<p>So I’m currently a junior and I have a lot of advice to give to you guys. =) </p>
<p>First, the standardize test.
Take the PSAT as soon as you can (I took mine in Freshman year) this will give you a gage of how much you need to work for and help you establish a reasonable but also high goal for yourself (for example, after receiving my horrendously low PSAT score 3 years ago, I was shocked into studying for the SAT early). Buy yourself the Collegeboard SAT book in Freshman year and start looking over them whenever you have free time. Freshman year is going to be your easiest and most relaxed year so make sure you do something valuable with it. Slowly but surely read through the blue book. I spent my freshman year spring semester and soph year fall semester reading every single page of the blue book. After such prep, you won’t need to waste $600 on a prep class and you will confident for the SAT for being so prepared. From Soph year to Junior year just take practice tests whenever you have the time. This should ensure you guys get a score of at least 2100 no matter where your starting point is. </p>
<p>Second, the ECs.
I will echo what other juniors have said on this board. Join only the clubs that you’re interested in. Join early so that you can establish yourself. But don’t overload your ECs. Narrow your club list down to 2 or 3. It’s quality over quantity. If you have over 5 clubs you’re a part of, you won’t feel like you truly belong to any of those clubs. Take leadership in your clubs and apply to be officers next year. By junior year you should be president or vice president of at least 1 club. </p>
<p>Third, the classes.
Choose classes that interest you but also are rigorous. Have study groups. Don’t slack off…remember to keep moving forward. There’s not much I can say in this section because everyone has different likes and capabilities. </p>
<p>Fourth, the summer activities.
CC is a great source for finding out great summer programs. Do a little search and start applying to summer programs. Any programs that are free or pay you are super great and prestigious programs that you should participate in. I wish I knew about summer programs when I was a freshman. </p>
<p>And finally, don’t preoccupy yourself with CC.
You have to realize that I just learned recently. CC is composed of the most college-motivated students. As a result, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE BETTER THAN YOU. There will, actually, be MANY people better than you. You will feel demotivated and think that you’re not doing enough to be “competitive” for college. Don’t. Just continue doing what you’re doing and be happy with it. </p>
<p>Oh and when you’re a junior you should ban CC from your computer in April so you can study for your APs. Don’t be like me. Instead of studying for my 4 APs that are 7 days away, I am on CC…</p>
<p>Anyhow, cheers and good luck. High school will be quite a ride. You will have so many ups and down and you will eventually think you’re going crazy. Don’t fret. Everyone’s going through that. =)</p>
<p>Edit: Your freshman year class schedule and class grade do not matter. Colleges mainly look at junior year. Unless you got a D or an F in your freshman year, the grades from 9th grade will not count towards anything but your GPA.</p>
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