<p>I know this is sort of early to be thinking about college and stuff, but I'm entering high school and really thinking about my plans for the future. </p>
<p>Age 13, female</p>
<p>skipped a grade</p>
<p>ECs:
participated in JHU CTY for 4 years and scored quite well
took the SATs at 11, 720 verbal, 570 math
'new' one a year later and got 720 verbal, 690 writing, 620 math
CTYs Study for Exceptional Talent for getting 700+ before age 13
Violin since 3rd grade; not particularly good, but its such an enormously popular instrument
Chorus since 3rd grade; select chorus, private lessons
School and community theater productions; I love acting, pretty good in character roles
High honor roll, 98 average, all accelerated courses in HS, etc.
School science fair, 3rd place then 1st the next year; the fair wasn't really competitive
The only teen lector at my church
several poems and essays place/win in local contests
participated in Optimist speech contests; Im pretty good at public speaking
Pop Warner 1st team All-American Little Scholar
Summer programs at Clarkson 2005 and 2006
going to play marimba in nationally-recognized marching band</p>
<p>I'm planning on taking (I think) 9 APs throughout hs, eventually having 5 senior year; me and the rest of college applicants across America...</p>
<p>Of course, Ill need to continue to achieve in high school, but I was just wondering if someone could give me some advice about what to pursue in the next four years. Thanks to an Enrichment (G+T) teacher with 3 Ivy league children, I understand how competitive admissions are and that it's really important to pursue one activity, and achieve something notable in that field. Id say my strongest talent is writing, so Im considering trying to get something actually published; however, I dont really want to abandon math and science. </p>
<p>My parents have already dragged me to Harvard twice, and Ive also visited Stanford, Cornell and Colgate. I have to say that I definitely got the warm fuzzies; Im kind of sick of always being that weirdo kid who picks the desk right up front and raises her hand all the time. Im really looking forward to meeting other kids like this in college.</p>
<p>Im sorry that this is kind of a rambling post, but Id really appreciate any advice or tips; Im really trying to get a sense of direction </p>
<p>Don't even start worrying about this yet, just enjoy highschool and apply yourself to things that you enjoy. This dedication is what colleges want more than anything else.</p>
<p>My advice to you is to try and figure out how you can block this site from your computer.</p>
<p>You aren't a freshman yet and your parents are clearly taking way too active of a role in the college selection process if they have "dragged you to Harvard twice." The reality is that parents can do crap like that to Freshman and under, once you become a sophmore though, you gotta shake those monkeys off of your back.</p>
<p>Enjoy high school, do ECs that are fun and interest you, take the classes that you want to take, and don't consider college in any of your plans for your first year - year and a half of high school.</p>
<p>You can worry when you become a Junior. Until then, have some fun.</p>
<p>Everybody tells me that I'm an overachiever and everything, and I guess I am... but I've always just been very driven. I do tons of stuff just because school wasn't really challenging. I make up my own challenges... even if they involve staying up ridiculously late doing sudoku. I used to sort of feel that their wishes stifled me (I'm an only child) , but I realized that they parallel what I want for myself. </p>
<p>Trust me, if they overdo it, I'll let them know.</p>
<p>gosh, I feel stupid an 8th grader scored highed than me on her SAT, should i start crying now? Most of her stuff is better than mine and i'm going to be a senior next year, monkeynuts, I think i'll hang myself now.::not::. sorry hunny but get a life, it seems like you've never done anything "fun" in your life, you probably typed that message at the library, you shouldn't spend the first 18 years of your life trying to get into college. that said I Applaude you for your dedication, im sure you'll contribute something great to our society but will live an unhappy life.</p>
<p>You really should find something to do besides school. I mean college is meant to educate on something to do in the real world as a job. If I were you I would find some practical hobbies that could turn into a career. If you like to write, then write and try to get publications, etc. Because at this rate I think you will seem very uninteresting to the colleges. Sure, they'll accept you because of all the hard work you did, but you could spend less time studying, and more time on a hobby you find fun and still get accepted. Probably being a more interesting, fun and well rounded person.</p>
<p>Join some sports, and clubs because you find them fun, not because they are "ECs." Go out with your friends, get in trouble, learn to drive, listen to music, watch some movies, skip doing your homework once in a while. Ultimately, it won't matter what college you went to, if you become a film major from harvard odds are you will make less money than a dentist from a state school, etc.</p>
<p>Like many people said before, save the worrying for your junior/senior year. Have some fun kid.</p>
<p>if you are smart enough, if you truly deserve to be accepted to harvard in the first place, you have nothing to worry about. everything is predetermined. i live on an amish farm.</p>
<p>you won't get into harvard if you don't have any ECs that are NONACADEMIC...</p>
<p>I'm sorry, but harvard doesn't accept people who get straight As and perfect test scores, but have no ECs at all... You're just another overachiever with nothing special to harvard...</p>
<p>Well, if you have to force yourself to all this, I would tell you to chill and relax. If you like doing this stuff, good for you; I'm glad you're enjoying yourself very much. But I would like to say as much as your parents and friends think you're smart, there are plenty of other overachieving people out there you'll be competing with at Harvard admissions, and there there is a large chance you will get rejected. Obsessing over it at such an early age is NOT a good idea.</p>