Increasing Chances for Top School?

eksplore
Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:51:57 +0000

Hi I’m a 15 y/o sophomore and I was wondering how my transcript and stuff look to other people. I screwed up my freshmen year and was wondering what I can do to really increase my chances over the next two years to get into an excellent school. Thanks!

My freshmen year I took Honors English and Global I along with Algebra I, Physics, Band and an art elective. I did terrible in physics b/c I just couldn’t seem to pay attention. I had an 82 overall average and got a 73 on the NYS state exam which I am retaking this year. I took algebra twice, in 8th grade I wanted a really good grade on the state final so I decided to retake the class next year, a stupid decision.

This year, I am still in H English, AP Euro, Chemisty, Geometry, Band and an art elective. My grades are only decent with a 92 1st quarter average. Also, might take a Phsycology class at my community college and the AP Physcology exam.

My school has limited AP’s and some terrible teachers, so I may have to take some classes at my community college. Also, b/c I am not accelerated I math I don’t know how I will be able to take an AP math class without taking an online or summer course.

Overall I have approximately a 3.8 GPA with no college credit.

EC’s: Peer Leader, Cross Country Running (maybe captain next year), Community Service Club, I take piano lessons and am in my cummunity colleges Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Community Band on oboe and English Horn.

Also, this summer I went to NYSSSA SOS, a rather competitive summer program with the Philedalphia Orchestra and have been in All-County multiple years. Next year I am fairly confident I will go to All-State and maybe All-Eastern/National and I may attend the Juilliard pre-college next year.

I took the PSAT this October but do not know my score yet.

As far as volunteer hours I probably have about 30, cleaning up reservoirs and volunteering a my local library.

Also, I am eager to travel so was thinking about studying abroad my junior or senior year. If I can’t take courses that are particularly difficult or APs, is that a good idea?

I am reaching for a career in Zoology or some sort of Wildlife Biology but also love the arts and stuff. I would love to go to an Ivy or any other top school but am not sure if I have that wow factor. Any input on how to beef up my transcript would be really appreciated! Thanks!