FIFA World CUP 2026 Predictions
The Numbers Say Spain. Here's the Model Behind My World Cup 2026 Predictions.
I have been playing around with my World Cup bracket on the NBC Sports Bracket Challenge all tournament long, moving teams around based on feel. At some point I decided to actually stop guessing and build a real model with defined criteria, explicit weights, and consistent scoring. I used Claude as a calculation engine to run the numbers, but every factor and every weight in this model is something I decided. This post walks through my method and my predictions all the way to the final.
My Method: 7 Criteria, Each Weighted by What I Actually Believe
The core question I started with was simple: what actually decides a World Cup knockout match? Not over a season, not in a league table, but in one single high-pressure game. I landed on seven factors. Then I had to decide how much each one matters relative to the others, and that is where the real thinking happened.
World Cup knockouts are not a stats exercise. One moment from a Messi or a Yamal can override months of accumulated data. A goalkeeper making three saves in the last ten minutes can send a better team home. The crowd behind a team shifts momentum in ways that no model fully captures but I wanted to try to account for it anyway. So I weighted accordingly.
| Criterion | My weight | Why I weighted it this way | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fan support and crowd energy | 20% | The highest weight in my model. Tournament football is psychological and the crowd behind a team is a real force. Teams with global fanbases carry that energy into every match regardless of where it is played. | |
| Key player quality | 15% | Knockout games get decided by individuals. I scored every team's top players from 0 to 10. Messi is the only 10/10. Yamal, Mbappé, Bellingham, and Haaland all came in at 9/10. | |
| Tournament favorite status | 15% | FIFA ranking and pre-tournament odds reflect years of squad building and coaching quality. Spain number 1, Argentina number 2. I gave this significant weight because structural quality does not disappear after one slow group game. | |
| Current wins in group stage | 15% | Form matters and a team winning all their games is clearly clicking. But I kept this at 15% rather than higher because recent form is one signal, not the whole story. | |
| Margin of wins | 15% | How convincingly you win tells you something wins alone do not. Germany's 7-1 against Curaçao and Canada's 6-0 against Qatar are statements. A one goal win is a different data point even when it earns the same three points. | |
| Goalkeeper quality | 10% | Saves decide knockout matches. Maignan for France is my top rated keeper at 9/10. Martínez for Argentina follows closely. One world class save in the 88th minute changes everything. | |
| Home ground and host benefit | 10% | The three co-hosts get a real boost from familiar venues, shorter travel, and home crowd energy. I also factored in that this advantage fades once teams get past the group stage. |
Why I Initially Thought Argentina and Why the Model Disagreed
Going in, my gut said Argentina. They are defending champions, Messi is Messi, and Emiliano Martínez might be the best penalty shootout keeper in the world right now. Their numbers on paper are genuinely elite.
The Argentina case on pure numbers
Messi is the only 10/10 key player in my model. Argentina scores maximum on favorite status as defending champions. Their global fan base scores 10/10. That is 45 weighted points on three criteria alone, which covers 50% of the total score. No other team comes close to that combination.
It is also worth noting: no team has won back to back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. That is a 64 year gap and it is not a coincidence. Sustaining the hunger, the squad cohesion, and the tournament form across a full four year cycle is genuinely hard. I did not build this history into the model as a penalty because that would be forcing an outcome. I just kept it in the back of my mind.
When I ran my own 7 criteria through the calculations, Spain came out ahead in the final matchup. Spain scores 10/10 on favorite status as the number one FIFA ranked team, 9/10 on fans, and 9/10 on key players. That is 51 weighted points on three criteria. Combined with solid goalkeeper scores and reasonable group stage numbers, Spain edges Argentina by 2.5 points overall.
Why Spain wins on my criteria without me forcing it
I did not touch Argentina's scores. Messi stayed at 10/10. Their fan score stayed at 10/10. What my weighting revealed is that Spain's consistency across all seven criteria edges Argentina's peaks-and-valleys profile when fan support and tournament favorite status together account for 35% of the model. Argentina peaks higher on two criteria but Spain scores well across all seven.
My criteria produced this answer. The fact that it aligns with what I had been building intuitively on my NBC Sports bracket made me trust the result rather than second guess it.
The Official Bracket Structure: Why Spain and France Cannot Meet in the Final
One thing I had to get right before finalizing predictions was the actual FIFA draw structure. My first instinct was Spain as champion and France as runner-up. That is not possible.
Getting this right reshapes everything. Spain eliminates France in the quarterfinal. France finishes third. Spain faces Argentina in the final after Argentina comes through England and Germany on the other side of the bracket.
The Path to the Final
Round of 16: Spain vs Uruguay Spain advances
Spain's 10/10 on favorite status and 9/10 on fans gives them 29 weighted points on just two criteria. Uruguay had group stage draws and a relatively small global following. This is one of the clearest calls in my bracket. One slow opener against Cape Verde does not change Spain's structural quality.
Quarterfinal: Spain vs France Spain advances
This is the match of the tournament for me. France scores 10/10 on fan support and Maignan is the best keeper in my model at 9/10. Mbappé and Yamal are both 9/10 on key players. What tips it is Spain's number one FIFA ranking giving them 10/10 on favorite status versus France's 9/10. One point on a 15% criterion is all that separates two incredible teams. If any result in this bracket goes the other way, it is this one.
Semifinal: Spain vs Brazil Spain advances
Brazil's fan score is 10/10 and Vinicius Jr. is genuinely terrifying to defend. But Brazil's group stage struggles hurt their wins and margin scores badly, and those two criteria together account for 30% of my model. Spain's consistency across all seven criteria edges out Brazil's uneven profile. Closest match Spain plays before the final.
