what should i be focusing on as a Sophmore in hs?

<p>im a bright student but never worked to my fullest in the past...freshman year i was better but still had room for improvement...i am a b+ student and i am in average classes...i take algebra 1...i look to take geom. and algebra 2 together next year...i take Bio...chem next year and Phys the year after...anyone have any suggestions for me? iv been really thinking about this and i want to dedicate myself to Med. where do i go from here what are my short/ long term goals?</p>

<p>agian, im in average classes...should this effect me?
wouldnt it be better to preform at an A level in average rather then a b- or lower at AP?</p>

<p>You should concentrate now on doing well in HS. Take the most advanced classes you are capable of, and do as well as you can in those classes. HS grades are important for getting into college but don't really matter too much beyond that. You don't have to go to an Ivy league school to get into medical school, so when you start your college search look for colleges that are the best fit for you, whether they're large public state schools or small private liberal arts colleges. </p>

<p>Things you can do outside of purely academic excercises:</p>

<p>-Talk to your personal doctor about medicine and any other family friends you might have who are in the medical field. Ask any questions. </p>

<p>-Go see your guidance counselor and ask if they know of any opportunities that might be available to HS students interested in medicine.</p>

<p>-if you live in a city that has a medical school check out their websites. Many medical schools have "mini-medical schools" open to the public with lecturers on various topics presented at a level the lay person can understand. </p>

<p>-Read, read, read, read! Not talking about comic books, but appropriate literature, non-fiction, and current events (including the newpaper and magazines like Time and Newsweek). Reading a wide variety of topics and themes and developing an appreciation for reading are two things that will do more to further your intellectual growth than most anything. Also reading a lot will help you develop speed, and I think that being able to read fast (but also comprehend what you read) puts you at a huge advantage on standardized tests. If you really are interested in science, try to pick out some books at the bookstore from the science section. One that I've not read but have heard good things about is Why We Get Sick. Reading will help you even if you change your mind about medicine.</p>

<p>thanks.</p>

<p>well my dad is a pediatrician and im always around him. i see the work it involves and i love it. there is no better feeling then helping another person out in the time of need. you might not understand this until u are put in this position which i was . </p>

<p>i live in NJ </p>

<p>does anyone know about rutgers? where does it stand? i know im still young but just to get an idea</p>

<p>Your not young at all man.. I was really focused and worked hard in my sophomore year as well. (Most members of CC did though) I knew what I wanted to be, dentist, and I joined clubs that were appropriate for it. Science Club and Future Health Careers Club. Rutgers New Brunswick is a pretty good, reputable school. From USNEWS ranking standpoint it is #60 so it is a decently selective school. But I think you need at least around 1200 out of MATH + Verbal and also an above average gpa.</p>

<p>What would u say is above avr. GPA?</p>

<p><a href="http://college.sparknotes.com/school/admissions.epl?inun_id=8368%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://college.sparknotes.com/school/admissions.epl?inun_id=8368&lt;/a> this has some information.. a gpa adequate for Rutgers would be 93ish weighted or above? I'm not sure though.</p>