<p>Hi, I will be a freshman in high school next year, and I would love to be able to go to an elite college.(Berkeley, Brown..etc) And since it's time for me to pick my classes for next year, I was just wondering, if I want to get accepted into those type of schools, is it important to be doing the hardest classes your high school offers? </p>
<p>I've chosen a schedule which is definitely more challenging than my other classmates(all honors except for electives and biology and taking the only AP class offered to freshman), but it's not the absolute hardest schedule I could be taking. I've also planned out my next four years in high school because our counselors <em>highly</em> recommend you to do that, and again, I'm not overwhelming myself with the hardest classes possible, but my schedule is definitely challenging. By the end of senior year, I would've done about eight AP courses. </p>
<p>Will this affect my chances of getting into an elite school? </p>
<p>Some background info about me: I really don't want to sound snobby, but I think I'm a pretty well-rounded student. I have a social life, I'm trying out for the dance team, I do a lot of community service, I might study abroad over one summer during the next four years, and I'm a determined student too. I've been in high honor roll all my life and I'm in NJHS. </p>
<p>I pretty much already know what I want to study in college and what I want to major in. I know it seems to early to say that, but for me, I've known for a long time what I've wanted to do when I grew up.</p>
<p>I think it’s important to take the most rigorous course load that you can get good grades in. I took 6 APs senior year, it was definitely the most rigorous, but my gpa “kinda” suffered. </p>
<p>EDIT: I just noticed you said you are an 8th grader. It is WAY too early to be obsessing over colleges. Just take the classes/do the ECs you love. Don’t plan your life for Ivies, it WILL backfire. Don’t force yourself to take classes you don’t like/won’t do well to have a rigorous courseload. Now get off CC and come back 2 years later. :)</p>
<p>Hahaa, thanks I was definitely waiting for a response like that. I know, it’s too early to be worrying about stuff like this, but I’m nervous. Seems like my future depends on the next four years. Thanks for your input.</p>
<p>Just get good grades (important) and do the ECs you love for now. I think that you’ll find that as you grow “older”, your perspective will change. You may not want to go to Brown or do whatever major. You’re only 13. 3/4 years could change everything. Those 4 years are going to pass you by fast, enjoy the ride. :)</p>
<p>"is it important to be doing the hardest classes your high school offers? "
It is important to take the hardest classes that YOU can get top grades in. The combination of rigorous classes AND high GPA is very important. So take one year at a time, and ask older students who are the best teachers in harder AP subjects and try for their classes.</p>
<p>You should get off CC right now. Don’t come back until spring of your junior year. Or never, actually. This site will freak you out and poison your view of college. I’m sure you’re very smart and will do well. Just take a schedule you think you can handle and do your best. AND REMOVE THIS SITE FROM YOUR BOOKMARKS!</p>
<p>Seriously. If you really want to use CC, at least wait until junior year to freak yourself out.</p>
<p>Chill, you’re in 8th grade. My freshman year I dropped my elective and took a second language because I thought colleges would like to see that. It was the worst decision ever and I still can’t speak a word of French! Stop worrying about college, you’ve got time.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the advice! Haha, don’t worry CC is not on my bookmarks. I’m going to leave this site for now; you’re right, it does freak you out. Thanks again!</p>
I know, it’s too early to be worrying about stuff like this, but I’m nervous. Seems like my future depends on the next four years. Thanks for your input.</p>
Thanks again!</p>