@warblersrule Thats awesome to hear! I took my first ACT this week and I am feeling pretty confident. I think I got around a 30-32, which I know right now is not good enough for Duke or other top schools, but with a lot of hard work and studying this summer I believe I can raise it to a 34+. I’ll also be doing subject tests in Biology M, Math II and US History. I’ll definitely focus on Duke’s earth sciences program in my application, as I have heard so many great things about it. I’ll also look into the New College of Florida as well. Thanks for all your great feedback!
EDIT: One more thing- as I mentioned previously, my school unfortunately doesn’t offer an AP Environmental Science class. I am already enrolled in a free edX environmental science class - would it be a good idea to make up for the discrepancy some more by trying to get it at my local community college? I know they offer a few environmental science courses and it is possible I could get them for free. And would it be a good idea to mention in my application somewhere that I can self-study for the exam?