<p>Hello,
I'm cerently in 8th Grade. I will be going to Highschool soon but I'm not sure what to do or what classes to take. I really want to goto Dartmouth even tho people say I never will. Right now I average about a 3.4 GPA. I want to become an Anesthesiologist when i get older. Right now I mostly volenteer because my current school don't have lots of ECs. I'm VP, went to a leadership conference over the summer, was welcomed to the staff and presented at a "Student Government Day", and I'm going in April to try-out to be an conciler or adminnastrater. So what classes and stuff should I do in Highschool (even tho they don't look at freshmen year I think) to prepare me for the later Highschool years and to higher my chances at making it to Dartmouth. (By the way did I mention I live on Dartmouth Street in PA?)</p>
<p>Kazumka: It's certainly pleasant to see a junior high school demonstrating interest in colleges at such an early age. Many students like yourself have posted on College Confidential in the past, and the advice has been the same: to do what you like in high school. I strongly believe in the ideal that you shouldn't try to make your course selection solely on getting admitted into college. Do what you enjoy most, as you are still in junior high. The only advice I have to offer is that you do your best in whatever you enjoy. Secondly, on a note of caution, it isn't a good idea to fix your college choice right now on Dartmouth. By the time you reach 11th grade, you'll come to see that your college list will be very different than it is today.</p>
<p>Even if people "say [you] will never" go to Dartmouth or any other excellent college, you should believe in yourself. I can attest to that myself as I overcame other students saying I could never succeed at school. Enjoy high school and good luck with your college search in the future - College Confidential will be a great resource for you! :)</p>
<p>Work hard, even when no one else does. Model your courses around what YOU are interested in and try to take the most difficult ones available if possible. Enjoy learning, you won't excel if you don't. That being said, you are too young to be worrying about getting into Dartmouth. SO MUCH changes in the four years you spend in high school, including you. </p>
<p>Please don't judge your life on whether or not you're good enough (if that is even the right choice of words) for Dartmouth. Honestly, its not worth it and you'll never be happy that way.</p>
<p>The counselor at your high school (who I hope is good) will advise you. Most freshman will take the same classes, some high schools give placement tests for math, language, maybe science, if so, you may get honors classes there, but not to worry if you don't. Freshman is a time to learn about what you reall y are interested in, and to grow. As well, I am not sure what the PA state college system requires, but make sure you meet those. So do not worry right now about 9th grade. Just do well, have fun, and as you progress through high school, all the pieces will come together. Doors will open. It is important to not "mess Up" too much as a freshman, so you can take the classes you want to take later on, but don't fret over each and every grade.</p>
<p>Ya I have to take a placement test next Saturday and I'm freaking out. Only like 5 kids a year pass it because I heard there's like 150 questions and only 60 minutes. But if I need help in something I have a friend up the street that is a freshman this year and they could really help me (there #2 in the class). I've always been a science person and not a math. I HATE math. I guess I'll see if I know anything next Saturday.</p>