What can I do in High School to increase my chances of college acceptance?

Pre-College Topics High School Cafe
1

<p>Although I do more than the average student at my school, it seems like I might not be doing enough to meet the requirements some colleges are looking for. What are some activities and classes that stand out for college admissions? I’m also looking for what you think a decent GPA, SAT, and ACT score may be? Anything is helpful!</p>

2

<p>AP/IB classes, as many as possible. Four years of English, 3+ years of foreign language, math through calculus, physics, chemistry, biology.
Any activities are fine as long as you show leadership and long-term devotion.</p>

<p>Some completely arbitrary guidelines:
GPA: 3.7+
SAT: 2250+
ACT: 33+</p>

3

<p>Depends on where you want to go. Local state colleges are mostly just going to look to see if you meet their benchmark test scores and gpa, unless we’re talking UT/ UCs and other competitive state universities. </p>

<p>Varsity sports are good, especially if you are really good and can get recruited. It is also good to have a musical talent with accompanying accolades, or to do well in academic competitions like NAQT, History Bowl, Science Bowl, etc. Joining random clubs can be good filler, and getting a position is even better, but if your club just eats pizza and watches movies once a quarter it doesn’t matter too much. Just assess what you like doing and what you’d like to try and do your best in whatever you decide on.</p>

<p>A good gpa varies from school to school, but 3.7-3.8 is the lower bound for a respectable gpa at most high schools. SAT and ACT depend on where you want to go, but a 2100+ SAT and 32+ ACT <em>can</em> get you in anywhere.</p>

4

<p>Science Research!!! Contact local science researchers/professors and see if they are looking for someone to assist them in projects! If you publish a project, then youre solid, and can get into a really good college!!!</p>

5

<p>If you are uber-academically inclined, halcyon’s option is right for you. However, A 3.5 GPA could get you very far, and into some fairly good schools. IMO a 2250 SAT score is ridiculously difficult, I think 2000 is impressive enough. In California, the SAT is the only important one, so even though I took both the SAT and ACT, I can’t give you much feedback on the ACT. As for AP’s, don’t start out with 5, you’ll kill yourself. Start with 1, and build up.<br>

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<p>Definitely do this.</p>

6

<p>thank you! this is exactly what I needed!</p>