<p>Hello everyone, thanks for taking time to help me out.</p>
<p>I just finished the 8th grade. I took high school biology/math/spanish. For those of you who are familiar with the Regents, I got the following scores:
Math A - 93
Biology - 89 (Actually called the "living environments" regents, and this particular regents was very difficult)
Spanish 1 - 96</p>
<p>I was thinking about re taking the biology regents in august - because I thought the score was low. But will colleges take into account that it was taken in the 8th grade - rather than 9th or even 10th grade?
Also, my schedule as a freshman is as follows:</p>
<p>English 1
AP World History
Chemistry
Honors Geometry
Spanish 2
Phys. Ed.
Writing Seminar</p>
<p>Thats basically it - but im afraid it doesnt look impressive. I really want to get into harvard/princeton/columbia - and am willing to work for it to unbelievable strengths. I was also wondering - does anyone know where I can get into a research program? I would preferably like something dealing with HIV/Cancer/Alzheimers/Parkinsons/Mad Cow Disease ... not only am I truly interested in such things, but I know these kinds of things (research) impress colleges.
What else can I do in my next 4 years to impress colleges and stand out from the crowd?
I know I can volunteer at a local hospital - which I will.
Anything else?
I know there are summer abroad trips for 10-12th grades. Are those worth it? Or should I donate all my available free time to the unfortunate and rack up hours.</p>
<p>Please help me in any way you can - I think i'm off to a good start. I have 4 years. Anything will help - also if anyone knows of leadership oppurtunies and or oppurtunies to help in foreign countries such as Africa. It's always been a personal passion and goal to help kids in poor countries.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for looking/listening/and helping me!
By the way - I'll be going to the bronx high school of science. Has anyone heard of it? Anything I should be aware of? </p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>Uh huh...</p>
<p>Well, let me just say, make sure you set aside some time to have some fun and do something you really enjoy and isn't just for college apps. Once in a while take a break from finding the cure for cancer and go play with the Barbie dolls or toy army men for a little bit. It works wonders on your sanity.</p>
<p>Meanwhile work hard, get the best grades you can, and learn to enjoy learning. You definitely seem on track for HYP or the Ivies. </p>
<p>Good luck, young one, your high school journey is just beginning...</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice,</p>
<p>i know having fun is important- but in the end if having too much fun costed me an ivy league .. it would be heartbreaking.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice though.</p>
<p>If you plan out things and accomplish them as you outlined, then I'm quite sure you'll get into a great university a couple years from now... </p>
<p>Wraider has great advice. Slow down a bit. I was just like you when I started high school and I almost burnt out. A lot can change in a few years and HYPSMC/IvyLeague/Prestige isn't everything. If you stay on CC long enough, you'll learn that.</p>
<p>Now, I suggest you devoting yourself to the most meaningful of your interests. You don't have to save Africa and publish research papers. Don't spread yourself thin.</p>
<p>Here is something else you should do, if you really want to go to an Ivy, and your family is not so endowed with money, start saving NOW!
It will help you so much in the long run.</p>
<p>Also, doing a summer abroad is very, very good for colleges to see. The new thing this generation is globalization and students being aware of world events and cultures. Going abroad one summer will be excelent. Now, of course you can pick your own program to go abroad with, but I would encourage you to do this one called AFS. <a href="http://www.usa.afs.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.usa.afs.org/</a>
They provide summer programs, semester, and year programs abroad;also, homestay summers and language studies are avaliable.</p>
<p>GOOD LUCK! :)</p>
<p>I suggest enjoying life the next couple of years...I really don't think a college is going to care if you studied more to earn a few more points on the bio exam but if it is that important to you go ahead I guess. By the way, 8th grade is pretty early to be thinking about these things. Have fun and once you get done with 9th grade you can start thinking about college.</p>
<p>All I want to do is go to harvard, develop my herbal; and get some head while i'm doing it.</p>
<p>In harvard:
We got the finest botany department
music!
art!
and the woman: mmmmm....(yum)</p>