Do I need to lower my expectations?

College Life
1

<p>I am a high school senior who has been thinking a lot recently about what I want to accomplish in college. I have always been a good student (3.94 UW, 2130 SAT, 5 APs), but I’m starting to wonder if I’m not hurting myself by going into college with such high expectations about what I will achieve. </p>

<p>I suppose some background info would be appropriate. I will be attending the College of Wooster in the fall and majoring in Economics, with a probably minor in Math. I am very set on grad school in Econ, although law or business school is certainly not out of the question. Quite frankly, I want to go to an elite school as a grad student. Despite my numbers on paper and because of some extenuating circumstances, I was not a particularly competitive applicant for Ivies and the like for undergrad. Understand that my focus isn’t completely to go to a top grad school, but it is something that I want very much. Don’t worry, I’m excited for the learning for learnings sake as an undergrad. But that isn’t the only thing that I want to accomplish I college. I want to have a 3.9-4.0 GPA, I want to be involved and be successful in undergrad research, I want to win a Moot Court championship, and I want to have fun. </p>

<p>I certainly believe that I am capable of all this, but am I “shooting myself in the foot” by having such defined goals this early? Did you have such lofty goals when you entered college?</p>

2

<p>I would recommend having some general goals but not too specific. Your mind will change some once you actually get to school and see what its like. Or maybe not. Just be prepared for the idea that your goals will have to suit the situation once you know the situation better.</p>

3

<p>It’s possible, definitely, and it’s good to be motivated–but you also have to accept that some classes will be very difficult and occasionally things might happen that make your grades somewhat out of your control. Don’t freak out if you receive an A- or a B+ in an extremely hard class; chances are there will be some professors who are almost unwilling to give the As that you’re seeking. It’s definitely good to be motivated, just not so motivated that you upset yourself needlessly. Do as well as you can, and control what you can control.</p>

4

<p>I think you’re asking good questions in the wrong place. When you get to Wooster, talk to academic and career advisors there. If they’re good, they’ll know what kind of credentials it would take to make you competitive for the post-college goals you have in mind.</p>