“If all else fails, then Berkeley.”
Have some fun browsing around the forum and learning about how to choose schools, what schools will fit for you, and what you need to do to maximize your chances at top schools. Before then, stop worrying so much. You’re only in 8th grade. Even I waited until 9th grade to start worrying a little, but I don’t suggest that.
I really wouldn’t worry about doing practice SATs now, the test is being revised (not just taking out the writing section). Work hard for now on getting good grades, and get involved with some extra curricular activities. You might want to read “How to be a High School Superstar” by Cal Newport – you are at a good age to benefit from his advice.
@kemfic
Yes, it is possible to start worrying too early. Go and enjoy life.
And they’re completely revising the SAT, not just a part of it.
When you get to high school, make the guidance office aware you exist. Introduce yourself, tell your GC your goals, nag nag nag. There might be some programs for low income/high stats kids like you where they can direct you.
You might also see if your chamber of commerce has a mentor program. I really fine and kind lawyer I worked with was a mentor to a student through the student’s high school years. They met a few times a year to review school plans, options, progress. If the student didn’t know about college programs or financial aid, Dave helped him find the answers. Dave could advise on interviews, applications, solutions to problems even as small as how to get to the interview. It was really a good program and relationship. The best part was that they started early and didn’t wait until deadlines and opportunities had passed.
Hi Kemfic,
I’m a mom and a high school teacher. My oldest child is a junior in high school, looking at colleges. For better or worse, here’s my advice:
Firstly, congratulations on your grades. You seem bright and focused, two things that will bode well for the future.
Second, don’t worry about “what to do” or “where to go.” Spend some time over the next year or so determining what you like. Which classes you like, what TV shows you like, what you like to do in your free time. Are you a “people person” who enjoys lots of personal contact, or are you more comfortable working on your computer? Are facts and figures your friends? Do you enjoy reading? Writing?
Don’t worry about “what you want to be when you grow up.” Instead, focus on the types of activities you enjoy. What did you do this weekend? What would you have chosen to do if money/time/transportation weren’t factors? What TV shows do you enjoy-- are you a CSI kind of a person or more of a Celebrity Apprentice type?
Consider keeping a journal of these sorts of things to help you narrow your focus. Talk to your teachers, ask them what they think might be a good career path for you.
Once you have some idea of a career path/ major, then I think it’s time to start thinking of colleges. And keep in mind: there are lots and lots and lots and lots of wonderful schools that don’t have the big name, but will still provide you with a wonderful education, with a much more manageable price tag.
The best of luck to you!
Read How to be a high school superstar.
Start digging into something that interests you - can be anything, worms, primary colors, the number pi, rose flower competitions, the bagpipe, solar energy, cooking, fixing bikes… And spend some time on it until you’re about as good as an adult (you’ll need a mentor, an adult who can help you get better; you’ll have to research who’s a specialist, then reach out to them, which means learning out to advocate for yourself and being assertive and convincing without being pushy or rude.)
Did you take the SAT for TIP?
What classes are you taking right now?
Do you feel they’re going just right, too fast, too slowly?
What are you top 3 favorite books? Your favorite book of 2015?
I really don’t like nor understand when people say “Why worry so young? It’s still early.” For me personally, coming from an underprivileged single mom household, my education comes first. So for you to worry about your future, I applaud you for that. Don’t listen to the discouragement some peers lecture you on. I really want to wish you the best of luck
Being founders of clubs definitely help with leadership roles. Be sure to join things you actually like and enjoy doing. College admissions can tell right away when you are just joining things to impress them.