<p>Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've heard it all. "Broaden your horizons. Why in the heck are you aiming so high for something you'll never achieve nonetheless?"</p>
<p>Yeah. I know what they say hurts. Still doesn't kill my inner desire to attend Stanford University for undergraduate school.</p>
<p>But recently, I've been feeling pretty bad about things. Even though my grades are good (I currently stand as my graduating class's valedictorian, but I always think that's subject to change), I feel like I'm doing terribly in other areas. I had to resign my position as Key Club Secretary because cooperation between officers was absolutely impossible. I run the 3200 and 1600 meter races in track, but I'm only on the JV team. I help edit the creative writing newspaper, but there's been a hard time garnering entries from schoolmates for the next issue. I'm on the speech and debate team, but I was one place away from advancing to regionals this past Tuesday. </p>
<p>I know I'm only a sophomore, but I can't help but feel really down, because at this point, I know I have no chance in heck to get into the schools I want to go to. </p>
<p>It seems like I don't have the resources to achieve as much as I'd like to. It's not that I'm blaming others. It's just things would be better if there was a greater concern and accomadation for those who'd like to excel in certain things (for instance, debate is something I do in my free time, as we cannot afford a class). </p>
<p>Is it possible to redeem myself? Well, I don't know if that's the proper word to say it. I mean, it wouldn't bother me that much if I didn't get into Stanford, but what can I do to probably improve in some of the aforementioned areas? Sometimes I think I'm selling myself short, and by doing some things to the optimum degree, I think I'll have a greater sense of self esteem.</p>
<p>As someone who was accepted (and will not be going) to Stanford yesterday, I'm going to give a cliche advice: do what makes you happy. It seems like the source of your anxiety is the feeling of inadequacy, and it also seems like you're studying and doing your ECs for the sake of college admissions. I used to be like you sophomore and junior year, and boy, I have to tell you that I regret it. You're smart. You can make it anywhere with enough motive, and that anywhere does not necessarily have to be Stanford. I advise you to sit down, assess the reasons why you want to attend Stanford, and ask yourself if your reasons are sincere, and most importantly, if they'll make you happy. Because that's what matters most. Trust me :)</p>
<p>Thank you. I will definitely follow your advice?</p>
<p>And if you don't mind, could you please tell me why you're not going?</p>
<p>I visited the campus, and I felt the school wasn't for me. I feel I'd be happier in a LAC. I applied to Stanford (and other larger schools) because I wasn't sure if an LAC atmosphere was for in back in December, but after visiting a couple of them, I decided they were. I'll probably be going to Amherst or Pomona in the coming fall.</p>
<p>Ah, I see. Good reason, indeed.</p>
<p>Well, thank you.</p>
<p>And good luck with your endeavors.</p>
<p>
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I know I'm only a sophomore, but I can't help but feel really down, because at this point, I know I have no chance in heck to get into the schools I want to go to.
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</p>
<p>I'd argue that at this point, you've excelled more in your ECs than I have as a senior. I know my ECs are relatively weak compared to those people post on here, but I still got into a good school. Don't put yourself down too early. You're right, you are only a sophomore, but that's what makes your accomplishments so good and give you potential. You have two more years in high school, which gives you more opportunities to excel. You still have time to make it to varsity, and next year, you might make regionals for debate.</p>
<p>Most people would be lucky to have accomplished what you have. It's absolutely okay to dream, but if you continue with what you're currently doing, I think you have as good a shot at Stanford as anybody.</p>
<p>Well, I guess you will have to be creative in other ways. </p>
<p>You resigned as key club secretary? - Start your own charity club and become president (I resigned key club because of the hypocrisies and general non caring atmosphere- also didn't pay ten dollars)</p>
<p>You are on JV track? - That's great! Many people applying to Stanford don't even join sports. You are a sophomore. I'm sure you'll make Varsity in your later years. </p>
<p>You help edit the creative writing newspaper? - There is a hard time garnering entries? I don't see the problem really, as long as you don't get kicked off for this.</p>
<p>You are on the Speech and Debate team? - Its hard to win sometimes but look how well you did as a sophomore. You'll do better next year.</p>
<p>Not only that but you have a perfect GPA, and seem like a dedicated person who doesn't slack off.
Many people on this site seem superhuman, winning national competitions etc, but a very few of the 1500 approx. Stanford freshmen actually do these things. Most are just hard working ordinary people.
You're doing fine as you could under given conditions. Don't stress yourself out and you'll do fine.</p>
<p>Thanks, you guys. Everything you've said has been really reassuring. </p>
<p>I now have a smile on my face.</p>
<p>Wow, if your chances for Stanford are low, then I have NO chance =[.</p>