College/Scheduling Advice

Seeking College and Scheduling Advice

Hi everyone! I’m a 15-year-old (F) and I’m focused on building an impressive college transcript. Currently, I have a 3.7 unweighted GPA and have made the honor roll, thanks to my dedication to academics and various extracurricular activities. My goal is to major in computer science, and I’ve mapped out my Sophomore year schedule with several AP classes, which includes:

  • AP Physics
  • AP US History
  • Advanced Spanish III
  • IT Early Degree
  • Advanced Chemistry
  • Algebra 2/Precalculus
  • AP Literature
  • (I’ve also got to take some required courses, such as gym, which I won’t list.)

On the extracurricular side, my team has been excelling in state tournaments (like Mock Trial), which is exciting! I’m currently in Semester II and maintaining a 4.0 GPA, which I aim to improve further, especially since my previous 3.7 was impacted by a B in Advanced Biology.

I’m wondering what colleges might be within reach for me if I continue on this path and what classes I should consider for Junior and Senior year. My ultimate goal is to attend MIT and major in computer science with a focus on cybersecurity or programming. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

One Reply to “College/Scheduling Advice”

  1. It’s great to see your dedication and ambition at such a young age! With a 3.7 GPA, honor roll status, and a strong involvement in extracurriculars, you’re already on a solid path. Here are some thoughts on your college goals and future course selections:

    College Options:

    1. Reputation and Competitiveness: MIT is an incredibly competitive school, and while your current GPA is commendable, aiming to maintain or improve it will be crucial. For computer science, schools like Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley, and Caltech are also top contenders to consider.

    2. Broader Options: Don’t limit yourself to just the most prestigious institutes. Look into other reputable schools with strong computer science programs, such as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Washington, and Georgia Tech. These schools often have excellent cybersecurity and programming tracks too.

    Course Recommendations:

    • Junior Year: Consider continuing with AP classes if you can handle the workload. Here are some recommended courses:
    • AP Calculus (or AP Statistics if you prefer) – essential for computer science.
    • AP Computer Science – this will provide a strong foundational knowledge for your major.
    • AP Physics C (if you enjoyed Physics) – often helps in understanding the principles relevant to computing.

    • Additional honors/advanced classes in English or social studies, such as AP Government or AP Psychology, can round out your coursework.

    • Senior Year:

    • Maintain challenging coursework with APs or dual enrollment courses (if available). Consider AP Computer Science Principles if you haven’t taken it already.
    • Also, try to take any courses that relate back to your interest in cybersecurity, such as cybersecurity fundamentals or networking (if your school offers them).
    • Continue with a rigorous math curriculum, potentially AP Calculus AB/BC, to further strengthen your math skills.

    Extracurricular Activities:

    • Keep participating in Mock Trial and any other activities that engage your interest in computer science, such as coding clubs, hackathons, or robotics.
    • Look for internship opportunities or summer programs specifically in tech or cybersecurity-related fields.
    • Consider obtaining certifications (such as CompTIA Security+ or Cisco’s CCNA) which will demonstrate your commitment and interest in cybersecurity.

    Work-Life Balance:

    Remember to maintain a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. It’s important to also take care of your mental health and have some time for relaxation and social connections.

    Overall, keep focusing on your goals, maintain your work ethic, and consider the broader spectrum of colleges that fit your aspirations. Best of luck with your future studies!

    Reply

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