I currently don’t know what to persue or do in life but I just know that I want to go to HYPS if I can being my main life goal and dream, the main question of this post is should I alredy know what career I’m going to persue for the purpose of extracurriculars or classes? I know you need to do activities soley related to a passion( I don’t even know what I’m passionate about) or do activities that are career oriented. As for as classes go, I would asume you would also need AP classes and subject tests related to the major or career you would want to persue…The problem is I’ll be applying early to one of those schools and I’m currently a sophomore so basically I only have the rest of sophomore year and junior year to even build a good enough application to HYPS. Any advice?
"I currently don’t know what to persue or do in life but I just know that I want to go to HYPS if I can being my main life goal and dream, ".
Sorry to be so blunt but that is an extremely immature comment even for a sophomore. I raise it in such blunt terms because as an approach it will likely lead to disappointment, unhappiness and undermine the very goals you seek to achieve.
Inherent in your post is the ambition to achieve prestige simply for the sake of prestige. Have you visited any of these schools or describe what makes them unique. Is there a reason Columbia, Emory or U Chicago don’t fit into your undefined end game? Have you been introspective enough to describe what makes you unique and happy? Would you be able to describe to one of these schools what you would contribute to their schools community?
If your starting point is that your “goal and dream” or self worth is determined by gaining admission to 1 of 4 sub 5% acceptance rate schools you are setting yourself up for “likely” disappointment. If you do it without thoughtfulness, inquiry and introspection you are setting yourself up for failure.
Relax about the outcome and focus on the journey. Of course get great grades, strong scores and be determibed in pursuing ECs that interest you. Be a good person who displays humility and empathy and serves as a leader by example to others. Unfortunately you can’t control the outcomes of a college admissions process but you can moderate your expectations, work hard and help those who are less fortunate along the way. While not guaranteeing where the journey ends it will ensure the trip was productive.
Good luck!
HYPS doesn’t care what career you choose but they are looking for someone who will be at the forefront of their career/field. Besides having great academics you need to find something you reallly like to do and delve deeply into it. This helps to show that whatever field/career you end up in your dedicated to doing as much as your potential allows.