Anxious high school freshman

Colleges and Universities A-Z New York University
1

<p>Hi everyone! I've been lurking on this site for awhile, and today I finally got around to joining. I hope you can help set my mind at ease, or at least answer a few of my questions. (: </p>

<p>Okay, so basically I am a high school freshman attending public school in MA. My current dream school is NYU, and I am almost positive that three years from now, I will feel the same way. Whenever I ask for input, people tend to tell me that I could change my mind...but honestly, NYU is the school that I aspire to attend. </p>

<p>From what I have researched, not only is NYU expensive, but it is rather competitive. It's hard to see how I match up to those who are applying on the grounds that I have yet to take the SATs, or even be informed of my GPA. (On this matter, how do I calculate GPA? Thanks.) Basically, I need to see if I am on the right track for when it comes time to apply to colleges. </p>

<p>As of now, I am in three honors classes, (English, Bio, History) and I recieve A's in those classes. For foreign language, I am in Spanish III. I participate in Model UN and will have a board position next year, play JV lacrosse and field hockey, as well as write for the newspaper. I always see that people's ECs are judged as weak...would mine be weak as well? Next year I want to participate in DECA, but I do not want to make it look like I am trying to cram ECs onto my resume in order to hide flaws, or whatever. </p>

<p>I want to major in International Relations...but I heard that NYU does not offer this to underclassmen? I would love to hear more about this. </p>

<p>For volunteer hours, I only have about thirty. This number will drastically increase by the end of the summer, as I plan on volunteering for a majority of the summer. </p>

<p>Anyways, input on what I am doing right/wrong, and what I should do in order to ensure my application will be fitting a few years from now would be superb. I appreciate everything, don't be afraid to be brutal!</p>

2

<p>To major in IR, you have to be a POLITICS major within CAS, apply, and then be accepted to do it. It’s an Honors major. </p>

<p>But honestly, many of these questions can be answered by your high school guidance counselors. Have you even tried talking to them first? The answers that NYUers give to these questions won’t be any different. </p>

<p>I am almost positive that three years from now, I will feel the same way.</p>

<p>You change a lot in high school. Wait two years and then see how you feel.</p>

3

<p>Okay, thank you missamericanpie! </p>

<p>I haven’t spoken to my guidance counselor yet because I wasn’t sure if freshmen usually brought up college so early. I figured that a little background research would help before going to see her, but perhaps I will schedule a meeting with her in the near future!</p>

4

<p>It’s nice to see that you’re setting goals for yourself like this.
I was just like you as a freshman. I’ve wanted to go to NYU ever since then. Good luck in the upcoming years!</p>

5

<p>karma,</p>

<p>You appear to know what you want early. This is an excellent time to start preparing for your next big phase of life, college years, and entry into the college that best matches you. First of all, your honors and grades sound good. Does your school offer AP courses? If so, your guidance counselor should encourage you to start taking them in Sophomore year.</p>

<p>My son’s highly rated public H.S. started preparing students by offering AP courses beginning 9th grade (Freshman year). By the time sonny applied to colleges, he had 5 AP exam grades to report on the application (there are people with more and some less, depending on your school, ability, and drive). </p>

<p>Your current ECs look like you are also on target for a freshman. Do build on them with more continuous involvement, especially in leadership positions. Also consider good programs, internships, volunteer work during summer breaks, if you can afford to do so. </p>

<p>More than anything else, try to define what your PASSION is and follow your heart in doing the things that mean the most to you and will move you forward towards the goals you have set for yourself. Provide a good portfolio of yourself but be authentic about your interests and activities. This is your life, live it well and enjoy what you are doing, even as you prepare in a competitive fashion for top school admissions for yourself!</p>

<p>I am actually impressed with your maturity in thinking this early about a process that does require prep and planning. GL to you!</p>