How to Be a High School Superstar... Worth the Read?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Anyone read the book by Cal Newport, as mentioned above? What about his other books? I think it’s pretty innovative, and I can tell you that scheduling free time is actually really beneficial when you want to come up with some creative ideas. Before high school, I talked about things no one else had heard of. I even got an argument with a friend about global warming. I won, of course. :slight_smile:

Obviously I’m just showing off, but I genuinely think it’ll get you into a good school using his method. Probably not HYPSM, though. Unless you happen to use his method mentioned on his blog. The one that discussed doing some REALLY impressive feat, like the following, an excerpt from his article “The Art of Activity Innovation: How to Be Impressive Without an Impressive Amount of Work”. His blog is called Study Hacks.

Some Innovative Examples

Let’s begin with some examples. Below are three activities that generate the “how did he do that!?” response. Each is based, loosely, off of real students:

A high school student who designed a technology-based curriculum recently adopted by several states.
A college student who setup the U.N.’s first youth advisory council and led the effort to write a youth rights constitution adopted by the Arab League.
A high school student who ran a web design company that involved the managing of a dozen contract employees and servicing 5-figure corporate contracts.

Focusing more on my situation:
Has anyone tried out these methods, and have they worked? Right now I know I’d like to try something like the method above, but I’m a little unsure about how to do it. I’m planning on taking a rigorous AP course load; even taking the ones I’m interested in, some on the college level instead of AP for the ‘easy’ courses like Pysch and Human Geo and taking the exam. I also do debate, which I enjoy and am EXTREMELY reluctant to drop, despite not doing well in it, and have expressed interest in DECA, and a quiz bowl event similar to ACE, but easier. Debate is very time consuming, and I’ve heard that DECA is as well, at least on the competition side, plus community service and the like. ACE won’t be hard, but it might take away what little free time I may have.

I might be able to help you if you want to follow his guide, so post if you want help.

2

I’ve learned that hard work is the key to success. Shortcuts won’t really fetch you anywhere. But his guide does look interesting. I’ll look through it. I don’t quite get it though. Can you explain a bit more clearly?

3

I wouldn’t call it a ‘shortcut’. You still need to work hard, take fairly rigorous classes and maintain good grades. Cal even notes that you’ll probably need to get super involved in one organization at a time, then get insider info, then work on a project, and if it’s impressive enough, it’ll pay off. Still pretty hard to me. Also, he says that while it isn’t all flowers and happiness, what you’re doing by running a business with little stress and a few clients at a time is more impressive than being president of a large club, while spending approximately an equal amount of time.

What do you need clarity on?

4

Excellent read.

5

Haven’t read the book, but his blog is amazing.

6

I felt that the book doesn’t apply to average kids. This method works for kids with exceptional motivation and dedication… those who already have superstar potential. Just my opinion.

7

Great book! But yes, kiddo does have to be truly hardworking a motivated for it to work.
I read medical related apps so I agree with how it would impact my app read. (Also essay is very important if you are applying to a private college)

8

IMO, the only reason you would do it in the first place would be if you had the motivation, and the hard work would naturally come through…

9

I disagree with those who think this book is only for naturally talented people with “potential”. I do think it takes a lot of natural potential to stand out as much as some of the example in his book. However, if your child isn’t so-called “naturally talented”, then he’s probably not going to much better by taking the standard approach, working his butt off, and still having to compete with the very exceptional “superkids” who probably study less and still perform way better than him. At least following some of the methods and lifestyle choices in this book will make your kid more interesting, less stressed, and gives you a shot at standing out in the admissions process.

10

Sorry I can’t provide as much detail as some others have, but I’m a HUGE fan.

11

You joined in a bit late, @ruhigeKlavier (;)), but I agree. Cal Newport even addressed the naysayers who said that the people were ‘born like that’ and went to join KEY Club. And I’m already trying to do something that would make me stand out, so I think his method might actually work for me!