10 answers
Bella
Student
Miami, Florida
3
Questions
Asked
3228 views
What is considered good to get into a top 20 school?
I'm about to start high school, and I basically already know what i want to do with my life. Yes, I know that's unusual at my age haha. I am really hoping to go to a great school to major in psychology! So far, I have been figuring out a lot of clubs, sports, volunteering, and other extracurriculars I want to do in school.
I plan to do the following:
-Soccer
-Track
-FCA
-Key Club
-Volunteering at local animal shelters
-Getting a job, also possibly at a animal shelter
-Band/Jazz Band/County band
-Peer Buddies
-French
-(Hopefully) Student Ambassador
-And anything else that might interest me that I could fit in!
As for grades, I had maintained a 4.0 throughout middle school. I plan to take 3 honors courses next year (which is the most we can do), and hopefully some AP's once I get into 11th. Our school doesn't allow us to take any until we are a junior, unfortunately.
I am curious if there is anything I should change or add to this list to get into some better schools in my future. One that has interested me a lot is going to UNC at Chapel Hill, and also UPenn. I know these are some pretty tough places to get into, so I will have to put in the work. Thank you for taking your time to read my question, and hopefully I will get some constructive criticism out of this to consider!
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10 answers
Emily Anne
Manager, Technical Support
25
Answers
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Emily’s Answer
First off—wow! You are WAY ahead of the game, and your excitement and planning are honestly inspiring. It’s not weird at all to know what you want to do; in fact, it’s a huge advantage to have a sense of direction this early. You’re already thinking like a future college applicant, and that’s going to serve you well.
Here’s my take on your plan, plus some advice:
1. Your Activities Are Fantastic
-You’ve got a great mix of athletics (soccer, track), leadership (FCA, Student Ambassador), service (Key Club, volunteering), music (band/jazz band), academics (French, honors/APs), and even work experience. This is exactly the kind of well-rounded profile top schools love to see.
2. Depth vs. Breadth
-As you go through high school, try to find a few activities you’re really passionate about and go deep with them. For example, if you love Peer Buddies or animal shelter volunteering, look for ways to take on leadership roles, start new initiatives, or make a real impact. Colleges like to see commitment and growth over time, not just a long list.
3. Psychology-Related Experience
-Since you’re interested in psychology, look for ways to connect your activities to that field. For example, Peer Buddies is great for showing interest in helping others and understanding different perspectives. Volunteering with organizations that support mental health, tutoring, or working with kids/teens can also be a plus. If your school has a psychology club or offers psychology classes as electives, definitely join or take those when you can. Consider summer programs or online courses in psychology (even free ones like Coursera or edX) to show your genuine interest.
4. Academic Rigor
-You’re already planning to take the most challenging courses available to you, which is perfect. Keep up the strong grades, and when APs become available, take the ones that interest you most (especially AP Psych, if offered).
5. Leadership & Initiative
-Top schools love to see leadership. Look for ways to take on officer roles in clubs, start a new club or project, or organize events. Even small leadership roles count!
6. Summer Opportunities
-Use your summers to do something meaningful—internships, volunteering, summer camps, or academic programs. Some universities offer summer programs for high schoolers interested in psychology or related fields.
7. Letters of Recommendation
-Build good relationships with your teachers, coaches, and club advisors. They’ll be the ones writing your rec letters, and strong, personal letters can make a big difference.
8. Essays & Storytelling
-When the time comes, your application essays will be your chance to tie all your experiences together and show who you are beyond your resume. Keep a journal or notes about your experiences and what you learn from them—it’ll be a big help later!
You’re already doing a lot, tbh, so don’t overload yourself! It’s better to do a few things really well than to burn out trying to do everything.
If you find something new that excites you, don’t be afraid to pivot or drop something else. High school is about exploring. If you can, look for psychology-related summer programs or research opportunities as you get older.
Really, you’re on a great path. Keep your grades up, stay curious, and don’t forget to enjoy high school too! UNC and UPenn are tough, but with your drive and planning, you’ll be a strong applicant. And remember, there are lots of amazing schools out there—keep an open mind as you go through the process.
You got this! Good luck!