Round of 16: Argentina vs Austria Argentina advances
Messi at 10/10, maximum fan score, maximum favorite score. That is 45 weighted points on three criteria alone. The largest margin in my entire bracket. Argentina barely need to shift into second gear here.
Quarterfinal: Argentina vs England Argentina advances
I respect this England team. Bellingham and Kane score 9/10 on key players, their fan base is 9/10, and their favorite status is 9/10. But Messi's extra point on key players, Argentina's fan edge, and their stronger win margin in the group stage add up. A 5 point gap is meaningful. This is not as close as the individual quality suggests.
Semifinal: Argentina vs Germany Argentina advances
The tightest match in my entire bracket. Germany's 7-1 against Curaçao gives maximum margin score and Musiala plus Havertz are genuinely scary at 9/10 on key players. The deciding factor is fan support: Argentina at 10/10 versus Germany at 8/10. That two point difference on a 20% weighted criterion is what separates them. I went back and forth on this one more than any other match.
The Final
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Final Predictions at a Glance
Playing Top 50 on a TV and an Xbox Pad. No Excuses.
Everyone tells me I’m handicapping myself. Maybe they’re right. But here’s why I don’t care about those comments and how I make it work anyway.
Lets start with a look at my stats: Supersonic Legend • Peak Rank #31 • Top 50 Worldwide
Now my my setup on Xbox Series X
DISPLAY 60” OLED Sont TV
INPUT LAG ~1.5ms (Game Mode)
CONTROLLER Microsof Xbox Elite series 2
CONNECTION Wired USB-C
PEAK RANK SSL · #31
Yeah, I Play on a TV. And I’m Fine.
Let me set the scene. I’m sitting about six feet from a 60-inch OLED, Xbox controller in hand, wired in via USB-C, and I just got out of a Top 50 game. Someone in the lobby chat called my setup “scrub tier.” He was ranked #890.
Look — I get it. The meta is a 24” 240Hz monitor, PS5 controller, 0.05 deadzone, and a mechanical keyboard. I’ve tried all of it. I kept coming back to my TV. Not out of laziness. Out of intentionality. The screen I’m most comfortable on is the screen I play best on. Full stop.
But comfort isn’t enough at the Top 50 level. You have to be technical about your compromises. So here’s everything I’ve figured out about squeezing every millisecond out of this “handicapped” setup.
“The screen I’m most comfortable on is the screen I play best on. Competitive Rocket League is 60% mechanics and 40% mental. My TV reduces the mental load.”
— Faze Yash23, Peak Rank #31
THE TV QUESTION
Input Lag Is Real, But It’s Solvable.
Here’s the truth most people miss: not all TVs are created equal. A 2019 budget TV in regular mode might have 80ms+ input lag. That will wreck you. My LG OLED C2 in Game Mode? 1.5ms. That’s faster than a lot of budget monitors.
The OLED panel means blacks are true black , the ball is always crisp against a dark aerial backdrop. The size means I can read the entire field without twisting my head. On a 24” monitor, I’m constantly relying on the minimap. On the big screen, I see rotations forming before they happen.
The tradeoff is real though. Fast camera cuts during boost dashes can create slight motion smear on non-OLED TVs. If you’re not on OLED or a flagship QLED, a monitor is safer. But if you’re willing to invest in a good panel, it’s absolutely viable at the top level.
BY THE NUMBERS
1.5ms
INPUT LAG (GAME MODE)
60 FPS
LOCKED IN-GAME
0.20
CONTROLLER DEADZONE
6 ft
SITTING DISTANCE
THE CONTROLLER QUESTION
Why I use Xbox Pad Over PS5?
The PlayStation DualSense is dominant in Rocket League communities. The trigger feel and the thumbstick tension are genuinely excellent. But I never used one, except trying with friends here and there; I have been on Xbox even before I started gaming. My parent got Xbox Kinect when it was first launched in Nov 2010, when I was only 8 months old. I grew up around it and continue to use the Xbox setup to date.
What I like about Xbox: Having tried PS5 occasionally, I think the Xbox Series controller has a slightly larger and more convex right thumbstick. For me, that means my thumb sits in a more stable resting position during high-speed aerials. The offset stick layout also means less bleed between steering and camera control.
I run it wired via USB-C directly into the console. No Bluetooth polling delay. No battery anxiety at 1 am on a weekend in a ranked game. Just consistent, boring input delivery, exactly what you want at this level.
My Exact Settings and Setup Details:
Deadzone: 0.20: Low enough for precision, high enough that stick drift doesn’t send me spiraling in overtime.
Dodge Deadzone: 0.80: Prevents accidental flips when feathering the throttle during a dribble.
Boost on B: Non-negotiable. The thumb never leaves the right stick during boosts.
Powerslide + Air Roll on Rb: Shared binding works fine unless you’re a freestyler. I’m not. I win games.
TV in Game Mode, always: every single session. If someone changes it for Netflix and I forget to switch back, I feel it within 20 seconds.
Lock the frame rate to 120 FPS in-game: Don’t chase 240. At 120 the physics simulation is tight, and the TV renders it cleanly.
Camera shake: OFF: Not a preference. Not optional. Just off.
THE MENTAL SIDE
Your Setup Doesn’t Beat You. Your Head Does.
Here’s what I’ve watched happen to players who obsess over gear: they upgrade everything, then when they lose, they have nothing to blame but themselves. So they upgrade more. There’s always something: a new controller, a new monitor, or a mousewheel jump binding. The rabbit hole never ends.
