Planning ahead... from high school?

plainConnor
Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:14:03 +0000

Greetings from a high school junior. I hope with that statement I’m not immediately criticized for being on the forum, but I plan really far ahead. Seriously. It’s a big deal.
Er, in any case, I’ve been stalking this forum for awhile and I’m wondering-
What should I do from now until my senior year in college to get a spot at a top graduate school for a PhD in computer science?
I realize that my views and goals and whatnot could completely change in the next… five years? and they probably will. But if I start preparing even now, I’m sure that could set me up for an awesome graduate school. So please, no “you don’t even know what you want”. I understand that could be the case.
Few notes - I don’t want a PhD for the money, I have an uncle in a computer science career and he describes research as “epic” (his words, not mine). From what I’ve heard, I’d love it.
Current favorite for undergrad is Northeastern University. It’s somewhat mandatory to do three co-ops, but they can be replaced each with 6 month stints of research. It’s a five year program, but I have the AP credit right now to graduate a year early (or earlier with summer classes).
I appreciate any and all advice.
(And thanks for putting up with my awkward language!)