<p>** Now before I give any advice, please note that I’m a high school junior-to-be. I’m not an admissions counselor, guidance counselor, college counselor, etc. I haven’t even applied to colleges. These are just general tips, take them and apply them as best you can to your situation. If you feel something won’t work for you, don’t do it. Do what you feel you need to do, and please don’t overwork yourself. You’re in 7th grade, that’s too young to stress yourself out this much. I know it’s easier said than done, but make friends at school, join clubs and find passions, volunteer and develop self esteem and confidence. College is important, but your mental health is too. **</p>
<p>What I’d do is do the best that you possibly can in academics and do a good amount of extra curricular activities, but make sure to be truly involved in all of them. From what I’ve heard, colleges prefer more involvement in fewer ECs over tons of ECs that have barely taught you anything or helped you grow as a person. Try taking online courses. I take some through New Trier High School in Winnetka, and although they are pretty costly, they’re worth it for the learning in my opinion. I don’t know how much they’ll help for high school credit, but there are courses in ACT and SAT test prep that will help you prepare probably more than your school can.</p>
<p>[New</a> Trier Extension](<a href=“http://www.ed2go.com/ntx/]New”>http://www.ed2go.com/ntx/)</p>
<p>Also, even though your senior year is a long way off, really try to shine on your essay. Show the colleges how much you want to go, but also be sure to convey your personality. Use the tips in this thread:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/admissions-hindsight-lessons-learned/82799-how-impress-adcoms-your-extracurriculars.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/admissions-hindsight-lessons-learned/82799-how-impress-adcoms-your-extracurriculars.html</a></p>
<p>The Admissions Hindsight and Lessons Learned forum itself is a really good place to go to get advice and tips on applying.</p>
<p>Instead of dwelling on the unfairness of your situation, turn it into something to empower you. Let it motivate you and make you a better person, and use that story to make yourself stand out.</p>
<p>Also, be realistic. I hate to be the one to say this, but Harvard has about a 6% acceptance rate, and everyone wants to go there. Don’t set the bar higher than you can reach. However, if you really want to, it never hurts to try.</p>
<p>On the same token, don’t just look at the big name colleges. Hopefully your high school will start working with you junior year to find colleges that fit what you want to do. Not all schools are great for all majors. Some schools that are great for science related majors may be a poor choice for someone who wants to major in the field of business. Some schools have over 30,000 students. Some may find that overwhelming, while others may find it exciting. Same with schools that have a relatively small amount of students. You need to find your fit.</p>
<p>Use college planning sites like cappex and collegedata, they help you visualize your chances at getting into colleges and allow you to see what you need to do to increase your chances. That being said, they are just an estimate. Don’t take what they said as what will actually happen. They can’t factor in specifics or your essay, and for some colleges, those are a major part of an application.</p>
<p>Above all, the most important piece of advice I have is to take care of yourself and your health. Too much stress and pressure can wreak havoc on your health, mentally and physically. Never be afraid to ask for help, for anything. There is always someone who can help. Find an adult who you trust and develop a good relationship with him or her. A guidance counselor is usually a good place to start.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>