<p>Hey folks. Since quite a few of you have children who have just been through the process we're about to embark on, I was wondering if you guys have any advice for soon-to-be freshmen?</p>
<p>Thanks
-Khaki</p>
<p>Hmmmm…yes, three pieces:</p>
<p>A- ECs can be anything that your kid is deeply intrested in-- it doesn’t have to be the typical sports/student gov,/academic team-- in fact, something a bit obscure that few teens are fascintated with is probably better. Once they find an interest, help them find closely related activities that further that interest. (son did this very well and it was a big plus on his applications)</p>
<p>B- GPA counts!!! Not for everything, but for a lot. From day one. (son didn’t do this well, lots of B’s hurt him badly in the end)</p>
<p>C-Reach beyond what your high school routinely offers. Showing the initiative to self study an AP or find an online course in a subject that isn’t offerred at your school is well rewarded in the admission process.</p>
<p>First, thanks for the response!</p>
<p>Second, I think I may not have been very clear. First of all, I am a student, though it’s kind of cool that someone automatically assumed I was a parent!</p>
<p>Second, I am going to be in the college class of 2013, so thankfully the admissions process is behind me. I’m looking more for general living-on-your-own advice than academic advice, I think, though of course any helpful information is both welcome and appreciated!</p>
<p>OK, khaki, here’s one piece of advice: </p>
<p>College is the place to begin to explore what you are meant to do in life. Discover your interests through the many lectures, performances, activities etc. offered on campus, and be open to new experiences. You may find you have interests you didn’t even know about. First semester get involved in one extracurricular activity right away. If there’s something you wanted to try in high school but didn’t, this is a good time to do it. People expect freshmen to be semi-clueless. If you wait till you’re a soph or later, you may find that the experienced student showing you the ropes is a second semester freshman. </p>
<p>Congrats!</p>
<p>Explore, explore, explore! More than any time in your life, college is your opportunity to sample all kinds of ideas, experiences, activities, cultures. Take classes outside of your major. Spend time with people from other countries. Get involved in a club. Go to football games, plays and concerts. It’s all part of the college experience. Have a blast!</p>
<p>Oh, and keep up with your homework – it makes finals week alot less stressful.</p>