Here’s my take on your plan, plus some advice:
1. Your Activities Are Fantastic
-You’ve got a great mix of athletics (soccer, track), leadership (FCA, Student Ambassador), service (Key Club, volunteering), music (band/jazz band), academics (French, honors/APs), and even work experience. This is exactly the kind of well-rounded profile top schools love to see.
2. Depth vs. Breadth
-As you go through high school, try to find a few activities you’re really passionate about and go deep with them. For example, if you love Peer Buddies or animal shelter volunteering, look for ways to take on leadership roles, start new initiatives, or make a real impact. Colleges like to see commitment and growth over time, not just a long list.
3. Psychology-Related Experience
-Since you’re interested in psychology, look for ways to connect your activities to that field. For example, Peer Buddies is great for showing interest in helping others and understanding different perspectives. Volunteering with organizations that support mental health, tutoring, or working with kids/teens can also be a plus. If your school has a psychology club or offers psychology classes as electives, definitely join or take those when you can. Consider summer programs or online courses in psychology (even free ones like Coursera or edX) to show your genuine interest.
4. Academic Rigor
-You’re already planning to take the most challenging courses available to you, which is perfect. Keep up the strong grades, and when APs become available, take the ones that interest you most (especially AP Psych, if offered).
5. Leadership & Initiative
-Top schools love to see leadership. Look for ways to take on officer roles in clubs, start a new club or project, or organize events. Even small leadership roles count!
6. Summer Opportunities
-Use your summers to do something meaningful—internships, volunteering, summer camps, or academic programs. Some universities offer summer programs for high schoolers interested in psychology or related fields.
7. Letters of Recommendation
-Build good relationships with your teachers, coaches, and club advisors. They’ll be the ones writing your rec letters, and strong, personal letters can make a big difference.
8. Essays & Storytelling
-When the time comes, your application essays will be your chance to tie all your experiences together and show who you are beyond your resume. Keep a journal or notes about your experiences and what you learn from them—it’ll be a big help later!
You’re already doing a lot, tbh, so don’t overload yourself! It’s better to do a few things really well than to burn out trying to do everything.
If you find something new that excites you, don’t be afraid to pivot or drop something else. High school is about exploring. If you can, look for psychology-related summer programs or research opportunities as you get older.
Really, you’re on a great path. Keep your grades up, stay curious, and don’t forget to enjoy high school too! UNC and UPenn are tough, but with your drive and planning, you’ll be a strong applicant. And remember, there are lots of amazing schools out there—keep an open mind as you go through the process.
You got this! Good luck!
Thank you this was very helpful! I will definitely look into the stuff you said.
Bella
Pops Marie Bataluna Cola
Graphic Designer
2
Answers
Tagum City, Davao Region, Philippines
Updated
Pops Marie Bataluna’s Answer
Wow — you’re starting high school with clarity, ambition, and an amazing attitude 👏 That’s rare, and you’re absolutely on the right track for competitive schools like UNC Chapel Hill and UPenn.
Here’s some friendly, strategic advice — not to overwhelm you, but to refine your already-strong plan:
You’re already thinking, planning, and working like someone 2–3 years ahead of schedule. Just remember:
• Don’t overload yourself — depth > doing everything
• Stay passionate, not just resume-focused
• Keep loving what you do, because that’s what shines the most on applications
Here’s some friendly, strategic advice — not to overwhelm you, but to refine your already-strong plan:
You’re already thinking, planning, and working like someone 2–3 years ahead of schedule. Just remember:
• Don’t overload yourself — depth > doing everything
• Stay passionate, not just resume-focused
• Keep loving what you do, because that’s what shines the most on applications
Charnelle Saint-laurent
Observer analyst
70
Answers
Huntington Station, New York
Updated
Charnelle’s Answer
Hello Emily,
Thank you for your question! Wow seems like you are a very ambiguous young lady, so that’s a great start. You have a lot of activities lined up which is good but you don’t want to overload your schedule. If you keep a GPA better then a 3.0 you should have no worries of getting in to some of those schools but you really should be getting 3.8 B+ or higher. It is getting a little more competitive each year so remember apply early. Best of luck in the upcoming school year in High school. Be a leader not a follower.
