<p>I was quite unsure where to put this under, but this was the most suitable category. Anyways, I am about to enter 7th grade, and I am quite distraught over choosing an elective. My first choice was Drama (Theater, Performing Arts, etc.) I have been participating in Drama ever since I was in the 4th grade (My elementary had an after-school program for Drama.) On the other hand, my second choice was AVID. It is peculiar for a 7th grader to care so much about college, but let's just say I am not like any usual 'tween.' I do have a goal of becoming a doctor (Pediatrician), and I do dream about attending Stanford University or Santa Clara University. Judging from what my older cousin told me and through my own research, AVID is a program for kids who have mediocre grades. (In case you are wondering, I have never received anything lower than an A. I am also the type of student who is very involved with the school, and I join everything I can.) It is a program that teaches students organizational tips, note-taking, and studying techniques. The part that appeals to me is that students are able to take field trips to nearby colleges, and have guest speakers visit.<br>
Since I am only in junior high, will taking AVID help make me seem more appealing to colleges in any way?
Also, if you can spare more time in your answer, can you provide any tips for junior high? I am a little nervous, since I am going to a different junior high in a different city, so I won't know anybody. Thank you very much!</p>
<p>For a junior high student, your word phrasing and all is very eloquently written. You might want to do a but more research on the program, it sounds odd that they would put that much effort (college visits??) into “mediocre” students. But my advice would be to go for it! I think it will show colleges you were very structured and such from the get go. As for middle school, geez, give me a second to remember. I’m a junior now, and the only thing I can really remember is how quickly groups started to form. I know it’ll be 10 times scarier trying to make friends at a new school, but my advice would be to make at least a few friends in every little group you see. Trust me, it’ll make high school a lot more fun! And also, relax a bit! It’s great to see a junior high student so motivated and goal oriented, but try to enjoy the social aspect of school as well! Once you start worrying about grades and what colleges want to see and so on, you won’t stop. High school will be challenging enough, enjoy junior high! Oh, and good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you for the compliment! At first, I was quite confused as well about investing time for a college trip for junior high students. Apparently, it does occasionally happen, but rarely. I wanted to know more about the college experience, and I thought AVID would be my way in. Your words were very encouraging, and I am starting to consider putting AVID as an elective choice.<br>
Also, I get that a lot. My parents have used several attempts to pry me away from my college research (From banning me on CC to cutting off the Internet.) Thank you very much, once again, for answering! It means a lot to me!</p>
<p>Take the theater class. This is coming from a theater kid and rising senior who has dreams of being a pediatrician too! Really, I have been obsessed with college since a young age as well, and I will assure you it has done me no good! Do what you love and the rest will fall into place. I have continued taking chorus and drama classes at my high school just so I can have a break from academics and can make high school slightly more bearable. In addition, the way you look at colleges in middle school is very different from the way you do when it matters. Also just by the way colleges do NOT look at or care about middle school classes so take what you truly want to take.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t do AVID. It’s offered at my high school and only the kids who get bad grades or don’t care about school take it just to fill up an elective. You seem to be a really smart kid so you should take something else that interests you. Definitely take drama, I think it increases confidence (that’s what I’ve heard from friends who’ve taken it) and you actually like drama. Colleges don’t really care about what you did in middle school so I wouldn’t sweat it. High school is what counts.</p>
<p>Tips:
-Find people who share interests with you. If you see someone who’s into science and stuff, talk to them. You guys will have a connection, and they might help you later.
-Don’t be shy! Try getting to know as many classmates as you can. Don’t be over-friendly, but do look enthusiastic. If you’re too quiet, people might think you’re pretentious and might stay away from you.</p>
<p>Hope this helps, and good luck!</p>
<p>In middle school, nothing matters except getting decent grades (I mean Bs are okay) and getting in to the highest math class available (Algebra 1 or Geometry is preferred)</p>
<p>Also, feel free to PM me. I have a wealth of info about the college game, and I’d love to help someone out</p>