Life after high school.
(This might be a "personal" entry to some point.. and by the way, I'm not bragging or trying to show off by NO MEANS. I just need help! Just wanted to say that before someone accuses me. Thank you.)
I'm currently a junior in high school and attend a medium-sized public school in a small town about half an hour away from Los Angeles, California. I've done fairly well in all my classes and I haven't taken an AP course yet (next year, I'm taking 3). I've been president or held some kind of position(s) in clubs, participate in band since the 5th grade, and on the swim team. I've done so many things, but is that really enough?
What does it take?
Since my school is fairly large, a class of 500+ students, I feel that I need to be more competitive. Yet, somewhat I feel like I don't want to try. I really would like some advice from the public about colleges, acceptances, and just advice in general.
I am freaking out.
The stress of junior year is finally hitting me. Those darn SAT, SAT II, AP, Honors, and other things are certainly stressing me out! My mind is going crazy thinking about where to apply to, what I want to be, and etc!
I know I want to be in the medical field. But what does it take for me to just get in a college/university?!
I hope someone can shed some light about college applications, expectations, and just everything. I've done everything from reading books to asking for information, but somehow I just don't think that's quite enough.
Peer pressure is certainly weighing me down as well.
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Well, I got into Purdue University for Pre-Veterinary Science degree. My SAT and ACT was pretty mediocre...But I took a lot of honors and college prep classes. Even if your grades are a little lower than easier classes, you still show that you are challenging yourself. At my college, the required GPA was 3.0 and above. I also volunteered and worked for Veterinarians. That showes that I have a serious interest in my field. My advice is to keep doing what you are doing, and keep as many opportunities open as possible. I would try volunteering at a local hospital or doctors office, if thats the field you want to get into. It looks really good on a college application.
Hope that Helps!
www.progressiveu.org/blogs/AntigoneHubris
Thank you so much! Advice like yours really helps me out a lot! :)
Keep focusing on your grades. Try to get your SAT scores as high as possible. Stay involved in clubs. Do some volunteer work.
Remember, it's not important where you get your first degree. It's only important where you get your final one. So if you're really scrambling to find a college, find a small one that will at least get you to your undergrad stuff. After that, look at some of the others for med school. Just take a deep breath. You still have time before the real stress of college hits you, but if you're prepared, it won't be as bad. Good luck.
-Abbie
PS
This is coming from someone who went through the actual college mess this year. Believe me, if your resume is impressive and you show improvement on your grades (or have kept them high all the time) or you have a personal story about overcoming obstacles, I'm sure you'll find the right place for you.
I like what you said about the final one being the most important. I don't think I want to go into a school like MIT or Cal Tech my freshman year. And there's always the possibility of transferring.
I heard transfers are easily accepted. I don't know if that's true though..
Thanks for your advice!
Don't worry about getting into college. I was accepted at all five that I applied to, and they weren't exactly colleges that opened their doors to everyone that applied. If I could get in, you can too. :) Just relax and try your best without giving yourself a nervous breakdown over it.
Haha. Thanks!
I wouldn't be the ideal candidate to give you advice .. however I do know a lot of my friends that have applied to big-name tons-of-clout universities and been accepted. Some places (NYU, namely) are looking for individuals, people who are unique and creative who can stand out in a crowd. You'll be able to demonstrate this to schools like NYU by visiting, meeting with advisors, finding creative ways to stand out in a pool of hundreds of thousands of applicants. Other schools like UC schools are mainly chosen through a mathematic equation (so get studying if you're wanting to stay there!!). For most other schools I'd say diversity and originality in your high school endeavors will be what gives you an "edge" in the admissions process. Be a well rounded student (it sounds like you're doing pretty wel)), get out and volunteer (lots of volunteer hours are REALLY impressive), and find something unique and fairly rare to do before application time rolls around (a friend of mine chose to study abroad, and not only did it help her for college ... it was a great life long learning experience)
I hope this helped even a little and wasn't a direct repeat of other things you may have already read!! Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Now that I've heard so many people advise me to volunteer, it MUST be a good way to impress the big guys!
College is intimidating! Admissions and such! Thanks for all the advice!
Volunteering is definitely a good point. You can have the highest SAT score in the nation, but if you can't network, you're pretty much SOL. :)
All the good advice has been said already! ;) But...
As far as college applications - make sure you know the deadlines and plan accordingly! When I applied I waited until the last minute, which not only stressed me out, but also left no room for error.
Also, don't say what you think colleges want to hear if it's not really you. In your application, essay, interview, etc., be yourself! Let your personality shine through - they want well rounded students to represent them, not "up-tight robots" trying to impress. :)
Don't worry - just relax and have fun these last years of high school! (Best of luck to you as well!) :)