With love,
CSL
Thank you for your question! Wow seems like you are a very ambiguous young lady, so that’s a great start. You have a lot of activities lined up which is good but you don’t want to overload your schedule. If you keep a GPA better then a 3.0 you should have no worries of getting in to some of those schools but you really should be getting 3.8 B+ or higher. It is getting a little more competitive each year so remember apply early. Best of luck in the upcoming school year in High school. Be a leader not a follower.
With love,
CSL
Thank you, I really appreciate this! I will definitely try to maintain that good GPA.
Bella
Minhaj Fahad
Software Engineer
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Minhaj’s Answer
Hey Bella,
Good advice I received when applying was finding a one or two "spikes" in your application. What are you *super* good at that not a ton of people who are also applying have. When the top colleges look at your application, this is something they are looking for to add certain types of people into their University campus. This could be being at the top of the nation in Math, Computer Science, Debate, Model UN or other types of tournament style competitions students participate in. Or this could be an internship, prize you received, scholarship, or experience you have.
In general, having a super good college essay can differentiate you from the rest. Be unique, these counselors are reading thousands of applications. Make it a good read, but also showcase your unique self and not write yourself into a stereotype.
Happy application writing!
Good advice I received when applying was finding a one or two "spikes" in your application. What are you *super* good at that not a ton of people who are also applying have. When the top colleges look at your application, this is something they are looking for to add certain types of people into their University campus. This could be being at the top of the nation in Math, Computer Science, Debate, Model UN or other types of tournament style competitions students participate in. Or this could be an internship, prize you received, scholarship, or experience you have.
In general, having a super good college essay can differentiate you from the rest. Be unique, these counselors are reading thousands of applications. Make it a good read, but also showcase your unique self and not write yourself into a stereotype.
Happy application writing!
Christine Holland, PhD, PA-C
Physician Assistant
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hello and great job! I think everyone pretty much covered the main points, but I want to say a few more things:
1. Research your top 5 universities and strive (as stated above in Aaranthara's answer) to EXCEED those
2. Network- talk to people/professors at those schools of choice; ask them how they got in or what they are looking for in students
3. Work on communication skills- I sit on my university's admissions committee and communication is quickly becoming a lost art. Those who can communicate effectively and succinctly in written and oral form definitely stand out.
4. Stay well-rounded- You are already doing this (good job!) This is another item that can make you stand out on your application. It shows that you can adapt and become involved in various areas and create change. I would encourage you to further develop your language of French....this is a great asset to have (ie; bilingual).
5. Take a ACT or SAT prep class. I strongly suggest you do this to ensure a top score
Continued success and best of luck!
1. Research your top 5 universities and strive (as stated above in Aaranthara's answer) to EXCEED those
2. Network- talk to people/professors at those schools of choice; ask them how they got in or what they are looking for in students
3. Work on communication skills- I sit on my university's admissions committee and communication is quickly becoming a lost art. Those who can communicate effectively and succinctly in written and oral form definitely stand out.
4. Stay well-rounded- You are already doing this (good job!) This is another item that can make you stand out on your application. It shows that you can adapt and become involved in various areas and create change. I would encourage you to further develop your language of French....this is a great asset to have (ie; bilingual).
5. Take a ACT or SAT prep class. I strongly suggest you do this to ensure a top score
Continued success and best of luck!
Aaranthara Kumar
1
Answer
Ammapettai, TN
Updated
Aaranthara’s Answer
To be competitive, aim for a GPA above 3.8. For SAT/ACT, target scores in the top 5% (SAT 1450–1550, ACT 33 or higher). For GRE/GMAT, strive for top 10% scores. International students should have high IELTS/TOEFL scores for English proficiency. Involvement in leadership, sports, community service, clubs, and competitions is also important. Regarding your other question, many online baking courses from Chennai do offer eggless recipes.
Robert Epstein
General Manager
118
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Bella,
You certainly have excellent credentials, talent and ambition. Your list is impressive, and the other answers here offer further fine suggestions. Let me add just one more point: You’re right that finding a top school will give your chosen career a great start. Having hired folks from many types of colleges, I’ve found that, after several years in the workplace, it’s often what someone has actually accomplished that matters more. I’ve had Yale graduates who have proven mediocre in their careers and high school grads who become top CEOs. I have a good feeling that you’re going to do very well in any case. Best to you!
