Advice for Current Freshman

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Like many others, I have started thinking about life after high school, which I just started a month ago, and looking at websites that seem to have tips for getting into great colleges. Obviously I got nervous just by looking at some of the credentials that people who went to really good colleges had and I saw that they started getting involved early on some of the things that they did. I’ve read some articles about people doing scientific research and olympiads, others receiving writing awards, and other big accomplishments. Now, I want to know how I can direct my future years so that I have opportunities to do such things as I keep progressing through high school.

Here’s a quick description of the types of things I do know :

Courses 9th grade:
AP Psych
Honors Eng. 2
Honors Chem (took bio in 8th)
Honors Pre-Calc
Spanish II
Honors World Hist (not sure if I want to take AP, because in my school it is considered to be one of the most time-consuming courses. I want to take something in place of it because I don’t plan to be involved in that sector as I grow older)

and 2 other electives…

Right now, my main outside activities are math and chess. I’m pretty good at chess but not like top 10 for my age since I don’t plan on playing it as a career. However, I plan on seriously continuing with it as one of my main hobbies; I have found opportunities where I can teach at other elementary/middle schools or other volunteer opportunities for chess. For math, I have done well in competitions like AMC, but I am not extremely good (I got 114 on AMC 10 so kinda in the mid range). In science, I have done science olympiad for the past few years but middle school didn’t really offer a wide variety of competitions, so I definitely have the most questions there. One new thing I am trying to be good at is Debate, since I am part of a school that is extremely serious about it.

So now time for the questions.

First, I hear a lot of people doing science research, winning awards, and doing fairs and all. I know what these are in general, but how would you all recommend getting started in these fields? I plan on following a career in science (preferably medical but I have not yet taken serious science courses for me to get a hang of what I am best at) so I think that it is really important for me to do this. I also hear a lot of people volunteering at hospitals and all, but I am looking for things that will set me apart from the standard person applying to a college. I ask right now because I want to be aware of the opportunities that I might look into for my future years.

Second, should I be the type of person who just goes into each and every club just for the sake of it? I plan on seriously continuing chess, debate, and science olympiad, and some math club. Should I just focus on those four and try to find opportunities to just thrive in them?

Well, I know I have 4 years left, but I really want to know some ways that people that are getting into Ivy’s using their science research, etc. Right now, the mere thought of scientific research seems intimidating and I wonder how I could possibly discover something new and research it.

Thanks for your help!

EDIT: To clarify, any advice on competitive avenues, from writing contests to science bowls would be appreciated!

2

As a fellow Science Olympian, if your school is competitive, I suggest sticking with it and doing it very well. On the national level, Science Olympiad is highly accredited and acknowledged (not as much in the state/regional level, since the many states and regions have such a huge range in competitivity [not a word]). The level it takes to medal at a national level (especially division C) can’t possibly be ignored.

However if your school does not regularly make it to Nationals AND you are in a less competitive state, you might want to do it just as a hobby, and just enough that you medal 1st in states a decent amount of times. But if your school regularly makes it to Nationals OR you are in a very competitive state, you should continue it and devote some time into it.

As for other things, perhaps you could join Science Bowl (although you might already know about that). Make sure to also pile up on volunteering hours/find a job. The Scholastic writing and art contests are pretty well-known, as well as YoungArts.

There are so many science fairs out there to participate in, but you really need a strong scientific background in the subject area you plan on researching. Just find a problem out there you want to solve and research it (or get an internship).

Perhaps some of the things I’ve said in my post you/other people disagree with, but from what I know, these are the things I suggest.

3

I agree with @raventhemage completely. Furthermore, make sure the activities you participate things that you enjoy and don’t burn yourself out. At the start of high school, I wasn’t very involved. Now I’m involved in almost everything at my school on top of doing college applications, volunteering (my school requires 90 hours a year), and being in a lot of leadership positions. I like what I do, but it can be stressful. Focus on a few ECs because colleges want to see that you’ve joined clubs for the experience, not because it looks good on a college application. Take advantage of your time during summers. Summer programs can definite way to help you out. Some of them offer research/internship opportunities. It’s great that you’re starting early.

4

Don’t worry about college right now, get the best grades possible and don’t worry about college until junior year. It’s admirable that you’re already on a college prep forum fresh out of middle school, but try to enjoy your high school years