I’m a high school sophomore living in a highly competitive area. I’ve never been a very competitive person myself, yet everyone and the environment around me is very rough. In my middle school/elementary school I was known as a very bright girl in all my subjects, however once I entered high school it has been nothing but downhill. Competition amongst students is intense and it seems everyone except me has great extracurriculars and a 4.0gpa. As an Asian girl was a 3.6gpa, not playing any instruments and no interest in STEM, my parents are very disappointed and see me as a disappointment. I want to change this but the stress is affecting me negatively, and they restrict me from using my phone, but I feel like what they’re doing is not helping me but making me even more discouraged. I know I would like to go into communications as my major, what should I do to prepare? And how should I deal with stress from school & parents.
I’d pick ECs that match your possible career interest. Speech, debate, writing type activities. Regarding classes, I’d stick with regular or honors level in the STEM areas, and focus on APs in the things that will help with communications. Study for your standardized tests. I sure wouldn’t feel bad about not participating in music or wanting to do STEM. Colleges like you to do ECs that you care about.
Not being another kid pushed by parents to do STEM will actually help you.
Communication can mean writing and thinking critically, not just the communication major. Look up Denison Amazon on YouTube.
In terms of ECs, speech, MUN, debate, school paper, any out of school gig you can get with a professional publication orntv channel, blog, YouTube channel… They all matter.
Create your own path, it’ll help you stand out.
In terms of classes, take as many humanities and social science AP classes as you can+ AP cs principles.
In terms of extracurriculars, opt for ones that you’re actually interested. Considering you want to go into Communications, consider volunteering at a local radio station or tv station, join a marketing club and yearbook club, etc. If you need extra guidance, consider applying to a college prep program.