<p>Hey everyone,
Being a Junior in Highschool I've already started on the college process and I'm looking for suggestions on what I need to work on etc.</p>
<p>I am thinking of somewhere in the pre-Med path so probably Bio major.</p>
<p>As far as schools I've done visits to different types and cities(I live in ca). I've visited NYU BC Tufts Columbia Santa Clara.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that these aren't really my choices but merely just visits because we were already in that part of the east coast.</p>
<p>Now on to what I've done in HS so far...
Took the ACT in October and got a 30. Originally my goal was to take it 2-3 times and get 30. But now that I got it I don't know if I should study more and aim for a higher score again.</p>
<p>Grades- 3.7 GPA uw. Mostly it is low because of my freshman year as after that I've been doing well.</p>
<p>Extra Currriculars-
Golf- probably doing this for 4 years
Cross country- quit after 2 as the time commitment was too much for me personally.</p>
<p>A lot of public speaking.
I was diagnosed with TOurette Syndrome OCD anxiety summer going to HS. For the purposes of this post I don't need to explain all the challenges I over came. However, I am a youth ambassador for the Tourette syndrome association. The YA's go to various schools in their area and present to the students to spread awareness on TS.
As part of our training we missed a week of school and earlier this year I got to speak to the aides of my senators and reps in my region. Basically I shared my story in the hopes of having them sign a bill for more funding towards education on Ts amongst doctors and teachers.</p>
<p>I've presented to over 300 kids, not too much but it's somethig I want to continue simply because I have a blast speaking in public.
I'm also preparing for a TedXyouth talk in my Area coming up in Jan and I will share my story and what I learned from it and how it applies to everyone.</p>
<p>So far, that's all I really have. I hope anyone that has gone through the college process and has some ideas for what I need to work on can give me some advice!</p>
<p>Thanks for taking the time to read this and appreciate any help you all have!</p>
<p>Would really appreciate some help!</p>
<p>If you’re considering medicine, a great place to start is volunteering at a local hospital. Also, if you are really serious about this route, relax on the college selection. You’ll want to focus on saving money for med school, not on a prestigious undergrad. You might want to look at state universities where you can do well. Watch out for schools known for weeding out pre meds.</p>
<p>Your EC is really fascinating, especially if you can twist it in your essay and expand on how it has changed you and affected your choice for a major. I think you have a very good shot at non-Ivies. Ivies and similar non-Ivies (Stanford, MIT) are reaches just because of the acceptance rate.</p>
<p>At this point focus on next semester and college, not med school. Since college apps often get sent out before first semester senior grades are available, you, as a junior, pretty much have one more semester of grades to offer. Try to do well but understand even if you get all As you won’t be able to move GPA needle up too much at this point. But you seem to be a solid student and you should have little difficulty getting acceptance offers. Apply broadly. As you consider colleges, besides location, size of school, academic programs, etc, fit is very important because if you’re happy there, you’re more likely to do well. </p>
<p>With med school in mind, unless family aided, the cost of med school is typically covered via loans, not scholarships. You want to consider a college that you’ll graduate from with little, if any, debt. Since you’re a CA resident, UCs/CSUs may be your best option as to cost as approx. two thirds of CA students who start med school will attend med school OOS where, as a nonresident especially at an OOS public med school, you’ll pay more. </p>
<p>As a note, as a premed, you don’t have to be bio major. Most premeds end up as bio majors simply because it kills two birds with one stone (satisfies major/premed reqs at same time) whereas say if an art history major you will need to find time, maybe an extra year or more of college, to complete premed reqs. Med schools don’t care what your major is. When the time comes, pick an area (major) that interests you as you’re more likely to do well with material you like. </p>
<p>Most importantly, enjoy your remaining years of high school. Good luck.</p>
<p>My hat goes off to anyone dealing with Tourettes. And I agree with @redwall1521 on your ECs. They are compelling, in a good way.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the LACs are frequently a very good path to med school. A school like Earlham, in Indiana, has an excellent record of Bio majors going on to med school. What you sometimes get at the LACs is a greater opportunity to work on meaningful research projects, side-by-side with a full professor. Additionally, with your stats and ECs, you would be a very strong contender for substantial merit aid at some of these schools.</p>
<p>Some schools now superscore the ACT. If you think you might be applying to one of them, I’d take it again. </p>
<p>Regarding experience, some internships/volunteer experiences in the medical field are more valuable than others. Talk to people, such as your own doctor, and ask them if they have any suggestions.</p>
<p>All the best as you move forward. It looks like you are asking the right questions, and making some good decisions, about your future.</p>