Feeling a bit overwhelmed, to be honest.
As a sophomore, I have my sights set on attending either UPenn or CMU, but I’m unsure about my major—it will likely be something in the STEM field. Lately, though, I’ve been feeling quite behind my peers. By the time I reach 12th grade, I might only have one AP science course under my belt, assuming my school retains our current AP science teacher. We do offer AP Bio, but we lack a teacher for it, and not enough students have shown interest to make it viable.
Right now, I have a GPA of 3.8, but I struggled during my freshman year, which contributes to my feeling of being behind. I don’t believe my coursework is impressive, and my PSAT score was disappointing—it didn’t even reach the 1000 mark. I find APUSH challenging, I occasionally struggle with biology, and I just can’t seem to grasp geometry. I’m decent at math overall, but geometry has always been tough for me. My APUSH teacher assigned an FRQ, and I had a hard time even crafting a thesis. I do have notes for APUSH, but I often forget them.
My school offers dual enrollment, which many say is preferable to AP courses, but I haven’t taken advantage of it yet. As an introvert, I also have very few extracurricular activities.
For reference, here’s my course history so far:
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 took Algebra 2 during the first two quarters and am currently enrolled in Geometry for the last two quarters, as my school considers honors courses to be accelerated. Physical Education and Freshman Seminar were half-credit classes, while Math Proficiency, Survey of Writing, and Literature were just extra credits.
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and behind, especially when you have your sights set on competitive schools like UPenn and CMU. The college admissions process can sometimes feel like a race, but remember that every student’s path is unique. Here are a few thoughts that might help you reframe your situation:
Focus on Growth: A 3.8 GPA is commendable, especially considering that you’re still in your sophomore year. Use any areas where you struggled in freshman year as motivation to improve. Colleges look for upward trends in grades, so if you can show consistent improvement, that can be a strong point in your application.
AP vs. Dual Enrollment: Don’t worry too much about only having one AP science class. Many students come from different backgrounds and educational experiences. If dual enrollment is available to you and you think it fits your learning style better, it can be a great option. Admissions officers are often more interested in the rigor of your coursework and how you challenge yourself rather than just the number of AP classes.
Extracurricular Activities: While it’s great to be involved, quality often matters more than quantity. As an introvert, consider finding activities that align with your interests, even if they are less traditional. Look for clubs that match your passions or volunteer opportunities related to STEM. These experiences can show your commitment and can be valuable for your college essays.
Learning Strategies: It sounds like you’re struggling with certain subjects, and that’s okay! Consider seeking out tutoring services at your school or online to help with Geometry and APUSH. Developing a study strategy that works for you can make a big difference. There are many online resources available for these subjects, including video tutorials and practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.
PSAT and Standardized Testing: A low PSAT score can be discouraging, but it’s also just one part of a larger picture. Consider taking practice exams and working on test-taking strategies. Many students improve significantly between their PSAT and SAT/ACT scores, so don’t lose hope based on one score.
Planning Your Course Load: Talk to your counselor about your interests and explore potential courses that would be beneficial, including AP and honors classes if they become available. It’s good to be proactive about your education.
Lastly, remember that colleges appreciate authenticity. If you can show passion for your field, resilience in overcoming challenges, and a commitment to learning, you’ll have a strong application, no matter where you are in the process right now. Keep pushing yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it! You’ve got this!