<p>I just registered on this site two days ago, and I've just begun to see the absurd caliber of student it would take to get into my dream school...Dartmouth. I'm a sophomore in high school, but I've been thinking about college for a while, but I'm no President of the NHS or anything. I see now I probably won't make it into Dartmouth.</p>
<p>P.S. May God be with the families of the V. Tech shooting victims.</p>
<p>Remember, the students on this board are the "creme of the crop," do not be discouraged, because you most certainly do not have to be the president of the NHS club to make it into Dartmouth. </p>
<p>Keep up your GPA, take challenging courses, score well on the SAT1 and SATII, take extracurricular activities that you are genuinely passionate about, write a great essay, receive great recommendations and you should be fine. </p>
<p>You can do it!</p>
<p>I swear, we need a disclaimer for new members, one that says: Do not feel discouraged by the freakishly excellent caliber of students here at CC.</p>
<p>Sadly, I know of many people who've literally felt sick to their stomach (perhaps in part envy) after seeing some of CC members' stats/accomplishments.</p>
<p>Really, just strive to be the best you can. Take some of CC's trends and apply them to yourself. This isn't to say that you should emulate those accepted, but rather that you can take CC's advice and twist it to fit your own situation. For example, I've learned from CC that passion/focus is really important and that there are various ways to establish yourself on that level of strength. As such, I've sought (and found) many ways to distinguish myself, but in my own way (my focus=language).</p>
<p>So just be yourself and use CC advice tentatively. Good luck. =)</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I do feel a bit better now. Plus, I just learned AP classes have extra weight :)</p>
<p>As for leadership positions in clubs... they're pretty easy to get. Some clubs run on 'elections', some are by appointment; either way, all you need to do is find the right people to make friends with.</p>
<p>To echo and expand upon what has already been said here:</p>
<p>You are in great shape as a sophomore....so look forward and:</p>
<p>-take the most challenging courses you can and do your very best'</p>
<p>-get enthusiatically involved in something you LOVE to do;</p>
<p>-use the time you have to research schools (in addition to Dartmouth) that will be great "fits" for you;</p>
<ul>
<li>ENJOY being where you are right now! </li>
</ul>
<p>Relax! Don't let others ever make you think less of yourself. A good life lesson....</p>