<p>So reading through these forums.. I guess everyone can see that you have to make a choice in your high school life. Do you want a social life or not? What things must you be a part of to function?
I chose to have a social life. I still make excellent grades, take AP classes, do ECs competitively, have outside resume boosters, above average standardized test scores... But no, I haven't spent every waking moment of my life studying for the perfect score, or racking up as many brilliant achievements I can take: I am not a donor of $10,000 to an AIDS charity whilst winning the National Competition of Science.
However, I feel sometimes that you shouldn't have to spend your high school years entrenched in the thought of doom in your post-secondary-institutional life if you do not achieve perfection.
So what are some famous people who've done that? I'm sure there must be politicans, celebrities, great people who did not go to Harvard with a 2400, etc. (pardon the stereotype but it makes what I'm saying simple)... Who are they? Any thoughts?
I think everyone needs a reminder that you can be normal and have a fulfilling and successful life. Sometimes you end up happier in the long run. Of course, this doesn't mean that I'm (or we're) not highly competitive... It just means that you are willing to sacrifice just enough (and no more) to have a better total life.
I just thought it would be an interesting bit of thought for everyone to reflect on. Especially people such as myself, who put so much stock into the application process, and who feel, sometimes, that their persistence is futile. Don't give up you guys! We may have it better in the long run. Or not. But hell, it's a gamble that is more likely to come out on your side, I think.</p>
<p>How about Governor Blagojavich? I believe he attended Lane Tech in Chicago, IL.</p>
<p>I think he was quite average by CC standards.</p>
<p>-Lane Tech graduate
-Northwestern Graduate</p>
<p>I mean he didn't attend the Ivy League but I guess he would be considered a person who accomplished something good with hard work? I believe he was quite poor when he first came to the USA.</p>
<p>w00t. Yet Another Rant about The Perfectionists at CC (YARTP)! (Of course... we all know it's impossible to have a social life and do exceptionally well on a ridiculous amount of standardized test and have fulfilling extra-curricular activities! :|)</p>
<p>Surge, it is almost impossible unless your only friends are those who are every EC you do. Otherwise finding time for friends and other things is usually quite hard during the weekdays.</p>
<p>I know what I say. I tried to do it my freshman year. Quite frankly, being holed up in my room with work 24/7 was not fun. Nor was forcing myself to antagonize over every second of my life not spent improving my "chances." I'm still highly competitive and eligible, I just choose to not be wonder-world-student. Kudos to those people who do it and can be happy. And Nameless is great just pointing out the Governor.
Here's one:</p>
<p>Kofi Annan. Sec General of the UN. Went to Macalester. Not exactly Ivy League. Great school though.</p>
<p>This seems like, really super touching and motivational. However, im too lazy to read that post. Way too long. I might have been more apt to read it if you divided it into bulletin points or something. But gosh...
So I'll pretend to be like, inspired, or you said this was supposed to be funny. So, LOL!!!!! </p>
<p>Goodbye.</p>
<p>My friend just called me a selfish bastard because I decided to spend a few days prepping for the SATs and becoming more devoted to my academic life (hey, I want a good future too). I'm at a loss of what to think.</p>
<p>I do have a social life, I just want to spend some more time with the academics over the summer...</p>
<p>Now he's calling me selfish because apparently I'm not on AIM to talk.</p>
<p>alksfjlkad'fjawdjf;asdjkf;k;sfdj"</p>
<p>Sure, why don't I give up my academic life and aim to become a prostitute and maybe someday meet a filthy rich old man who's about to die from cancer and marry him so that I'll inherit his estate?</p>
<p>Sureeeee.....</p>
<p>/rant</p>
<p>Arent you in my grade?!?! A rising sophomore. You dont need to study for the SAT! Do you mean the PSAT? Colleges dont expect you to take the SAT until like the end of junior year and the beginning of senior year.. you have like almost 2 years. I agree with your friend..its a little silly. This is summer after all.</p>
<p>...that's why I don't really do EC's</p>
<p>HorseQueen, there are enough rants like this. Don't assume that everyone here has no social life. Sure there are some but that doesnt mean you make a sterotype out of everything. Besides you only have 10 posts.</p>
<p>I think I've said this a whole bunch, but</p>
<p>Everyone on CC thinks that everyone else on CC doesn't have a life, except for them.</p>
<p>Nam3
Umm... Lane Tech and Northwestern are both excellent school so I don't think Gov. Blagovich would be a good example of average.</p>
<p>George Bush, he got into Harvard. :)</p>
<p>Olsen Twins go to NYU :-)</p>
<p>Only because they're beautiful.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Nam3
Umm... Lane Tech and Northwestern are both excellent school so I don't think Gov. Blagovich would be a good example of average.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I didn't say the schools were average as I think both are a little above average at the very least. I don't think however that the guy is a genius or a very smart person that can wow me like my math teacher in 6th grade. </p>
<p>I personally think the governor is an averagy guy who probably worked hard during his school years but he seemed like the person who would have a life. He visited my elementary school and I thought he was a pretty average guy when I spoke with him. =/</p>
<p>What high school did you go to in Chicago anyway? I would be a little amazed if you went to Lane as well since I go there.</p>
<p>I can't believe I missed George W. Bush. If that guy doesn't define average I don't know what does since at times I felt he was below average.</p>
<p>G Dubya was a cheerleader, and he turned out president.</p>
<p>I actually have a friend that graduated from Lane this year and I attend a parcohial school close by (not Gorden).</p>
<p>Bush is not exactly a great example tho... lol. He went to Kinkaid - a private school in Houston, very highly respected - then went to Yale, then went on to law school I'm not sure where... Harvard?
Also, his name probably would have gotten him into fairly anywhere. My dad went to school with him and I think it would be fair to say he was not an academic genius.</p>
<p>GreenDayFan, indeed I'm a bit "ahead". I'm afraid I've caught the insidious disease that plagues so many of the CCers. Fear and lack of self-appreciation motivates me to act for a "greater good".</p>
<p>Insane.</p>
<p>My expectations for myself won't let me cut some slack. I want to see what I get on the SATs sophomore year so I can evaluate my strengths/weaknesses and work on them accordingly, so I won't be a panicked junior when it comes time for most of the "other" people to take the SATs. Furthermore, some academic summer camps I'm looking at require me to submit SAT scores, so I want them available at hand. In general, I want to succeed. And I'm the stubborn perfectionist type who doesn't care if she bleeds on her agonizing path to college and couldn't care less if she had to amputate her left arm for it, so long as she gets into the college she wants.</p>
<p>I can't help it--it means to me my self-worth.</p>