<p>I'm only a freshman majoring in ME at colorado state university. Would it be hard to get into a top 10, maybe top 5 grad school, if I obtained these goals: 3.7-3.8 gpa, very confident with math on the GREs, probably score above average on the other sections, internships starting my sophomore year hopefully or is that too early, getting to know professors really well, 1000+ volunteer hours at habitat for humanity, couple clubs and organizations and maybe leadership positions. Where would I stand if I achieved most of these goals, if not all?</p>
<p>I also got into carnegie and cornell when I applied for my undergrad, but I didn't get enough scholarships to afford it. Would've been in a lot of debt after graduating which led me to choose a state university. I think that shows I have potential, but I know those admissions do not matter anymore.</p>
<p>Wow you’re so young. Academically on paper I think you have a great chance, especially since you’re thinking about it already.</p>
<p>But I wouldn’t worry about it. You have so much time anything can happen between now and grad school. Something tells me you’ll be very successful whether or not you pursue grad school. Just remember, if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen. :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice its just been bugging me lately that I enrolled at a school thats in the 60-70th rank for my major when I could’ve enrolled in a top 10 if I got scholarships.</p>
<p>You remind me of my roommate freshman year: </p>
<p>He was a local guy and decided to go to the local university (he didn’t want to live at home though, obviously, since he was my roommate). Anyway, he was a smart kid. Economics major. Somewhere in the middle of his first year he decided he wanted to transfer to a better program for business/economics. In the next two years he geared up on classes, clubs, and even retook the SAT. He transferred to NYU Stern for his junior year. It was a good move for him and he hasn’t looked back. </p>
<p>I’m not saying that you should or should not transfer, but your life is not determined by a single choice, or even a few choices. It’s never too late to change, but don’t live life in regret. It’s what you make of it.</p>