How to prepare for college in a highly competitive high school?

Applying to College
1

I am currently a freshman in a high school, which is consistently ranked in the top hundreds in the nation. An issue though, that I have is the level of competition at this high school. Almost everyone I know has stellar academics and is also involved in many extracurriculars, making even clubs hard to get leadership in. In fact, I even know a few kids who were exceptionally good in academics(best in the school: 4.85/5 GPA and ~1580 SAT) and even presidents of clubs in our school, but still did not make top colleges for computer science. Currently, I am in a position where moving might be possible for me and was considering how heavily colleges weigh you against other applicants in your same high school. Would moving to a less competitive high school be a smart choice in this situation? If not, what are some things I can do in a high school like this to stand out?(Simply academics or even club leadership will not really help).

Note: I am strongly leaning towards majoring in computer science(as are a lot of kids in my school), as it interests me greatly and is something I am fairly good at. Any advice specific to computer science applications would also be very helpful, as I do know that Computer Science is generally a more competitive major.

2

Run your own race.

Choose any extracurriculars because they interest you, not because they will glamorize your college application. Happykid had one extracurricular. That’s it. She loved it. It lead directly to her career. Some of her pals who were equally devoted to that EC headed in other directions after high school, and that is OK too.

Choose your classes in HS because they will help you get where you think you want to go. Do your own best. Don’t look at other people’s grades or test scores, just at your own. Measure yourself by your own progress, not against what you see other students doing. Consult with your guidance counselor about your goals, and the best way to get ready to apply to the colleges that interest you and your family can afford.

Don’t transfer from a high school where you are happy just because you think you might get better grades at a place you percieve as easier. Transfer if you are unhappy at your present school, and are confident that the other place will be one where you can thrive.

3

I see you have ambition. That’s great! Keep it up and get the best grades you can. You don’t have to start worrying about college until your junior year. So don’t :slight_smile: Remember, college decision is not about getting into the “best” college. It’s about getting into the right college for you. Go have fun!