Don't know what to do for freshman yearAnswered
Hi, I'm Ele, and I'm in 9th grade. I'm aiming for UCLA. I need some help with college apps, because I don't know if what I'm doing is right.
These are my stats right now:
1. One AP class (Chinese)
2. I'm positive that I can get As for all my classes this semester, hopefully the next semester too
3. I'm taking the ABRSM Grade 8 for piano
4. taking the HSK 6 (Chinese proficiency test known worldwide, level 6 is the highest)
5. try competing in this international piano competition (it's not that well-known though)
6. I'm in the school's peer tutoring program
7. joining the cheerleading team soon (it's not that formal of a team though)
8. taking the AP Chinese Exam, already preparing
9. I'm taking the AMC 10 this year but I know I'm definitely not going to get a good score, so I'm preparing for next year so I can qualify for AIME
10. I'm switching to Latin next year for world languages, so I'm going to start learning now.
I don't know if this is a solid plan for the year. Does anyone have any suggestions? :) Thank you so much.
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1 answer
First of all, starting strong your freshman year is important. Keep high grades an early habit. This not only raises your GPA but eventually high grades will feel natural. I am homeschooled, so I cannot take AP classes but I know taking AP in 9th grade is a challenge not many take on. As far as the piano competition, it's fine that it's not well known. If you do well, it it still something to put on your resume when you begin applying to colleges. Peer tutoring is also great; often it counts as volunteering hours.
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to ENJOY HIGH SCHOOL. Make time for the activities you enjoy and you won't regret it. Too many high school students burn out from too much stress; keep everything balanced. Do your best in all your classes but make time for fun, too. The hobbies I had at the beginning of high school are now becoming my career and have made me the person I am. Pay attention to what makes you relax and where your happy space is. Mine is the garden. I am now taking certificate level floral design classes and moving towards a job and hopefully a degree in ornamental horticulture. Our culture says you need to be smart and go to a top school and make 6 figures to be happy. NOT TRUE! Do what you love, and money will follow. I plan to begin a business someday. This is not easy and may not bring much money initially but I am willing to work hard and make my way up. This attitude is essential in high school, college, and all of life. Develop that early and you will find yourself in places you never would have imagined.
Happy highschooling!
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You are so determined and passionate about what you love. That is something I really have to work on! Thank you for such a meaningful answer to my question, as well as sharing your story! I wish you the best of luck in your unique life goal!