<p>I was wondering if anyone had opinions on how I should continue my highschool career and on how I am doing so far.<br>
I am in 9th grade. I have a 4.0 gpa.
9th Grade schedule (note: no honors classes are offered, all classes are taught at an honors level supposedly therefore there is no designated honors)
Religion 9 (required)
English 9
Spanish II (spanish I in 8th)
World History
Chemistry (took physics in 8th grade)
Algebra II (algebra I in 7th, Geometry in 8th)
Competitive Speech
Molecular Genetics Research (through my school with a partnership with Case Western University)
Art I</p>
<p>SAT taken in middle school
Math: 620
Reading: 620
Writing: 610
PSAT in 9th grade
totaled 191</p>
<p>Sports
Cross Country: Ran varsity, went to states, lettered
Track: Post season has not yet started though I will letter</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:
Women in STEM (leader of it next year)
Debate Team ( I do LD debate, going to NCFL nationals in a few weeks)
Entrepreneurship Exploration Community
Investment Club
Tech Theatre
NJHS
A anti-bullying group that goes down and talks to the lower school girls about peer aggression on Monday mornings</p>
<p>Volunteer
Food banks, ect.</p>
<p>This summer:
Taking AP Chem through Northwestern CTD Equinox as I had taken Persuasion and Debate through there last year</p>
<p>Next year possible schedule:
Religion 9
English 9
Spanish III
AP World
Functions
Biology
Mock Trial
Advanced Speech
Catalyst (a science externship)</p>
<p>Plan on self studying for AP Stats and take the AP Tests in May on AP Stats, AP Chem (from summer course) and AP World</p>
<p>Opinions, thoughts, ideas, for next year, improvements, suggestions, so that hopefully when the time comes to apply for colleges I can get some merit based ones so that I can go to a nice school.</p>
<p>Oh for goodness sakes - find things you’re interested in, pursue them, challenge yourself, take risks . . . and, oh yeah, in case you forget, enjoy it! It’s not a “career” - it’s high school!</p>
<p>If the merit awards are a must, keep your grades up and take both the ACT and SAT early enough (junior year) to figure out which one is stronger for you . . . and then ace it!</p>
<p>First–define “nice” schools, reason being, most “nice” schools, if you are thinking Harvard, Yale, etc. do not give merit aid so factor that into your plan. Second, do you have any down time in your schedule, ever? Do you ever get to just sit and watch TV and do nothing? Do you go out with friends? You are a busy girl, too busy. Relax some, please, before you burn out. Third, if you are thinking top 25 schools, they have admit rates of 6-10% or so. You can’t count on getting into ANY of those schools no matter how spectacular your grades/test scores are so make sure you find some less selective schools you love–which is where you will get the merit aid.</p>
<p>Sounds like you are doing fine. Taking AP Chem summer after freshman year seems pretty advanced. I agree with others - you don’t have to overwhelm your self with APs. Taking 1 or 2 APs a sophomore, 2 or 3 as a junior and 2-4 as a senior will get you into plenty of colleges. Harvard and Yale don’t have merit aid, but their financial aid policies are very generous. I agree don’t forget to have fun, both my kids probably got into the colleges they did, based as much on their extra curricular activities as their grades and scores (which were fine, but not perfect.)</p>
<p>I agree…it’s not a career! Find things you enjoy. Take challenging classes. Participate in sports of clubs. Make friends. Study. Turn in your homework. Carpe diem.</p>
<p>OP, wow - you are a very focused student, so that’s great. In terms of general advice, I suggest you meet w/your school counselor - if you haven’t already - to talk about your 4-year plan, AP self-study schedule, and colleges in which you may already have an interest. Counselors are often overwhelmed, so if you don’t make headway there, talk with your best teacher or the head of a department at your HS. Find a mentor within your school community who takes your dedication to academics seriously.</p>
<p>As you continue volunteer work and ECs, look for leadership roles that you can gradually assume - within reason & within the confines of your overall schedule. </p>
<p>Seek out some of the most well-rounded upperclassmen at your school - you’ll probably find some in Debate Club, for example - and ask for their advice. If you can catch an outstanding senior on his/her way out the door, ask if he/she would sit down with you at starbucks or over lunch to give you an overview of what worked in HS, what didn’t work, and what he/she would do differently if given another chance. That kind of insight could be invaluable.</p>
<p>And yes, don’t forget to have fun (not to say that you aren’t having fun now). Enjoy HS and be proud of yourself for having the foresight to be thinking ahead to your college future.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Try to plan for the following:</p>
<p>4 years of English
math through calculus or more since you are two years ahead in math and have an interest in science
4th or higher level of Spanish
3 or more years of history and social studies
all three of biology, chemistry, and physics
art and music</p>
<p>AP or college level courses are desirable at the appropriate levels.</p>
<p>Wishing, it sounds like you are very focused and goal-oriented. You’re doing all of the “right” things to get into a good college. </p>
<p>I’m going to be brutally honest, though. What I don’t see in your impressive list of achievements and plans is any passion, anything that would set you apart from every other smart, active, high achieving student whose file crosses an admissions desk. </p>
<p>You may be passionate about any of the items you mentioned and I apologize if my perception offends you in any way.</p>