<p>howdy!
To make it simple, I didn't do so well in high school. Subsequently I've decided to apply myself as much as I can to doing well in the community college I'm attending - planning to transfer. My dream would be either MIT or Stanford, but I do realize the chances of them accepting transfers is low, so I'm not banking on it. More than likely I'll end up going to UC San Diego if I get in.</p>
<p>My plan for a major is Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Modern Languages, but I am flexible with this, and it may change. </p>
<p>A Caveat, I'm weak in Math- meaning behind, not unable to understand it, So I am going to be at my JC for at least two years from now.</p>
<p>To the point, what should I do to standout, to maximize my chances of being accepted to top tier schools like the aforementioned, and Cornell, Yale, Texas A&M, UC Berkeley, etc.? Again, I do realize that this is not going to be easy, and I am willing to work for it, so any and all ideas for me, please?</p>
<p>Respectfully yours,
AW</p>
<p>P.S. Thank you!</p>
<p>You need to make an appointment with the transfer counselors at your JC so that you can plan a program that will cover the pre-requisites for the upper level courses you will eventually take at your four year university. You also need to organize your time wisely so that you can study effectively and get good grades in all of your courses at your JC.</p>
<p>And specifically as to Math: go to the disabilities office at your JC and get yourself screened for dyslexia and any other previously unidentified learning disabilities that may be affecting your ability to master Math. If you learn that you do have a processing issue that affects Math, you can use your time at the JC to develop the compensation skills that will enable you to perform more successfully in that subject area. Two of my best friends had their dyslexia diagnosed late (in college - now a successful engineer, and in grad school - now a Ph.D. in statistics). In both cases, the diagnosis and the help it lead to changed their lives.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>
<p>To the top UCs such as Cal and LA, ec's do matter. Do some volunteer work, get involved in campus, and join any student gov't or associated students or leadership programs. </p>
<p>Just be passionate about what you are passionate about, and be able to show it on paper.</p>