[魚燕往返]

Hi, I'm Yan, and I've been looking through soompi for some time now. I was wondering what I'm supposed to do now that I'm a junior. Like what classes am I supposed to take and the activies. So far here are my stats

FRESHMAN YEAR:
Took honors algebra only in 2nd semester
volunteered for 10 months at a preschool/community center

SOPHMORE:
Only honors geometry
didn't do any volunteering at all or extras

JUNIOR:
All honors except health ed
Volunteer for a disability/community center for a few months

Avg GPA: 3.8

I haven't took any AP classes though...Will these stats help me get into a UC, perhaps Davis or LA? and when is the best time to apply for college and take the SATs?

Sorry for all these questions, but thanks in advance!

[SarangxHae]

You should take advantage of AP classes since your school offers them. I think you should've taken some this year, but honors is fine too.

I suggest taking the SAT spring of your junior year and fall of your senior year if you need to again.

The application filing period for the UCs is between November 1-30.

[abc123__]

Do extracurricular activities. Grades and classes are a big chunk, yes.... but extra curriculars count just as much. Colleges don't like to see that you do nothing in the 9 hours that you have afterschool.

[yujo]

I disagree. ECs are never going to be as big as academics when it comes to factoring in college admissions. Everybody does volunteering now at everywhere and some people get so into it that they feel like that's going to cover up for their subpar grades. But really, once you get to college, you have to keep up with the gradework. Your ECs are fine. You need to start building your academic record.

Take AP's if you can, but don't reach for them. If you know you're not going to get an A, then take honors. Better to get an A in an honors than a B in an AP.

[AppleOfMyEYE]

it seems that you already have a good amount of volunteer work and that's never a bad thing. but if your school does offer AP courses, take a couple. that would look even more impressive.