Planning ahead... from high school?

cosmicfish
Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:00:21 +0000

Well, the main steps you can take:

(1) Maintain a high gpa. Duh.
(2) Study for retention, not to pass a test.
(3) Pick your schools very carefully. People flunk out of every school, including Harvard and MIT, either because they were underprepared or else because they picked the wrong school FOR THEM.
(4) Learn your field very well, so that you can understand what your options and interests are.
(5) Avoid unnecessary academics - if that double major or that extra minor relate to your intended career, go for it, otherwise stay away. My opinion, others may disagree.
(6) Develop solid relationships with professors and professionals in your field, especially those who are prestigious or who are researching your preferred areas.
(7) Get involved in research, early and often. The closer it is to your intended area, the better.
(8) Read for fun. The biggest obstacle to science types on the GRE is the verbal. The more you read, the easier the reading and writing sections will be.
(9) Have fun. You only get to be a REAL high schooler or undergrad once. Grad school is pointless if you burn yourself out getting there.