January 22, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR CAROL TOMAN IN IL
Schools look at grades, class rank, test scores, etc. These are
important but they are not the whole story. Schools also look at
whether you have challenged yourself in school so AP and honors classes
become important as an indicator that you are stretching yourself. They
like to see that you've taken advantage of what your high school has to
offer. Don't worry if your school doesn't offer many honors or AP
classes -- the colleges get a profile from the high school that explains
what the school is like and that is taken into consideration. On the
other hand, if your school doesn't offer honors classes, it would be a
big plus to take a class at a local community college in an subject
where you excel. In addition to these academic topics, schools look
very closely at your extra-curricular activities. Be sure to read the
answers sent to SYLVIA P. IN CA.
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A: FROM MENTOR SUZETTE MINORINI IN TX
I would suggest you continue to strive for the best grades in your
classes and attempt to get into an honors or AP class in your Sr. year. In
addition, to working on your GPA and a high scoring SAT, I suggest you look
into extra-curricular activities that provide you with leadership
opportunities. If on your application to a UC school you can add examples
of your activite participation in these activities or other charible or
community work, I believe these will be seen as very positive in your
overall application package.

The bottom line is 1) SAT score 2) Cum GPA and 3) Extra-curricular
activities - Good luck!
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A: FROM MENTOR DIANA DIONISIO IN CA
If your school has AP classes, you should try to find a way to get into some that interest you. If not, well do your best at your classes and don't forget about being dedicated and commited to extracurricular activities and community service. UC's are beginning to put more emphasis on SAT II scores, so don't forget about those because they are a different type of standardized test compared to SAT I. I did a lot of summer week programs and many of them were free as long as they liked your application and chose you. That's another way to be involved. Contact your local UC EAOP program (Early Academic Outreach Program) to see if they have any workshops or programs that can help you prepare for college and applications.

Hope that helps.