<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I'm under a lot of stress (and pressure) right now! I'm going to enter 9th Grade and I'll be taking some rigorous classes (AP World History, Honors Precalc, Honors Biology, Acc English, Spanish II). I'm not too worried about any of them but AP World History and Honors Precalc. We have 3 tests on the first week of school for AP World History and I've been really worrying about them. I don't know if I'm over-preparing or under-preparing and it's causing me a lot of stress! </p>
<p>But the thing that's worrying me is what's going to happen in the long run. My sister goes to Yale and got a 2400 on the SAT so I am put under a lot of stress from friends, family, and teachers. It doesn't help that everyone expects me to do the same or better. I would love to go to one of the Ivy's (Yale, UPENN, Columbia, Princeton). I haven't really found one definite major-but have instead focused on 3; Genetic Engineering, Business, and Economics. </p>
<p>Help! I don't know what to do, and the stress is killing me D:</p>
<p>Don’t want to double post: BUt what my title really was supposed to be was: “Chances of getting into Ivys on my Current Path”</p>
<p>Oops.</p>
<p>You need extracurricular activities. I can tell you with assurance that you would be categorically denied from all Ivies without them.</p>
<p>Since you clearly understand the source of your stress, I don’t need to unleash the “college is only one piece of the grand puzzle of life so don’t put so much weight on it” lecture. I suggest that you:
- invest in some good stress-relieving activities (sports? music? meditation?),
- sit down with your parents/family and let them know how much pressure they’re putting on you, and
- talk with your guidance counselor, or even a therapist inside or outside of school, if you’re feeling REALLY stressed.</p>
<p>Take a deep breath. We’ve all been there. Unfortunately, strangers online can’t help you…at least, not nearly as much as the people around you who love you. There are people who care about you for a reason; use their support and advice :)</p>
<p>Oh, I forgot extracurriculars. I’m applying for interns at the City Hall, and I am hoping to volunteer at the local Veteran’s Home. I’m also playing in the school’s SOCSA Orchestra. The one thing I regret, however, is not doing sports. Will that ruin my chance?</p>
<p>Nothing is going to ‘ruin’ your chances any more than anything can ‘lock’ your chances.</p>
<p>You have four full years of high school in front of you. College is four years long too. </p>
<p>So, make your time worth it! Don’t live in stressed-out misery for four years, just so that you can maybe get into a name-brand school for the next four years. You’re on CC way early, I’d suggest coming back when you need SAT/ACT prep advice, etc, there’s not much it can do for you now besides freak you out. </p>
<p>You seem like you’re on the right track with ECs. Do some cool ones, find a passion, and focus in on that passion. Good luck man!</p>
<p>Acceptance to an Ivy League school is not the Holy Grail of college admissions. I’m not saying not to apply, but apply on your own terms because you found a school that you would love to attend. Do not apply/attend to satisfy your family or friends. There is no reason to be stressed out at your age. Have fun with school, get involved in activities you enjoy, and do your best on the standardized tests. Unfortunately, this generic advice will not guarantee admission anywhere. In 3 years, you will be compared to the 30000 or so (more at some other schools) students applying to a particular school that year, and what this cohort offers varies every single year. You can not compare yourself to your sister or her competition. Best of luck in your endeavors.</p>