Playing on “suboptimal” gear actually forced me to overinvest in fundamentals. Boost pathing, rotation discipline, and positioning off the wall. These things don’t care what you’re playing on. At the Top 50 level, the gap between players is almost entirely decision-making speed and positional IQ. I’ve beaten multiple top-10 players on this TV with this Xbox pad. The controller wasn’t the variable either way.
So if you’re sitting on a decent TV and a perfectly good controller, ask yourself honestly: Is your positioning good? Are your rotations clean? Do you double-commit? Fix those first. The monitor won’t fix those. It can’t.
If You Must Use a TV: The Non-Negotiables You Should Pay Attention to:
Verify your TV’s Game Mode input lag; anything above 10 ms is a problem. Look up your exact model on rtings.com.
Set your TV to 120Hz output in your console’s display settings. Do not leave it at 60 Hz.
Sit at the right distance. Find the sweet spot where the full field is comfortable in one glance.
Wire your controller in. Bluetooth is fine for casual play. At ranked Top 50, one dropped input costs you the game.
Disable all post-processing on the TV: motion smoothing, noise reduction, all of it. These add latency and blur fast movement.
Play in a room without glare on the screen. Glare kills aerial reads.
Your setup is not your rank… your rank is your rank. I’m a ranked player with an Xbox controller because I spent 5 years getting the fundamentals deep enough that the hardware stopped being the bottleneck.
Stop only relying on gear. Start playing better.
Shadowing Oncologists in India
Last summer, I traveled to India to visit family, but what I didn’t expect was how much the trip would shape my interest in medicine especially oncology. Through my mom’s brother’s friend, I was given the opportunity to shadow an oncologist for a short period of time. It was an experience that felt both exciting and intimidating, especially since I wasn’t fully fluent in Hindi.
Walking into the hospital for the first time was overwhelming. Everything felt faster, louder, and more intense than what I was used to in the U.S. The waiting rooms were crowded, doctors moved quickly between patients, and conversations happened almost entirely in Hindi. Even though I could understand bits and pieces, keeping up with full medical discussions was challenging. At times, I felt lost but that feeling pushed me to observe more closely.
Since language was a barrier, I learned to pay attention in other ways. I watched how the oncologist communicated with patients through tone, body language, and facial expressions. Even when I didn’t understand every word, I could tell when conversations were serious, hopeful, or comforting. One thing that stood out to me was how much empathy played a role in patient care. The doctor made sure patients felt heard, even in very short appointments.
I also noticed differences in how healthcare works in India compared to what I’ve seen or heard about in the U.S. Resources were sometimes limited, and doctors had to make quick, efficient decisions. This made me realize how adaptable physicians must be depending on their environment. Medicine isn’t just about knowing the science it’s about problem-solving in real time.
There were moments when I wished I understood Hindi better. I wanted to fully grasp the medical terminology and patient stories being shared. At the same time, not understanding everything taught me an important lesson: being a good doctor isn’t only about words. Listening, observing, and showing compassion matter just as much.
By the end of my time shadowing, I felt more motivated than ever to pursue a future in medicine. The experience didn’t give me all the answers in fact, it raised even more questions but it confirmed my interest in oncology and patient care. It also reminded me that learning doesn’t always happen in perfect conditions. Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from discomfort and challenge.
Going to India wasn’t just a family trip it was a turning point. Even with language barriers and moments of confusion, the experience showed me the global impact of medicine and reinforced why I want to be part of it someday.
My Civil Air Patrol Encampment Experience
When I first arrived at Civil Air Patrol encampment, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I had heard stories about the structure, discipline, and intensity of encampment, but experiencing it firsthand was completely different.
The first few days were roughly harder than I anticipated. One of the biggest challenges for me was inspections. Inspections are a major part of encampment and happen regularly. They focus on discipline and attention to detail, and almost everything is inspected: uniform wear, grooming standards, room setup, bed alignment, folded clothes, and even how you report in and answer questions. Every item has a specific standard, and even the smallest mistake can cost points.
What made inspections especially difficult was the pressure that came with them. You could spend a lot of time preparing, only to miss something minor like a crooked name tape, dust on a surface, or an item slightly out of alignment. When you’re already tired and adjusting to the fast pace of encampment, it can feel overwhelming and discouraging. For me, inspections quickly became frustrating, and on top of that, I wasn’t feeling well physically. That combination made me seriously consider leaving encampment early.
However, what ultimately helped me push through was the support of the people around me. My wingman played a huge role in keeping me motivated and reminding me that I wasn’t alone. The cadre, even though they were strict and demanding, genuinely wanted us to improve and succeed. The senior members also provided guidance and encouragement when I needed it most.
As the days went on, I began to understand the purpose behind inspections. They weren’t just about being perfect—they were about building discipline, forming strong habits, and learning how to perform under pressure. With help from my wingman, cadre, and senior members, I learned how to prepare more effectively, pay closer attention to detail, and stay calm during stressful moments. Inspections taught me that growth often comes from discomfort and that perseverance matters more than immediate success.
By the end of encampment, I felt proud not because everything was easy, but because it wasn’t. I stayed when I wanted to leave. I finished something that challenged me both mentally and physically. CAP encampment taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of relying on others when things get tough.
Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t give up. Encampment wasn’t just an activity—it was an experience that pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person, and it’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward.
The Electrifying Moment I Scored My First Soccer Goal
It was one of those moments that I’ll never forget. The game was close, the score 2–1, and tension hung in the air. Then, out of nowhere, I found myself wide open. A perfect pass came rolling into space ahead of me and everything seemed to slow down.
