A New Freshman User here that needs HELP

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi!
I just made an account a few minutes ago, but I've been tracking with this site for a long time... just reading and getting information.</p>

<p>I am a freshman at an international school, and I'm getting very worried recently because of the stress and pressure I am getting about GPA scores.</p>

<p>I just need help. On everything. I used to be a very smart student in Middle School, getting the highest honors, being one of the top in the school, but High School had a big... twist, so I'm still adjusting around. Studying these days is hard and I think I'm barely catching up along with the average. I don't know what happened to me. High School is not going good for me.</p>

<p>I don't know my GPA because my school doesn't inform us on those stuff. There are hardly any people who graduated from my school to a well known college. I don't know if there have been any IVY leagues so far. </p>

<p>Anyways, I'll post the scores that I have right now. I am currently struggling with History and Math, although it does not show that much. I am not the best in my school right now. Maybe a LITTE higher than average, in my opinion.
Band- 100 (A+)
English- 98 (A)
Math- 93 (B+. One more point is an A)
Science- 97 (A)
Physical Education- 97 (A)
Chinese- 99 (A)
Philosophy Class- 99 (A+)
History- 97 (A)</p>

<p>I have been working at a volunteer for handicapped kids for almost 5 years straight now. I also teach young kids swimming at a club that is near my home. </p>

<p>I am on the Varsity Swim Team, Junior Varsity Basketball Team, and the Varsity Track Team at school. I am also in the Writing (Creative Writing) Club (trying for for an editor).</p>

<p>I'm planning to to take the TOEFL this winter and am planning to go for EPGY during the summer- going for writing (english), because that is my best subject. I am also going to take a national Chinese test (level three) in the winter.</p>

<p>What other ECs do I have to do to go to a good college? I'm planning to take a form of... Speech & Debate when I'm a Sophomore because I heard it helps a lot. THANKS SO MUCH. oh and also my parents are asking if I want to go to a boarding school, which I told them 'No' for the moment because... I'm afraid.</p>

2

<p>The first thing that you need to know, is how much your parents are willing and able to pay for your education.</p>

<p>The second thing that you need to know, is where they are willing for you to study. Just the US? The US or your home country? Only in first-world countries where English would be the medium of instruction? Only at a “top-ranked” institution anywhere in the world? Only at a “top-ranked” institution if it isn’t in your country, but the universities in your own country would be OK too?</p>

<p>If it is OK for you to study in the US, then you need to read through everything at [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/) After you have done that, make an appointment with the counselors at the advising center closest to where you live. They will have good ideas for you.</p>

<p>If your international school follows a US program, and if lots of the students there apply to college in the US, then talk with your guidance counselor about what you should be doing. He/she can tell you which colleges and universities in the US have admitted students from your school in recent years, and he/she can give you a good idea of what your possibilities here are.</p>

3

<p>Relax. You’re doing fine. Enjoy high school; believe it or not it DOES have a point other than to get you in to college. Your grades look fine, your EC’s look fine, you are doing just fine. The only way you will not be fine is if you allow college admissions to rule or ruin your high school experience!</p>

<p>I would recommend that you not even return to this site until you are in your junior year of high school, honestly.</p>

4

<p>@happymomof1: Yes, my parents are willing to fully support the fees and everything. Although I am currently not in America, I do have an American citizenship, so I am mostly aiming for an American college right now- more for a top, good one, and since english is my first language. Thanks so much for the links. Yes, my school does follow an American curriculum, so the counselors are available. Thanks so much for your advice! </p>

<p>@irishrabbit: Thanks D: Just a little overly stressed at the sudden change from Middle to High school. I found out about this site because I noticed that everyone at my school goes here -0- It’s very stressful. I wanted to check it out, but yeah. A little too stressed I suppose D: Thanks anyways</p>