<p>I graduated from high school in June with 100/100 in my final exam in Italy, the first daughter of Vietnamese immigrants achieving this result (got congratulations from the Embassy).
I’m moving to the UK next month to study Politics at undergraduate level at Queen Mary, University of London.
My plan is to enter graduate school in the US to study journalism after my BA. I’m aiming at the top grad schools, namely Columbia, Berkeley, NYU, USC, Stanford, Northwestern and Miami, so I’m looking for advice in order to enhance my chances to get in. I know it is kind of early to ask, but it would great if someone could help me 
Basically…
- What should I do to prepare? Start looking at entry tests? Focus on getting work experience? Get involved in more extra curricular activities?
- Does the reputation of the undergrad university I’m going to attend matter in order to get in one of the schools mentioned above? Queen Mary is considered middle range in the UK, not sure about its reputation abroad. Generally, is prestige of the undergraduate school important to gain admission in graduate schools? What really matters?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance</p>