<p>Hey guys. I used to be very knowledgable when it came to college admissions. I remember in sophomore year, I had my plans all laid out for my Junior year success. </p>
<p>Junior year came around, I had a bout with depression and precipitated the worst grades since I’ve entered high school. The last 2 six weeks of the semester I spent struggling to bring my grades back up to my old standards. Ended up with 2 A-'s, 1 B, and 3 A+'s (these are the advanced courses that affect my GPA). Failure.</p>
<p>Anyways, I think I can secure my straight A+'s once again with a fresh start the second semester, but in all of the ruckus to fix my grades, I’ve forgotten about all the other important stuff that I am to do for my application. Can you guys remind me?</p>
<p>I do remember I should volunteer. I have 0 hours so I am looking for an organization right now or something to log massive hours over my vacation.</p>
<p>I remember I am supposed to pursue a passion or something, but I really don’t have any. I only have two extracurricular activities; I am on the debate team and the tennis team. I don’t excel in either, I merely participate in them.</p>
<p>So, blah blah blah, please address my question regarding what I should be doing. Thank you much.</p>
<p>Last time I checked, “As” and Bs don’t count as failure. It seems rather strange that you’ve forgotten that you should show passion, assuming that you’re not a ■■■■■. There’s nothing you “should” do in preparation for the college admissions process. I’m sure you can find something besides tennis and debate that you will enjoy and excel in. You’re just not looking hard enough.</p>
<p>You should relax, work hard, think about what you care about, and do those things. You need to spend less time thinking about what you “should” do and more time thinking about what you want to do. There are all kinds of colleges that will accept less than the A+ kid. Those less than perfect kids go on to graduate from colleges and lead happy and successful lives. You will too.</p>
<p>Dude, you sound like me. Last year I was a complete zombie, drilling my way through junior year just to get it the heck over with. Stay sane and don’t let your life revolve around just getting into college! (And don’t think I’m just applying to crappy schools- I’m ED to NYU!) </p>
<p>Relax a bit. Junior year is pretty difficult to stay sane, but don’t let the stress get to you and take over. I know that I did, and it was the worst. Pick community service opportunities that are unique, or are in a field you’re interested in. Also, don’t be afraid to suggest ways to get community service hours. I helped a teacher donate some textbooks to Native American reservations and had that count!</p>
<p>You’re a junior, so start scouting out the specific schools you’d be interested in going to. Don’t bother starting any writings because the questions will change. Engage in extra curriculars you enjoy, and if you don’t like any you know of, make a new one. It looks awesome on a resume.</p>