<p>I think you are looking at things backwards. Stop trying to make decisions based on certain colleges. High school education has another purpose besides getting into college: learning (and personal development). It is not just a vehicle for transcript and GPA. Grades are not the goal but a byproduct. Sorry to sound stuffy but I think you are setting yourself up for a painful reckoning.</p>
<p>Take classes that interest you at a level you can do with some mastery, and, of course, cover requirements to graduate. Don’t even think about college while you decide on your courses. Go by what you want and can do well. (Ditto with what you do outside of school. Be yourself. Don’t think resume all the time.)</p>
<p>Then, when the time comes, decide on what colleges to apply to based on what you have done and your record, but for now try to stop thinking so much about GPA and scores and focus on the work itself.</p>
<p>To take the pressure off, just know that community college is a great option that offers opportunities to many talented kids. I have kids at Ivies and at community college and am very pleased with the latter. </p>
<p>Relax and enjoy high school if you can! It just isn’t necessary or healthy to think in the ways you are thinking right now, in my opinion anyway :)</p>