Sophomore GPA, course selection (HELP PLEASE), and SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Current Sophomore in HS. I have a cumulative 3.71 unweighted gpa, 3.91 weighted gpa. In freshman year, I maintained an uw 4.0 but last semester I got 3 As, 3 Bs, and 1 C. Do colleges look at sophomore year grades? It is on the lower range comparatively to my classmates. I know that I really need to lock in this semester to bring my GPA up and I need help with course selection for junior year.
I am interested in majoring in computer science or possibly some type of engineering at a good UC. This year I'm taking AP world and AP CSP. I have some mid ecs and participation (w/ leadership roles) in stem related clubs at my school. My high school is super competitive so idk how to stand out.
Next year I plan to take AP Calc AB, CSA, and apush/lang. I have to decide between taking apush or lang. (both would be overwhelming) I enjoy writing so that aspect doesn't scare me but would I benefit from one more than the other?
I took Honors physics last semester, completely failed the midterm and final, and ended with a C (ik this is horrible). The concepts are super interesting and I am able to follow along in class but I struggle when it comes to the quizzes especially with the grading scale. The semester grade consists entirely of pop quizzes, a midterm, and the final. I'm in the first physics class of the day I can't ask previous periods what they did. :(( Any tips for how I could do better in physics?
I am unsure if I should continue taking the physics path in hs. I was possibly thinking of taking AP physics 2 in junior or senior yr. My school doesn't offer AP physics 1 (or any of the Calc based Ap physics) so I would take physics 1 over the summer at a cc. I took regular biology and chemistry in freshman year but I didn't find either class super interesting. Also, these are notoriously difficult APs and I am unsure if I would be able to handle the class rigor.
I'm applying to some summer programs and taking French 3 online. I also have a summer job and do volunteer work. What else should I do over the summer? I know that passion projects are valued heavily but I am unsure how I should start one or if it's too late.
Should I take A PUSH or AP Lang? Should I continue on with the physics path? How do I avoid/beat burnout?
Sorry this is so unorganized and long, I'm super stressed about everything right now. Any advice would be appreciated :)))
Earn karma by helping others:
1 answer
Hi! First of all, just know that it's totally normal to be stressed out sophomore year. But you're doing great being proactive about next year's course load.
I would recommend going to your teacher for extra help in physics, especially before big exams. You would be surprised on how much more you can absorb one-on-one rather than in a big class. For the physics pathway, just take Physics 1 at the CC and see how you like it. If you enjoy it and do well, go on and take Physics 2! If not, no harm, and at least you got some experience taking a college-level course. Don't take AP Bio or AP Chem if you're unsure of yoruself.
APUSH vs AP Lang comes down to whether you are better at memorization or better at writing. You need to know a lot of content for APUSH, while you need to be able to write well and under pressure in Lang. Personally, I'm a current junior and find APUSH easier, but I also love history and it comes naturally to me. A friend of mine is the opposite and finds Lang way easier because you need to memorize basically nothing. Take a couple practice MCQs for each and do a practice essay for each. Whichever one you liked more and did better on, you should take.
Your summer actually seems pretty packed, and has a good balance between work/academics. Don't forget that summer is a break from school and supposed to be fun :)
Lastly, I know it's the middle of the year and burnout can be an issue. Just remember why you want to do well (split it up into long-term goals and short-term goals). Have fun and do some activities you enjoy even if it's just for half an hour. It really helps beat the burnout.
Your chance of acceptance
Your chancing factors
Community Guidelines
To keep this community safe and supportive:
- Be kind and respectful!
- Keep posts relevant to college admissions and high school.
- Don’t ask “chance-me” questions. Use CollegeVine’s chancing instead!