New Boarding School Student Next Year? Any advice?

Prep School Admissions
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<p>I'm going to be a boarding school student for the first time this fall (8th grade.) I really want to get into UCLA for college, and right now I'm making pretty much straight B's.. but the thing is, I don't pay attention, really "do" my homework or ever study. I'm at a public school right now and I have a TERRIBLE group of teachers this year and my seat (which by the way, is assigned) is in the back corner for all of my classes (which have about 30 people in each.) I feel as if I did study, and did pay attention during class (which I'll have to, because the largest classes at my new school are 12 students), I could make straight A's. In fact, I KNOW I could. I came to realize this week that I NEED to get my grades together if I want to get into UCLA and go to medical school to become a psychiatrist. I want to take as many AP and Honors classes as I can (but they aren't offered until high school.) </p>

<p>My plan is to make straight A's this coming year, and prove that I CAN handle AP classes (because based on my grades right now, it would seem like I can't.) And then take as many as I can during high school.</p>

<p>Do you have any advice on anything? Other than academics (any study habbit tips?) I plan to start taking violin and piano, continuing dancing and start horseback riding. 9th grade I plan to take soccer & volleyball, because I've never done sports before. </p>

<p>Any advice I'd love to hear :D</p>

<p>Thank you so much!!</p>

<p>EDIT: Oh, and in case you're wondering, I'm going to the Grier School.</p>

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<p>My suggestion: Don’t take APs for the sake of APs. Take classes where you will get the most out of the class. Don’t take AP Art History for example, if you have no interest in it and don’t need it as a requirement for entrance into college or graduation.</p>

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<p>You don’t need to go to UCLA to go to medical school. You can go to a med school even after attending a community college.</p>

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<p>My advice is not to think too far ahead. I is one (a psychiatrist), and I think there are much better careers in medicine that await you. Enjoy BS and keep an open mind, find your passion and let it lead you to the job of your dreams.</p>

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<p>My suggestion would be to add some shadowing experience to your plan. Taking some time to volunteer would show that you are truly interested in a medical career.
Having good academics is important, but so is having a life. What are you passionate about in your life? I have had wonderful interviews where applicants talk about their study of jiu-jitsu, dance, or music. They can relate the lessons learned in those activities to situations that they may see in a medical career. The passion that they have makes for a better interview. The best interviews are the applicants for whom I will advocate when the selection committee meets.</p>