<p>Hi everyone. I’m a sophomore in a U.S embassy-affiliated college in Cairo (Cairo American College). Anyways, I’ve had good grades in freshman year, a 3.8 cumulative I believe. For sophomore year however, I’m doing badly in my second quarter, a 3.3/4.3 (down from a 3.67). I’m also taking a very rigorous course choice if that matters, with many EC’s as well. What I want to ask is, if I’m applying to well-ranked colleges in the U.S, and have plans for a rigorous AP or IB course-filled curriculum the next two years, what should I do to ensure that I have a decent chance to get in? What should my GPA be for this next sophomore semester, as well as for the next two years.</p>
<p>To be admitted to a top tier US university or liberal arts college, you will need overall average grades of 3.75/4.00 (A-) or higher, with good scores on AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureat) tests. You will also need 2100 or higher on the SAT I tests.</p>
<p>Beyond that, private institutions will look at your non-academic activities: clubs, sports, arts, community service. You do not need to do all of them, but you should build a solid record in some of them.</p>
<p>Talk to you parents about how to make all this happen. Good luck to you.</p>