Going into 11th grade. Chances/Advice?

peggysue
Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:39:52 +0000

I love that you’re the twelfth person to have “worriedjunior” in their username.

Though your grades look a little low at first, NYC private schools don’t give out A’s without a fight. Do your best to get A’s and definitely take a few more AP’s senior year. Try for leadership positions in band, field hockey, and the newspaper to show that you’re dedicated. As far as the SAT’s go, I wouldn’t worry too much about this initial low score. The second time I took the SAT, my score went up 160 points, 110 of them in math alone (the exact same jump as rainbowrose!). Getting PreCal under your belt will help a lot with the math section.

Though you can probably be more competitive, check out Loren Pope’s COLLEGES THAT CHANGE LIVES. These would be good liberal arts safeties. Smith seems reachable, Williams and Georgetown will be tough.

Most importantly, try to keep your head on straight during junior year. It’s a really hard year, in more ways than one. I just finished and I wish that when things outside of school had gotten difficult, I had focused on school to take my mind off everything else. Good luck!