As a defender, I don’t usually get opportunities like that. Most of the time, I’m focused on stopping goals, not scoring them. But this time, something clicked. I took a clean touch, looked up, and saw the keeper just a few steps off his line. I went for it—striking the ball from outside the box.
The shot flew through the air and sailed right over the keeper, dropping perfectly into the net. For a split second, there was silence. Then the field exploded with cheers. My teammates came rushing toward me, and I couldn’t stop smiling. That goal sealed the win—3–1.
The feeling was electrifying. My heart was racing, adrenaline pumping, and I felt pure joy. Scoring my first goal and doing it as a defender; made it even more special.
It reminded me that sometimes, the best moments in soccer come when you least expect them. One perfect pass, one brave decision, and suddenly, you’re the one making the difference.
Volunteering at the Bellevue Arts Fair
This summer, I got the chance to volunteer at the Bellevue Arts Fair thanks to Civil Air Patrol. I didn’t expect it, but it turned out to be a cool experience that pushed me a little out of my comfort zone — in a good way.
The event ran from Thursday to Sunday, but because of soccer games over the weekend, I could only help on Thursday and Friday. Even with just those two days, I got a pretty good feeling for what it’s like to work behind the scenes at an event like that.
Thursday: The Hard Workday
Thursday was super busy as it was the first day, so we had a lot to do. Our main job was helping artists and vendors unload their stuff and get their booths set up. Some of the stuff they brought in was seriously heavy. Like, I didn’t expect to be lifting that much, but we just kept going. It was one of those days when you feel kind of exhausted but proud at the end.
There were so many people trying to get organized at the same time, so we had to stay focused and move fast. Even though it was tough, it felt good to help and know we were making things easier for everyone there.
Friday: Chill Day
Friday was a lot more relaxing. Since everything was already set up, we mostly just checked in with the vendors and made sure they didn’t need help with anything. It wasn’t as physically tiring, but it was still important. A lot of people appreciated just having someone there to ask questions or lend a hand if needed.
It was cool seeing how everything came together — all the booths, the different kinds of artwork, and people starting to show up. I had never really thought about what it takes to put on an event like that until I saw it from the inside.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m glad I signed up. I wouldn't have even known about the opportunity if it weren’t for Civil Air Patrol, and I probably wouldn’t have thought of volunteering at something like this on my own. It taught me that even if a job seems small, it still helps make the bigger picture work. On top of that I even made a lot of new friends along the way something that was really challenging for me at CAP. Plus, it felt good to give back and it was something totally different from my usual routine of school, soccer, homework, and video games.
Winner of the Crossfire Select Cup
This past weekend was one to remember. My team entered the Crossfire Select Cup playing a year up in the Platinum Division, and we ended up winning the whole thing.
Going in, we knew it was going to be tough. The other teams were older, bigger, and more physical. At first, it was a little overwhelming, but we realized if we wanted to win, we to keep on playing how we have all season. We focused on being more technical — quick passing, smart decisions, and better movement. That ended up being the difference.
Game Recap:
Game 1: 2-1 win
Game 2: 1-0 win
Game 3: 3-0
Finals: We played the best we played all tournament ending the game in a 5-0 win.
Another cool part — I got to try out some new positions during the tournament. It was uncomfortable at first, but I ended up learning a lot. It helped me see the game from a different perspective and made me a more flexible player.
What I Learned:
Playing a year up pushes you to be smarter and faster with every decision.
Being younger doesn’t mean we can’t compete — we just have to play our style.
Winning feels way better when you’ve had to fight for it.
This tournament showed me that our team can handle tough challenges. There’s still a lot we want to work on, but this was a huge boost of confidence. Can’t wait for what’s next.
Until then, let’s keep grinding
Portland Tournament Recap: A Wild Run to the Finals
Hey everyone!
Back from Portland—and wow, what a weekend. I’m still taking it all in, but here’s the quick headline: We made it to the finals after winning all 3 of our group stage games! 🔥⚽
We kicked off the tournament strong with a 4–1 win over FCP. That game felt great—our team connected really well, and we controlled most of the match. It was a solid confidence boost to start things off.
Next up was PCU, and this one was a grind. They were tough, disciplined, and made us work for every inch. But we stayed focused and came out with a 1–0 win. That one felt earned.
Our third match was against FC Salmon Creek, another physical and competitive team. They pressed hard, but we kept our cool and found the goals we needed, ending with a 2–0 victory.
Three wins. Top of the group. Finals here we come.
In the final, we faced PCU again, and man… they came back with a mission. We gave it our all, but this time they outplayed us. We lost 2–0, and yeah—it hurt. We wanted that win badly. But hats off to them—they adjusted, came in strong, and deserved the W.
Still, I’m proud. Proud of the way we played, the way we grew game by game, and how far we pushed. This tournament taught me a lot—about grit, bouncing back, and showing up when it matters most.
We didn’t lift the trophy, but we left with our heads high.
Until next time,
— Yash ⚽🔥
Game On: Taking On Portland’s Best
Hey everyone!
This weekend’s a big one — I’m heading to Portland for a soccer tournament! We leave on Friday and return Sunday, and I’m seriously pumped for what’s ahead. I’m feeling that mix of excitement and nerves, which usually means something awesome is about to happen.
We’ve got three strong teams lined up to face:
FC Salmon Creek
PCU (Portland City United)
FCP (Football Club Portland)
Each of these teams is solid, and I know they’ll challenge us, but that just makes me more motivated. I love being tested on the field, especially when we’re up against teams we’ve never played before. That unknown factor pushes me to level up, play smarter, and give it everything I’ve got.
