I’m in-love with this school. I think about it every single day, tbh, and not only as a goal, but an outlet that will facilitate me in so many other aspects of my life. It’s been this way since my 8th grade year, and I am now a sophomore. Please give me advice!!!
Every single day? I cannot see how that serves you, but why don’t you say. What does that do for you, now, a sophomore?
Remember that the world is wide and you must give yourself permission to be open to other programs and institutions as well, if for no reason other than to imagine something that may not turn out to live up to what you’ve painted it to be. Additionally, what if Barnard does not return that love at admissions time? What will you do?
You’re just at the point where you can deliberately craft a path forward for yourself as engaged, curious, ambitious and generous, so that such is reflected to colleges and universities when you apply. Challenge yourself academically and intellectually, and be willing to go outside of your comfort zone to touch upon something that is not a “sure and easy” thing. You want to grow as a person, an individual.
Have a little fun. Have a lot of fun, and check in with yourself every once in a while to ask how you’re doing. Create a vision for the life to come that does not start at age 18, but that is an outgrowth of the young lady you are grooming right now.
Thank you. This was very comforting. I will take this advice to heart. For too long I’ve mapped college and admission to such as what seems to be a life-time goal, an endpoint. Your comment sent a wave of reassurance over me, and I will do this. I’ve unfortunately become obsessed with college, and have caught myself paving my own life to follow a preconceived path through which I feel I may succeed in that very specific endeavor. Sure, I’ll aspire to college as long as I’m in high school, and when the time comes, I will surely apply to my dream school. But your comment opened my eyes as to how obsessive I’ve been, and although it’s meant for great intentions and outcomes, I’ve thought about it too much.
I agree that it is a huge mistake to put any one school in your mind as the “dream” or “perfect” school. There are tons of amazing colleges and universities out there. Work hard and get involved with things you feel passionate about. And please take some time to enjoy and appreciate HS – don’t rush this special time in your life away.
…and keep reading amazing authors. Are you familiar with Danzy Senna’s work? I’ve read Caucasia only, but her work is so strong. Do you know the poet Sarah Jones from England? If you care for something that bridges the historical and the contemporary in a truly moving, serious way, full of a mystery that seems almost magical, see if you care for a book called Red Leather Diary by Lily Kopel (a Barnard alumna).
@zadiesmithfan, You are amazing. I know this.
I will definitely check both out!!! Are you a fan of Zadie Smith, too?
I’m in a similar boat. I’ve idolized Barnard since I started looking at colleges (which was shamefully long ago), and since then I’ve learned a bit. It’s a cliche old adage, but the college doesn’t make you, you make the college. You’ll be accepted to a school that is a great fit, and if that’s Barnard, awesome! And if it’s not, great! You’ll find a group of super cool, incredibly motivated, Zadie Smith-loving girls like yourself. Keep doing your thing, and don’t try to adhere to some foolproof path. That’s no panacea, it’s a recipe for hating your high school experience and driving yourself bonkers (who has two thumbs and is doing just that? I’ll give you a hint, this girl–though I have begun to take my own advice). Like @Waiting2exhale said far more eloquently than I can, explore intellectually, challenge yourself, and don’t care about college admissions–ironically, that’s probably what will get you into Barnard. Of course, this is all coming from the biggest hypocrite in the world (this cringeworthy username was created in my 8th grade year, and I could be seen obsessing over my elementary school transcript–not a hyperbole!) who doesn’t have any more life experience than you (well, one year, flips hair). You seem super rad, and I’m glad that @Waiting2exhale was able to convey that 
@Waiting2exhale I’m not familiar with Sarah Jones from England, but the American poet and actor Sarah Jones is amazing! You should definitely check out her TED Talks, and if you’re near NYC, snag a ticket for Sell/Buy/Date if you’re into performance poetry or experimental theater.
Also, thanks for the new additions to my reading list
@zadiesmithfan: I am with you on thinking about Barnard almost every single day. I have already submitted my application for Early Decision, and I am dearly praying and wishing for my acceptance. Currently, I am on a gap year due to personal reasons, but I am spending it quite wonderfully. I’m doing things that I love and I realize that I have not only gained new knowledge, but I have grown as a woman. I love how Barnard looks at the whole you, not just on your statistics so I am hoping they understand and see the type of person I am. Hopefully, I receive good news next month. Good luck to you too and yes, have some fun along the way 
Enjoy high school!
@strivingforanivy: How did I miss that? Yes, that is the same Sarah Jones of whom I speak. I was around when she was still kind of workshopping what became her much heralded, first widely-received, one-woman show. Must have been the talk of one of her parents, and the Caribbean connection, not to mention the nearly inexhaustible range of accented characters she transformed into that had me thinking (all this time) that she hailed from Great Britain.
Sell/Buy/Date…will read about that - thanks.
Hey, Ladies: Your dining hall conversations are going to be so great next Fall. I hope you find each other!