<p>Alright. I’m a pretty studious person. I’ve always wanted to go to a good college, never wanting to settle for a state uni. </p>
<p>But now it feels like I have no choice but to go to state. I go to Clear Lake Highschool, which is one of the top schools in Texas, and classes are extremely tough. I did not know the school was so competitive when joining, and took some tough courses. Here was my scheduale:
(freshman were not allowed to take AP courses)</p>
<p>Pre/ap Bio
Pre/ap world geo
pre/ap english
pre/ap algebra II
debate I
Orchastra
Latin I </p>
<p>Joined debate team, and Classical League. </p>
<p>Basically, my algebra II class KILLED me, because my old intermediate school did NOTHING to prepare me for the class, and I barely passed.
Because of the time and effort involved in algebra, it was hard for me to get A’s in my other classes (and for the most part I got B’s) Thankfully, my school counts pre/ap and AP classes 1 point higher, (so the B’s I got were actually worth as much as an A in a normal level class)</p>
<p>This year, I know my grades will be significantly higher because I’ve already studied Triginometry over the summer, as well as a little bit of Latin. (which really were the two most toughest courses) </p>
<p>My question: If anything, what can I do to get into a great college? I’m not talking Yale great, but Cornell great. Is there anything I can do? How much improvement should I shwo in my grades? Should I join more clubs? </p>
<p>I am absolutely willing to give up any amount of free time to do this. </p>
<p>So, what you’re saying is “Yale is better then Cornell”… I woudln’t say that, they’re different, and saying one is better than the other is like saying,“Apples are better than oranges”… though I do understand your not wanting to go to a state school. Especially in Texas, it seems 9 out of every 10 students are aiming at A&M, UT, or the likes. The only real advice I can give is to show improvement. I’ve heard colleges like to see an “upward trend” in grades and such.</p>
<p>You go to Clear Lake High? My cousin went there! But anyway…</p>
<p>DeafeningHorn is right. Colleges like to see an upward trend. Also use your interview and essay to explain away your performance freshman year.</p>
<p>And just because a school is a state U doesn’t mean it’s bad. UT Austin is a great school in your own state. Remember, the Ivy League isn’t the only option.</p>
<p>Oh, SoCalkid8807, you don’t understand… <em>sigh</em></p>
<p>EVERYONE wants to go to those schools, and the majority not for the academics, but for the “party scenes” and the sports. I agree UT is good in both aspects, but I have this urge to be different, as does thehaider (I’m inferring).</p>
<p>Yes there is’nt a “better” school but why do you think there are rankings for those schools? And why is Yale ranked three while Cornell is… something like ten?? I think both are good, if you AIM for it.
You took “better” classes than i did. I sorta know what Yale wants, since my house is Yale property. Yo ujust need a lot of college courses/AP courses, really good grades, lots of ECs and volunteering time. SATs/standarized tests are important too, but not that important; i know someone who scored 2400 and still didn’t get in!
So yea… just shoot yourself for it.</p>
<p>Don’t worry. Freshmen years are disregarded in most colleges. 10th/11th is important.
I bombed freshmen year. 10th/11th 4.0 baby ^^ Class president/basketball varsity/v-ball varsity</p>
<p>do some stuff in 10th/11th/ do well. EXCEL. DO GREAT . don’t settle for A-'s go for A’s all the time. A+'s even.</p>