I’ll be back with a full update when the weekend’s over — maybe even a few highlights if we catch some good footage. Whether we win or lose, I’m going in ready to compete, learn, and have an awesome time with my team.
Wish me luck — Portland, here we come!
Advancing beyond GC1. I have now won 3 SSL Heat seeker tournaments
What’s up guys, it’s Yash back with a new blog in June. Today I’m sharing a milestone that still feels surreal. I won 3 Rocket League Heat seeker tournaments in the Supersonic Legend (SSL) bracket. I’m not SSL yet, I am currently a Grand Champion 1, but I’ve been grinding hard, and these tournament wins prove just how far I’ve come.
Heat seeker wasn’t something I expected to take seriously at first. But once I really dove in, I got hooked. The speed, the precision, the mind games, it all felt like I found the perfect mode for my playstyle. Getting to GC1 in Heat seeker took time.
What did I need to work on? I had to improve my reads, react faster, and be smarter with my positioning. Getting ranked was just the beginning, tournament play was a whole different level, and that’s where I really leveled up.
Losing -> Learning ->Leveling Up
I didn’t win my first SSL bracket tournament on my first try. Honestly, I was way off. It took me two full seasons of grinding to even start figuring things out. I got knocked out everywhere from early rounds, semifinals, to finals you name it. I’d go in thinking I had it, then end up getting wrecked. It was super frustrating and definitely stung. But with every loss I learned something new. Most important one being - how to keep my cool when things got intense. I also get better with strategizing when to challenge, when to rotate smarter, and when to trust my teammate or jump back in take charge myself.
After a while, everything just started clicking. I wasn’t just reacting anymore; I was actually reading the game better. My timing got sharper, my positioning made way more sense, and I was playing smarter, not just faster. Ranked games helped, but tournaments? They were a whole different level. That’s where I really leveled up and started getting better for real.
3 Wins in the SSL Bracket
Then it happened.
Win #1: I kept my composure through a brutal bracket and clutched up in the finals.
Win #2: A harder bracket, tougher opponents but I was ready.
Win #3: That one hit different. It wasn’t luck anymore, it was proof.
Three SSL bracket wins, while not even SSL yet. Playing against top-ranked players and still taking home the W? That meant everything.
What I’ve Learned
This journey taught me one thing loud and clear: You don’t need the rank to prove your skill your grind proves it.
I’m GC1 now, getting closer to SSL every week. And those tourney wins remind me that I’m already competing at the highest level. I just need to keep pushing.
The goal now? Hit SSL. Yeah! Not just in tournaments, in ranked. But no matter how far I go, I’ll always remember how it started: with two seasons of struggle, one breakthrough, and the confidence that comes from doing what most said was impossible.
Catch me in the Heat seeker bracket or try to.
– Yash
My First AP Self-Study
Hey guys, it’s your boy Yash back at it with another blog! I took AP Hug (Human Geography) as my first AP as a freshman. Halfway into the year I decided to do my first AP self-study and let me tell you the AP Psychology exam burnt me out like hell. In this blog I want to share how I studied for the exam and how it actually went.
How I Studied:
I started off by watching some review videos on YouTube for AP Psychology. The two channels I’d recommend are Advanced Placement and Mr. Sinn. Personally, I preferred the Advanced Placement videos because they’re probably more closely aligned with what’s actually on the AP test. But Mr. Sinn is still a great option—he does a solid job of summarizing the content, even though he doesn’t go as in-depth.
After finishing a unit, I’d hop on ChatGPT and ask some questions about what I had just learned. I specifically asked for Baron-style questions, since I learned those are more similar to what the AP test actually uses. That helped me get some solid practice. Later, I also found a free pdf digital copy of Baron 2025 AP Psych book which I uploaded to a GPT project and that helped me prep notes for each unit and generate practice questions. My biggest lesson using ChatGPT was to master the art of prompting. When I first started I would only have basic prompts like “Generate notes for unit 1 and then follow up a 10 AP style questions.” After creating a project and adding the book, I started being more specific with my prompts like this one:
Generate AP Psychology multiple-choice questions in the style of Barron’s, incorporating content from the 2025 Barron’s prep book and trends from recent AP Psychology exams (2020–2024). Cover key concepts from Unit 1 and provide 25 MCQs including a DBQ and a aAAQ. For each MCQ question, include:
1. The correct answer,
2. A short explanation of why that answer is correct,
3. Explanations for why the other answer choices are wrong (elimination reasoning),
4. A reference to relevant Barron’s material or textbook section where possible.
How the Exam Went:
Overall, I think the exam went decently. I feel like I did pretty well on the MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) section—I finished super quickly and even had 20 minutes left to review my answers.
Now, the AAQ (Article Analysis Question) and DBQ (Document-Based Question)? That’s where I struggled. This year, College Board changed the format, removing the old FRQ (Free Response Question) and replacing it with the AAQ and DBQ. That totally threw me off because I did not prepare for that part at all. I didn’t even study those formats. But I still tried my best, and hopefully it didn’t go too badly.
Overall, self-studying for this AP exam was kind of annoying at times but, also fun in its own weird way. I’ll be sharing my results soon (don’t think I am getting anywhere close to 5) so make sure to stay tuned for that! But I learned a lot along the way and think my AP self journey will be better next year.
I am 15, Yay!
Goodbye 14. Hello 15.
I usually make a quick video recap to say goodbye to each year—a tradition I’ve been doing with my mom since I was 4, and one I absolutely look forward to every single year. But now that I have a blog, I figured—why not write a version too?
