<p>Okay. Since there was a post made by a 7th grader, I, a freshman in high school, have the right to make a post as well. You see, my parents don't really support my Ivy League pursuits (and I have set this up for myself since 5th grade), and this year they made me drop two of my four extracurriculars that I really wanted to be involved in (I dropped Spanish Club and Student Council but still have Key Club and Theatre. No money for Debate Team, and it's not like my parents would let me join anyway). My parents have told me that my wanting to go to Harvard is a result of my "spoiled attitude" (what? I don't ask for that much), and that I must go to UTSA (99% admission rate, not prestigious, and I don't want to use my potential there at all). I never asked them to pay for my college, and my dad has told me that he's not worried about my college, even though he has told my Key Club advisor that the reason he's going to college to be a teacher right now is so he can pay for my education, which I highly doubt, since my parents have had plans to buy a house in the country two years from now (I don't know if that is possible, lower middle class...). So, will 2 ECs for my freshman year be bad? My grades are awesome (98.71 unweighted, 105.81 weighted), but I want to know about how I'm doing for ECs. I hope I can find some way of convincing the 'rents to let me do debate next year when we finally get the money for the team... Any feedback? Sorry... I'm blowing off steam.</p>
<p>That was a little hard to follow, but I think what you're trying to say is that your parents are douche bags...</p>
<p>As far as EC's are concerned I wouldn't be too worried at this stage. You've got plenty of time to build some <em>noteworthy</em> EC's.</p>
<p>You sound like you're very motivated by a sincere intellectual interest. Regardless of what your dad says, you're on the right track. I hope your parents will recognize your maturity when it comes time to join the debate team. Regardless, with your attitude, I think you will do well. Of course, not even a Purple Heart and a Nobel Prize can guarantee admission to Harvard, but it sounds like you'll be distinguished by the time you apply.</p>
<p>The most selective schools are need-blind, so if your family is lower middle class, your could qualify for financial aid. This would make education at such a school comparable to a state school in terms of costs, and possibly even cheaper. So don't let financial issues dictate where to aim for.
For ECs, pursue what you really are interested in. Don't do it to impress adcoms.</p>
<p>Wow I remember when I was your age posting on this site...insane now im applying to college. I sounded like a complete tool back then and am quite embarassed of myself. Have your goals in sight at all times and I assure you everything will work out the way its supposed to. Trust, enjoy your 4 years in highschool..you will never get these years back. College time and stress will come, but you have a long ways. HOWEVER REMEMBER...dont slack off, because these 4 years go by FAST!
GoodLuck</p>
<p>First of all you sound too intense. Please just enjoy your time in high school.</p>
<p>That being said here's what to do. Your parents won't let you join too many activities. That is not necessarily a bad thing becuase the SHOTGUN approach to activities (i.e. joining a bunch of clubs but doing nothing of merit) will not help you. Instead, pick a couple of activities that really interest you, and try to make notable contributions.</p>
<p>I think this is also true for academics. The Ivys have tons of applicants who are "well-rounded" with great test scores and high grades. You are better off excelling in a couple of subjects that interest you and becoming "angular." These schools are looking for students who 1) have a good reason to want to attend the school and 2) will excel in their field and make the school look good in the future. Number 2 is more likely if you are angular because you only have one or two majors in college.</p>
<p>It is most important to the adcom to see dedication. When you pick something stick with it and try to be a leader (Prez. VP. Treas.etc) Also, be sure to take your subject tests after each class you take. Lastly, no matter what apply. You never know!</p>
<p>'not even a Purple Heart and a Nobel Prize can guarantee admission to Harvard, but it sounds like you'll be distinguished by the time you apply.'</p>
<p>That is absurd.</p>
<p>I was in a very similar situation that you are in now. You must do things on your own. Any support you can get from your parents will be useful, but do not expect it. Act as if you are going to get no help and use that mindset to get to where you want to go.</p>
<p>god.......... that 7th grade post was a joke you fool.............................................................................................................................. some people...........................................................................................................................................................</p>