<p>I am currently in the beginning of my Junior year. Up until now I've had mostly B averages with some As, increasing steadily from the beginning of Freshman year until now. However, I'm in the IB program in a school that US News ranked top-20 the first year I attended (it's since dropped). Over the summer I took Precalculus on FLVS so that this year I could take Calculus AB. Next year I plan on taking HL Math and HL Physics, and AP Physics C. I intend on getting a 6 or 7 on the IB exams and 5s on AP Calc AB/BC, Physics B, and both Physics C.</p>
<p>This Oct 12 I expect to get a National Merit-worthy score on the PSAT. If I took the SAT now I would expect something like a 2200; and I also think I could definitely improve to a perfect score. And, I have virtually no ECs. I've always procrastinated doing any, knowing that I would eventually have to do a lot for CAS (as part of the IB curriculum).</p>
<p>I have legitimate explanations for my average grades in the beginning of highschool, foster care, depression, etc. And, if I applied myself now I could get all As, many ECs, maybe start a few clubs, go to a few math competitions. In addition, I'm confident that with my experience in life I can write some passionate and unique admissions essays. I'm also qualified to join MENSA if I get around to digging up some old IQ scores.</p>
<p>My only question: at this point how much would I have to do in order to realistically be considered for Caltech, MIT, Georgia Tech, or schools equally prestigious? </p>
<p>Thanks (first post [: )</p>