You certainly have excellent credentials, talent and ambition. Your list is impressive, and the other answers here offer further fine suggestions. Let me add just one more point: You’re right that finding a top school will give your chosen career a great start. Having hired folks from many types of colleges, I’ve found that, after several years in the workplace, it’s often what someone has actually accomplished that matters more. I’ve had Yale graduates who have proven mediocre in their careers and high school grads who become top CEOs. I have a good feeling that you’re going to do very well in any case. Best to you!
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Bella,
It is great to hear that you are aiming high and trying to go to a good school for college. It sounds like you are really putting in the work which is great! Make sure to keep those grades up. Stay after school if you need to get extra help from your teachers. You can also start to see what kind of psychology you are interested in. There are many different specialties and your interests might change over time, which is normal.
If possible, you can also try to get some experience within a psychology field you might be interested in. There might be opportunities where you can be around a psychology practice to learn how things work. This can include shadowing a receptionist for example. This is something that you can add to your resume which would look great for your application and career.
Also, remember that it is good to strive hight with going to a good school, but what matters most is what you do with it after. No matter where you end up, make sure to have fun and work hard!
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are aiming high and trying to go to a good school for college. It sounds like you are really putting in the work which is great! Make sure to keep those grades up. Stay after school if you need to get extra help from your teachers. You can also start to see what kind of psychology you are interested in. There are many different specialties and your interests might change over time, which is normal.
If possible, you can also try to get some experience within a psychology field you might be interested in. There might be opportunities where you can be around a psychology practice to learn how things work. This can include shadowing a receptionist for example. This is something that you can add to your resume which would look great for your application and career.
Also, remember that it is good to strive hight with going to a good school, but what matters most is what you do with it after. No matter where you end up, make sure to have fun and work hard!
Best of luck on your journey!
D..B. Wilson
Design and Art Dealing
1
Answer
Logan, IN
Updated
D..B.’s Answer
MIT, Berkeley, Harvard,Yale,UC,IU,,.. I think I would go with that if I didn't already graduate from Rosehelm...
Diane Karn
Procurement and Sales Support
8
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Diane’s Answer
BELLA! FIRST! Let me congratulate you on your selection and your early grasp on a career that both excites you and is so very needed in our turbulent world.
To improve your application to the top schools, I would try to get some experience interning with rehab centers, teen centers, senior centers specializing in memory care etc. to build your ability to listen with compassion but not be overcome by difficulties you will encounter. Some of these internships can be remote, though they are the fewest. The idea is to embrace active listening and watching contemporary practitioners while they navigate people's issues and make suggestions aimed at recovery through understanding. Although he is no longer with us and I am not in that field, I would recommend any literature you can consume on Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski who specialized in substance abuse. His gentle philosophies on the human conditions are enlightening. And I think you will agree, although a religious man, his inclusion of his beliefs does not promote one religion over another but rather, embraces the idea of brotherhood among us all.
I also agree with Charnelle's answer. Don't overload your schedule to the point you will not be able to rest. To ingest a lifetime of information takes plenty of rest, nutrition and time. Take care of YOU FIRST!
Good luck to you Bella!
To improve your application to the top schools, I would try to get some experience interning with rehab centers, teen centers, senior centers specializing in memory care etc. to build your ability to listen with compassion but not be overcome by difficulties you will encounter. Some of these internships can be remote, though they are the fewest. The idea is to embrace active listening and watching contemporary practitioners while they navigate people's issues and make suggestions aimed at recovery through understanding. Although he is no longer with us and I am not in that field, I would recommend any literature you can consume on Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski who specialized in substance abuse. His gentle philosophies on the human conditions are enlightening. And I think you will agree, although a religious man, his inclusion of his beliefs does not promote one religion over another but rather, embraces the idea of brotherhood among us all.
I also agree with Charnelle's answer. Don't overload your schedule to the point you will not be able to rest. To ingest a lifetime of information takes plenty of rest, nutrition and time. Take care of YOU FIRST!
Good luck to you Bella!
Wow! I would love to get experience through those places you mentioned. I will also check out the literature you mentioned, it seems really unique!
Bella