14 was a ride. I started high school, made the Crossfire Select A team (go me!!), assistant coached soccer, had my first Valentine’s Day with someone I actually asked out (bold, I know), and said goodbye to Middle School just as fast as I said hello to High School. I even managed to visit 4 countries in just 15 days over the summer—jet lag? Never heard of that.
Oh—and I officially kicked off my shoe collection this year (more on that in another blog soon).
I just turned 15 literally a minute ago.
Hello, 15. Looking forward to an epic year.
My Soccer Tryout Experience
Hey everyone! Back with another blog, and today I’ll be sharing my experience with both my club and school soccer tryouts.
Club Tryouts
Last season, I played for Lake Washington Premier FC’s B team. Our first season was rough, we only won one game, had one draw, and lost the rest. The second season was a bit better, but I wanted to win more. After tryouts, I ended up back on the B team, which was frustrating because I really wanted to be part of the A team, where they won a lot more games.
Since I wasn’t selected, my friends encouraged me to try out for Crossfire, one of the biggest clubs in Washington. I decided to give it a shot—and I made the A team! Now, I’m playing alongside four of my friends, and I’ve been told this team wins a lot of games. I’m really excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to see how the season goes.
School Tryouts
School tryouts started last week, and my goal was to make either the C team or possibly JV. After the first day, I realized making JV would be tough, not just because of my skills but also due to the way the coaches were evaluating players. So, I shifted my focus to making the C team instead.
As tryouts went on, though, I noticed the coaches weren’t paying much attention to me. In the end, I got cut. I genuinely feel like I was better than a lot of the players who made the C team, but I think my position had too much competition. Not making the team was heartbreaking, but I know this is all part of the learning process. There’s always next year, and in the meantime, I now have the chance to join track and field, another sport I love.
Sometimes setbacks open new doors, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.
Final Thoughts
This tryout experience was full of ups and downs, but it taught me a lot about finding new opportunities. While getting cut from my school team was disappointing, making the Crossfire A team was a huge win, and I’m excited to compete at a higher level with my friends. This whole journey reminded me that setbacks aren’t the end, they’re just a part of the process. Whether it’s soccer, track and field, or anything else I take on, I’ll keep pushing myself to improve and make the most of every opportunity. There’s always another chance, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
My Introduction To Cancer Biology
Hey gang, back at it with another blog. I just wanted to share that over the past year, my interest in cancer biology has been growing. Recently, my neighbor lost her battle against metastatic breast cancer, which deeply impacted me and led me to dive deeper into understanding cancer - its causes and effects, what’s about it so difficult to cure or prevent.
During my research, I came across a YouTube interview of Dr. Thomas Seyfried from Boston College. If any of you are interested, you can check out his research paper or watch this YouTube video https://youtu.be/VaVC3PAWqLk?si=7I0azLBBwxcZ4Ajm where he discusses the ever-growing prevalence of cancer. It is estimated that new cancer cases could rise to 35 million every year by 2050, which very frightening. Dr. Seyfried has challenged the traditional view that cancer is primarily a genetic disorder. Instead, he suggests that cancer is fundamentally a mitochondrial disease, meaning it arises from disruptions in cellular energy production rather than just genetic mutations.
I learned a lot from this research, often finding myself scratching my head while trying to grasp new concepts and terminology. Wanting a solid introduction to the subject, I started looking for beginner-friendly courses. Bellevue College offers an Introduction to Cancer Biology course, but it wasn’t ideal for someone my age and grade. However, I was determined to learn more, so I found an introductory course offered by Johns Hopkins.
It took me about three weekends to complete, and I must say, it was a great primer. The course covered key topics such as the definition and types of cancer, the cellular hallmarks of cancer, different imaging techniques used in oncology, and, most fascinating to me—the real killer: metastasis.
The Joy of Giving, The Slime Adventure
This all started with me wanting to do something meaningful. I applied to volunteer at Seattle Children’s Hospital, but they emailed back saying I didn’t qualify because of my age. Honestly, that bummed me out at first, but then they suggested I could still contribute by providing toys or activities for the kids. That got me thinking—what could I do that would be fun and different?
Then it hit me - slime. My sister (Vole Esprit) is basically a slime expert, so I asked her for help, and she totally ran with the idea. She’s also a design student, so she came up with these reusable boxes with custom covers, instruction sheets, and fun extras like colors and sparkles for the slime. It turned into a whole project—way more than just putting stuff in a box. She brought the creativity to another level, and I learned so much from working with her.
When we delivered the six boxes to the hospital, I didn’t expect the response we got. The volunteer crew was so excited about our attention to details, and they said the kids would love them. That was honestly the best feeling ever. But then I learned there are about 350 kids at the hospital on any given day. It really hit me that six boxes weren’t even scratching the surface. I couldn’t stop thinking about the kids, especially the ones dealing with really serious illnesses.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we decided to focus on what we could do next. Valentine’s Day is coming up, so we’re planning to make 35 themed slime boxes! This time, we’re asking friends and family to pitch in for the supplies.
This whole experience has been amazing—not just the creativity and teamwork with my sister but knowing that something so small can brighten someone’s day. And honestly? The best part was seeing how much people appreciated it and knowing it’ll bring smiles to those kids.
