Nervous Freshman in High School

ShyasA1987
Sat, 13 Jun 2020 00:00:46 +0000

Hi Everyone, I am new to this college confidential thing, but here goes…

I just got my GPA back for freshman year, and it has made me really nervous.

Freshman GPA: 3.7 out of 4.5

I attend a magnet school in Pennslyvania, which is very competitive. My school is IB only, so they don’t offer AP courses. However, all of my courses are honors/pre-diploma. I am two years ahead in maths, so I should be taking IB Math next year in my sophomore year ( my school made an exception for me and three other students.)

I got mostly Bs with a few A’s in the mix. I know my GPA is really important for CA, so how will this factor into my total high school GPA? I am hoping to up my grades in my sophomore year and beyond. Along with my GPA, here are my ECs for freshman year:

FBLA Competitor(I did a presentation event and made it to the state leadership conference, I hope to make it to nationals in the next two years and be an officer after)

FBLA Volunteering(along with competing, I was part of the fundraising and advertising committees.

HOSA Competing( I was supposed to compete in the SLC, but it was canceled due to COVID. I was to participate in the testing event Pathophysiology. )

HOSA Volunteering ( Once again, I was part of the fundraising committee)

Speech and Debate ( I was a JV Competitor for Public Forum Debate, and went two 4 competitions but didn't place in any of them. I also went to an online debate competition for extemporaneous speaking, we are yet to hear the results)

Speedcubing( I am an avid speedcuber, I have gone to 10 competitions this year, and placed in 4 of them)

Traditional Indian Singing( I am a Carnatic singer, and I got more and more confident with it during Freshman year. Next year, I will be taking a few exams, along with singing in temples for a non-profit.)

Gift of Life Donor Program Ambassador( I am an ambassador for the gift of life donor program. I have presented at multiple libraries, offices, and schools to raise awareness for organ donation. I became an official ambassador at the end of this year.)

When the World Went Home Blog ( I have started a blog during this pandemic time that features people's experience in different parts of the world. So far, I have featured people living in remote villages in India, orchestra, and french teachers, along with some high school seniors. I will be getting a doctor's perspective up on the blog soon, along with people from France and Indian cities.)

Those are my ECs for Now! For your information, I am an Indian American in the middle class. I am really hoping for the following colleges:

UCs, particularly UCLA

Stanford

Ivies

Vanderbilt

Northeastern

Washington University

I hope to pursue a medical pathway, but I might major in biology to start.

PSAT/ SAT: I have not taken the ACT, SAT, or PSAT yet, but based on my practice tests for PSAT I am hoping for somewhere around 1500-1600.

And that is it!
I know my GPA is not very good, but I am going to be working very hard over the summer. Along with chances, if any of you have tips for earning good grades that will be highly appreciated. I work and study hard, I learned that I need to be more detail orientated and to study smart if I want to achieve good grades.