<p>I set a big goal to get into HYPSR in my senior year and am going to be a sophomore this year.
But from what Ive seen on this site, I'm totally overwhelmed by what other people do to get into those school. I mean, I'm a president of a few clubs in school, maybe on varsity sport next year, good grades and that's all. I have no idea how to be ranked nationally and in charge of a national organization nor do I know how to found one.
I'm an immigrant Asian still, and from an Asian town. That means I have to work several times as hard as other people. I have no idea how to accomplish them.
What should I do? Pray and realize my prophecy- being rejected?</p>
<p>{Hopefully you will read all of this! Ha.}</p>
<p>Hey, I’m going to be a Junior next year, and I understand EXACTLY how you feel. At the end of my Freshman year, I started lurking around on this site, figuring out what I needed to do to be able to achieve my dream (after all, if you are shooting for the stars, you’ve got a long way to go.) After much consideration, and as I can still tell, my dream school would be UPenn (Wharton or Huntsman program.) Obviously, this is very difficult, pretty much the same chance to get into your school.</p>
<p>At the end of my Freshman year (last year, around this time), I had always taken everything for granted. Until then, I rarely missed a question on a test, quiz, etc. When my Freshman year rolled around, it hit me pretty hard. My study habits did not change, so I was left with one B+ first semester and a B and an A- second semester. My ranking then was in the 18%. Coming onto these forums REALLY opened my eyes to what needed to happen, and what needed to change… even if it was a bit overwhelming.</p>
<p>I told myself I would do whatever it takes to have my academic dreams come true. This year, EVERYTHING changed. I devoted a tremendous amount of time to all my volunteer work, ECs, and my academics. So far, it’s paid off and I’ve already rose to the 12% (which is actually frustrating, my school posted final grades and transcripts for the end of this year and it showed I had a 6% rating, they actually just sent out an email at 10:32 at NIGHT saying the mix up occurred. But I’m guessing I’m 12% at least.). Next year, if things continue to go as planned, I will drop down to the 6%, or the 5%, because I am challenging myself, harnessing my overwhelmed emotions into devotion to school. I’m taking the most rigorous course load possible.</p>
<p>It’s normal to be overwhelmed, especially once you see what your competition is. Just let this be for good, and don’t back down. It’s GREAT that you came to this site now, so you know what you can do to achieve your dreams while there is still time. People comment on how you should just “enjoy” high school (which is true) and get off the site… but please, stay on. It will only help you in the long run.</p>
<p>Keep up the good work, and remember… being overwhelmed is normal. Just let that motivate you to do better!</p>