<p>Hello everyone, I’m new here and just found this handy part of the forum. I’m looking to get into UCLA (for computer science) or Purdue (for professional flight). My career goal is to become a professional pilot. </p>
<p>I’m a junior right now, so be aware that I’ll probably be doing more things by next year. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. </p>
<p>I’m a white male from California. </p>
<h2>Here are my grades (as far as I remember)</h2>
<p>Freshman year: Semester 1: 3.9, Semester 2: 3.95
Sophomore year: Semester 2: 4.04, Semester 2: 4.04
Junior year: Semester 1: 4.42, Semester 2: Just started, will probably be similar</p>
<p>At my school (which is a private catholic school in Oakland, California, by the way), you only get extra GPA points for junior/senior level Honors/AP courses. </p>
<p>However, I can tell you that Freshman and Sophomore year I received all A-'s and A’s, and Junior year (this semester only), I had one B+, with the rest being A-'s and A’s. </p>
<p>Out of seven possible core classes, I am taking 5 Honors/AP courses this year.</p>
<p>My school does not do ranking. </p>
<h2>Standardized Testing</h2>
<p>I haven’t really seriously taken an SAT or ACT yet (that’s in a few months). I did take the SAT in 8th grade and the PSAT in 10th grade (also irrelevant). </p>
<p>My main concern, however, is my PSAT scores, which I got back today. I only got a 190, which was a bit disappointing to me. My mom said that the ACT might be better for me, is this true? (I was 93rd percentile in the nation). In my opinion anything below a 200 isn’t too hot. Hopefully I will improve when it comes time for the real tests. </p>
<h2>Extra-Curricular/Volunteering/Sports/Other stuff</h2>
<ul>
<li>I hold a Private Pilot’s License (flying out of Oakland International)</li>
<li>Design editor of both the school’s newspaper and yearbook</li>
<li>Paid intern at a major science museum</li>
<li>Over 150 non-paid, volunteer hours at said science museum</li>
<li>CSF Member (inactive because I’m paid now)</li>
<li>NHS Member</li>
<li>Spent two weeks of my summer on a conservation/field research trip in Montana</li>
<li>Lead clarinetist in our school’s highest band (have played since 4th grade)</li>
<li>Member of the Parliamentary Debate Team (one of the top ranked in our league)</li>
<li>Play on our school’s golf team (also one of the top ranked in our league)</li>
<li>Will be doing 30-40 hours of service with the poor/marginalized this summer</li>
<li>Note that I’ll probably do more between now and senior year</li>
</ul>
<p>I’m sure I could think of more but I have to go write an essay now. </p>
<hr>
<p>I’m more interested in my chances for UCLA because I’ll most likely get into Purdue. Also note that I am a California resident (since UCLA is in California). </p>
<p>Also, I don’t know if it matters, but my dad attended UC Berkeley and has a PhD in Mathematics (specializing in fluid dynamics). </p>
<p>Thanks for any help.</p>