We’ve got big plans to keep this going. One slime box at a time! 💕
New Year New Goals
Reflecting on 2024 Goals and Setting New Milestones for 2025
As the year draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the goals I set for 2024. This exercise has helped me understand what I achieved, where I fell short, and, most importantly, how I grew. While I didn’t meet all my goals, the process of setting and working toward them taught me valuable lessons. Here’s a recap of my 2024 goals and their outcomes:
2024 Goals Met or Not?
Goal: Get 2 Promotions at Civil Air Patrol
Outcome: I only got one promotion since I missed lots of meetings during summer travel and on returning still had my long hair for the first meeting on Blue Uniform. I do have all the criterion met now and should be getting promoted shortly. This experience taught me the importance of consistency and preparation.Goal: Build Greater Appreciation for Reading (3 Books a Month)
Outcome: I didn’t achieve this. Its on me sadly, I only limited my reading to the ones I needed to do in school. I realized I need to make time for reading outside of academic obligations and explore books that genuinely interest me.Goal: Participate in STP 2024 and RSVP
Outcome: Another missed goal due to travel schedule. My sister’s summer program at Cambridge took priority, and while I couldn’t participate in STP, I enjoyed traveling and exploring with my family.Goal: Start High School with a Bang
Outcome: This goal was a luck of the draw because I ended up at Interlake High School. My courses include IB Spanish II, Honors English, and AP Human Geography (HUG). Honors math wasn’t an option, so I’m doing Algebra II while prepping for AMC. This goal highlighted how flexibility and making the most of available opportunities matter.Goal: Improve Writing by Focusing on Non-Math Subjects
Outcome: I achieved this since I am taking Honors English and AP HUG, which require lots of writing. I’ve grown more confident in my ability to express ideas clearly and effectively.Goal: Get More Organized (Fix Closet Every Saturday)
Outcome: I achieved the goal but didn’t really clean it every weekend. I did two big rounds of cleanup and organizing and then just regular mindfulness helped me keep it nice and tidy. This taught me that consistency doesn’t have to be rigid—mindful maintenance works, too.
Lessons Learned
Although I didn’t meet all my goals, keeping them was beneficial and kept me in a growth mindset. I was mindful about my goals and continued to learn about external limitations and my own shortcomings. Keeping this practice alive, I want to now set 2025 goals, here we go:
Goals for 2025
Get 2 Promotions at Civil Air Patrol
With a stronger plan for attending meetings and meeting criteria, I’m determined to achieve this.Start a Twitch Channel for Daily Game Streams
Combining my love for gaming with creativity, I’ll create and grow a Twitch channel.Complete STP 2025 with a Group of Interlake Friends
Travel permitting, I’ll plan better to ensure participation this time.Kick Off Semester 2 with a Blast
Semester 1 didn’t go my way academically as I ended up with two high B’s in quarter 1. I aim to make sure I keep my grades up and have all A’sGet into a Summer Internship Program (SIP)
I want to explore career-oriented experiences and excel in a meaningful SIP.Post More Blogs
My stretch goal is to write and post four blogs a month—one each week—to improve my writing and share my journey.
Reflecting on 2024 has shown me the value of setting goals, even when life throws unexpected challenges. For 2025, I’m building on these experiences with a renewed sense of purpose. Here’s to a year of growth, learning, and achievement!
My First Basketball Tryout Experience
My Basketball Tryout Experience
Hey again! Last month, I had my first-ever basketball tryout, which was also my first high school tryout. Before this, I hadn’t played much basketball apart from some playful games with friends or practicing in my yard. As I suspected, I didn’t make the team, but the experience taught me a lot; not just about the game, but about myself and the importance of preparation.
Most importantly this experience will help me shape my approach to my upcoming soccer tryouts. Whether you’re new to tryouts like me or looking to improve your skills, I hope these insights help you as much as they’re helping me.
1. Encourage Your Team, Talk a Lot, and Act Like a Leader
Showing the coach that you want to be on the team involves more than just your skills, it’s also about leadership. Encourage your teammates, communicate on the court, and demonstrate that you’re invested in helping the team succeed.
How I’ll use this for soccer tryouts: I plan to use my voice as much as possible to motivate my teammates and give constructive feedback. If someone makes a bad decision, I’ll step up to support and guide them.
2. Be Selfless
It’s tempting to focus on showing off your skills during tryouts, but teamwork is just as important. Instead of being selfish with the ball, focus on involving your teammates and creating opportunities for them. Show the coach that you can make smart decisions and play for the team.
How I’ll use this for soccer tryouts: I’ll aim to make smart passes, create openings for my teammates, and only showcase my individual skills when it’s necessary and appropriate.
3. Always Communicate with the Coach
Talking to the coach, even after practice, can make a big difference. Ask for feedback on how to improve and communicate openly about your availability. This shows the coach that you’re serious about being part of the team and committed to growth.
How I’ll use this for soccer tryouts: After every practice, I’ll ask the coach for specific feedback on how I performed and what I can work on. I’ll also make sure to notify the coach if I’m unable to attend any sessions.
These are the lessons I’ve taken away from my basketball tryouts and my plans for improvement as I prepare for soccer tryouts. My soccer tryouts are coming up in February, so stay tuned for another blog post about that experience. Thanks for reading and wish me luck!
That’s it for now—Yash out!
My Take on McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac
One thing I’m not very proud of is my love for McDonald’s. Despite countless reminders from my mom about the impact of unhealthy and junk eating, I often give in to the temptation of McDonald’s burgers and fries.
A few weeks ago, after a tough Sunday soccer loss, I saw an ad for the Big Mac Chicken Burger on my phone. I don’t eat beef, so I’ve never had the regular Big Mac, and this one looked good. I asked my mom if we could try it, and we grabbed one from the McDonald’s drive-thru on the way home.
