Hope?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>About me:
I'm going to be a freshman in a rather average public school next year and I'm aiming for the Ivy League. I'm a Chinese Californian, which I know is definitely not going to be working for me. I heard that top schools look for students who excel in one thing and has stellar grades to back them up. The problem is, I'm pretty much the definition of "well-rounded." I had 4.0 every quarter in middle school, but I guess middle school is nothing compared to high school. I've played clarinet for 4 years, and I plan to play throughout high school, but not in the marching band. I take art classes and have only won a couple of contests at the district level, but I believe I have more potential in art than music. I have played tennis for five years, and play USTA tournaments frequently, but with average performances at the challenger/open level. I will probably play top singles JV as a freshman, and doubles varsity afterwards. My biggest strength is math/science; I was one away from qualifying for states in Mathcounts last year, and scored in the top 1% in the AMC8 with a 21/25. I'm not taking difficult classes next year, only three honors (Spanish 2, Geometry, and Biology), but those are the only honors classes available without taking summer classes or getting a recommendation. </p>

<p>My questions are:
Should I take all APs available?
Where should I take my art career? Music?
I'm very likely going to do debate and the school paper, any other clubs I should consider?
What math/science contests should I participate in?
What are some classes I could take at the local community college?
Is job experience important?
What should I do for volunteer work?
<strong><em>Do I have a shot at the Ivy League if I work hard?</em></strong></p>

<p>Its not in my nature to be thinking ahead, but I feel really intimidated by the stories of college application. Thanks to anyone who answers!</p>

2

<p>See… you’re off to a great start. When I started high school, I was addicted to Xbox and PC games. </p>

<p>Should I take all APs available?</p>

<p>Nah, only if you can fit them into your schedule and get a great grade in the class.
Where should I take my art career? Music?</p>

<p>Try improving yourself constantly and go for local competitions. For band, you should try to be a section leader or drum major or something. If you’re any good at local competitions, then go onto regional or national ones. </p>

<p>I’m very likely going to do debate and the school paper, any other clubs I should consider?</p>

<p>That sounds like a lot of commitments. Don’t get too overinvolved. Just join your mandatory CSF for the UCs, and join a club you have a particular interest in. </p>

<p>What math/science contests should I participate in?</p>

<p>AIM? AIME? Local math, science leagues and competitions? Everyone’s situation is different. You’ll know what to do better once in high school. </p>

<p>What are some classes I could take at the local community college?</p>

<p>Psssh… don’t worry about that yet. Cruise through freshman year and see how things go.
Is job experience important?</p>

<p>No. It is not. And nothing you should be thinking about till sixteen.
What should I do for volunteer work?</p>

<p>Local library, hospital, etc. There’s a lot of things you can do.</p>