I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. As a sophomore aiming for schools like UPenn or CMU, I’m unsure about my major, but I know it will be in the STEM field. However, I’ve been feeling like I’m falling behind compared to my peers. By the time I reach 12th grade, I might only have one AP science class under my belt, and that’s if our current AP science teacher stays. While AP Bio is available, there’s currently no teacher for the course, and not enough students have expressed interest in it.
I have a 3.8 GPA, but I struggled during my freshman year, which adds to my feeling of being behind. I don’t think my course load is particularly impressive, and my PSAT score was discouraging—definitely not even close to the 1000s. I’m finding AP US History challenging and have some trouble with biology; geometry is a constant struggle for me. I’ve generally done well in math, but geometry has always been a weak point. Recently, we had to write a Free Response Question in APUSH, and I struggled to get past the thesis statement. Even though I take notes, I often forget them.
My school offers dual enrollment, and I’ve heard that it might be better than AP classes, but I don’t have many extracurriculars since I’m more of an introvert.
For reference, here’s what my course load looks like:
Freshman Year:
– Honors English 9
– Survey of Literature
– Honors World History
– Honors Algebra 1
– Math Proficiency Development
– Environmental Science
– Physical Education
– Freshman Seminar
– Intro to Computer Science
Sophomore Year:
– Honors Algebra 2
– AP U.S. History
– Honors Biology
– Ecology
– Honors English 10
– Honors Geometry
– Survey of Writing
I was able to take Algebra 2 in the first two quarters and Geometry in the last two quarters, as my school considers honors classes to be accelerated. Physical Education and Freshman Seminar were half-credit classes, while Math Proficiency and Survey of Writing/Literature were extra credits.
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and think you’re behind, especially when considering competitive schools like UPenn and CMU. Here are a few thoughts to help you put everything into perspective:
Focus on Your Strengths: A 3.8 GPA is a solid foundation! Focus on your strengths in math and any subjects you feel more comfortable with. If you’re good at math, you can look into STEM-related extracurriculars that allow you to showcase your skills, even if they aren’t specifically AP classes.
AP Classes vs. Dual Enrollment: While AP courses are beneficial, dual enrollment can also strengthen your application. If your school offers it and you can qualify for it, that might be worth exploring. It’s essential to challenge yourself in a way that’s best for you.
Extracurriculars & Passion Projects: It’s great that you’re aware of your introverted nature. Consider exploring clubs or activities that align with your interests in STEM. This could be a science club, coding workshops, or even independent projects. They don’t have to be huge commitments or leadership roles, but showing genuine interest in STEM through any means can be impactful.
Test Scores: The PSAT score isn’t the end of the world. It’s just the beginning, and you have time to improve. Consider using study guides or online resources—small, consistent study sessions can help boost your confidence and knowledge.
Ask for Help: If you’re struggling with subjects like APUSH or geometry, don’t hesitate to ask your teachers for help or even consider forming a study group with classmates. Sometimes, discussing material with peers can make a big difference.
Rest and Self-Care: Remember to take breaks and care for your mental well-being. It’s okay to feel unsure about your path. Many high schoolers are in the same boat! The important part is to keep moving forward at your own pace.
Long-term Goals: Keep your long-term goals in view, but remember that many factors contribute to college admissions beyond GPA and AP classes. Personal growth, resilience, and your unique journey will set you apart.
You’ve got time to figure things out and take steps towards your goals—don’t be hard on yourself. Keep working hard, and the opportunities will come!