Once we got home and I settled in, it was finally time to try something I thought I’d never experience. I took a deep breath 3, 2, 1and took my first bite. Here are my thoughts:
What I liked:
The sauce added good flavor.
The double chicken patties were decent and had a nice texture kind of like McNuggets. I personally prefer the Hot n’ Spicy McChicken patty, maybe because of my Indian roots and love for spicier food.
The lettuce made it feel fresh, but nothing special.
What I didn’t like:
The cheese was too sticky and too warm.
It didn’t have much variety in flavor just tasted like extra meat with no new twist.
At $7.19 in Kirkland, it felt overpriced, especially since the regular Big Mac is only $5.99.
Overall:
I’d rate this burger a solid 6.5/10. With better cheese and a bit more flavor, I think it could truly stand out. I can’t comment on flavors compared to the classic Big Mac; I’d I expected more value for the money and more unique flavors for stand out beyond an extra chicken patty.
High school 1st quarter already wrapped up
Hey everyone, it’s your blogger Yash here! It feels like just yesterday I was trying to decide which high school to go to, and now my first quarter is already over. Time is flying by way too fast! I thought I’d share some of what this first quarter has been like and the big changes I’ve been dealing with in the move from middle to high school.
Transitioning from Middle to High School
The biggest change for me has been the environment. Coming from a small private school, Willows Preparatory School (WPS), I was used to a close-knit community where I knew pretty much everyone. With only 50-60 students in my grade, it felt like one big family. Now, at Interlake High School, I’ve got around 300-400 peers just in my grade, which has been a major shift! The size of the school building itself took some getting used to, and navigating crowded hallways was overwhelming at first. But the big school atmosphere is starting to feel exciting in its own way.
What’s Going Great So Far
Extracurricular Extravaganza! Public high school has introduced me to so many clubs and activities. This first quarter, I’ve been exploring clubs like HOSA, Model UN, and Debate, Chess, Math, Science, Newspaper and the list goes on. At WPS, we had a handful of options, but here there’s practically a club for every interest, and students are creating new ones all the time! It’s awesome to have access to all these opportunities to get involved without any extra cost.
Opportunities for Independence and Full Accountability for My Grades: One big change has been the level of freedom I have here. At WPS, teachers kept a close eye on everyone, and it was easy to rely on them for reminders and support. Now, I’m learning to manage my own assignments and keep track of everything myself. It’s been an adjustment, but it’s pushing me to be more responsible and really take ownership of my work—which I think will pay off in the long run. I stumbled a bit early on and saw the impact on my grades, which made me realize I needed to step up and fix those mistakes to stay on top of things.
New Friendships: I was a little nervous about making friends, especially since a lot of people already knew each other from middle school. But I’ve already met a few close friends and have connected with a lot of new people. The variety of people here is pretty amazing, and I’m glad to be part of such a big, diverse group.
School Spirit and Sports: I’ve realized that school spirit is something I really enjoy! Public school has so many ways to show it, from football games and pep rallies to spirit weeks. I’ve been going to our football games cheering for the awesome run of Saints this year, I’m attending the Diwali party next week, and I’m even trying out for the JV soccer and basketball teams. At WPS, we had just set up a basketball team, but there weren’t nearly as many events or teams, so this has been a big change and definitely a highlight of my first quarter.
What’s Been Challenging
Larger Class Sizes/Student Teacher Ratio: The smaller classes at WPS made it easy to build closer relationships with teachers. Here, with bigger class sizes, there’s less individual attention, which makes it harder to connect. But it’s also pushing me to be more independent and to figure things out on my own, which has been a good challenge.
Crowded Hallways: Passing periods are chaotic! Everyone’s moving in different directions, and it gets so packed that it’s tough to get to class on time. Sometimes, even when I’m rushing, I still get marked late.
Food: I do miss the food at WPS—it was healthier, tasted better, and had more variety. It’s a small thing, but definitely one of the little things I took for granted!
Final Thoughts on My First Quarter
Moving from a small private middle school to a large public high school has definitely been a big adjustment. There are still challenges, but I’m already seeing a lot of positives. This first quarter has pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I’m finding that I’m growing from the experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next quarter has in store and can’t wait to keep exploring everything high school has to offer!
Summer Trip Highlight - Goal or Not? @ Anfield Stadium, LFC
This post took much longer than I expected to write. I originally intended to share about my summer trips, but things got busier than I thought, then high school started, which has been an exciting journey so far. Now that I’ve had a moment to breathe, I want to share the highlight of my summer: my trip to Liverpool and the day I spent touring Anfield Stadium.
My mom booked a VIP tour that gave us exclusive access to various areas of the stadium, including the players' changing rooms, therapy rooms, and dining hall. We even had the chance to meet retired players, coaches, and team managers, enjoying a delicious three-course meal (prepared by the team’s chefs) with them while participating in a live Q&A session with Steve McMahon, John Alridge and Phil Thompson
During lunch, they organized a fun game called "Goal or Not," where we watched clips of Liverpool players’ shots from famous games and had to guess whether each shot was a goal. There were about 100 people in the dining hall, and everyone stood up to participate. A clip would be played, and everyone had to guess raising their hand up for goal and keeping it down to not goal. After each guess, those who got it wrong had to sit down. This continued for ten rounds until only three visitors remained—one of whom was me. When the next clip played, I guessed correctly while the other two got it wrong. The game ended right there, and I was invited on stage to receive my prize. Although it wasn't quite age-appropriate, the host and judges admitted they weren’t expecting a kid to win. My prize was a bottle of wine signed by the three.
Last guess - only 3 players left standing
With Steve and the bottle of wine that got framed