculars. Perhaps, try to move away from the typicals such as "orchestra" and "asian club" and do something unique. </p>
<p>You're in a pretty good situation. Just work hard next year--your acceptances will largely depend on it.</p>
<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/636935-chance-me-my-favorite-schools-i-will-chance-back.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/636935-chance-me-my-favorite-schools-i-will-chance-back.html</a></p>
<p>aw come on... only one reply?
Ill chance you...remember that guys.</p>
<p>BUMP!</p>
<p>Keep working hard for good grades. Don't stress so much about the exact numbers in your GPA or your rank. Take challenging classes and APs if you like. You also could take some classes at a college or two if you want.</p>
<p>As far as ECs go, just try to get involved in what you like. Find a passion and stick with it. Get involved as best you can, but don't do everything for your resume. Keep up the volunteering. Keep up work experience.</p>
<p>I would not take an SAT course by Princeton Review. It's probably a waste of money/time. Buy The</a> Official SAT Study Guide (TM) and study it. Then take the eight practice tests. If you want more practice, buy this: The</a> Official SAT Online Course (TM). If you have the initiative, self-studying will be much more rewarding at a cheaper price. After you've done all of that, post in the collegeconfidential SAT prep. forum. And if the SAT doesn't work out, take the ACT (although for you, you can take the SAT as many times as you want without it hurting you- new score choice option). </p>
<p>GL~!</p>
<p>thanks!
yeah, I think I should take it as many times as I can.</p>
<p>BUMP!
hehe</p>
<p>Just work real hard Junior year and try to maintain A's in those classes.</p>
<p>I'd say think of taking SAT Math 2C this year, its not really too hard. And it'll get one SATII out of the way.</p>
<p>I'm in my Sophomore year as well.</p>
<p>Get a strong SAT/ACT...you have plenty of time to practice, but take it seriously :) You're course load is great...I know someone who got accepted to Berkeley with a 3.8 average because they had extra currs...very strong ones...just keep improving and don't dwell on the negative :) GOOD LUCK</p>