Monday, February 13, 2006
Ivy League!
Dear Guidance Guy,
Wow, I'm so happy that I've finally found someone like you to talk to. I'm in 9th grade, and I have REALLY high aspirations of getting into an Ivy League school, but I'm not completely sure of what they're looking for in a student. I would really like some advice on extracurriculars, grades, and course selection. Thank you so much!
Dolphin
*****
Dear Dolphin,
It's great that you have high aspirations, especially at the beginning of high school. The answers to your questions are very simple: take the most challenging courses you can possibly handle, get the best grades you possibly can and make a SIGNIFICANT contribution to whatever clubs you're in. Don't just be another person in the yearbook picture for ten clubs.
Now, the more complicated answer...the best way to be offered admission to an Ivy League school is to know WHY you want to go. Lots of kids like the idea of going to a highly selective school because they are very competitive. They see college admissions as something else to compete for, like sports teams, cheerleading, etc. There's nothing wrong with competition, but it's not the best way to plan out your college career - and your life.
Lots of kids (and parents) also are convinced that the more difficult the school is to get into, the better their chances for a great career and happy life. It's a lot more complicated than that. The truth is that kids who are focused on some kind of goal - I mean REALLY focused - are the ones who will work harder, learn more, take more risks and become better candidates for Ivy League colleges. Find something you really get excited about and do the best you can with it.
I suggest you start by picking up "SO, YOU WANNA GO TO COLLLEGE...". This is the book I wrote for kids who want to start college and career planning as early as possible. Your parents may want to pick up the parent version: "SO, YOUR KID WANTS TO GO TO COLLEGE..." This will help them suppport you as you move forward in your college planning.
You seem like you have lots of ambition and a great attitude. Wherever you wind up, I'm sure you'll be happy and successful.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
Wow, I'm so happy that I've finally found someone like you to talk to. I'm in 9th grade, and I have REALLY high aspirations of getting into an Ivy League school, but I'm not completely sure of what they're looking for in a student. I would really like some advice on extracurriculars, grades, and course selection. Thank you so much!
Dolphin
*****
Dear Dolphin,
It's great that you have high aspirations, especially at the beginning of high school. The answers to your questions are very simple: take the most challenging courses you can possibly handle, get the best grades you possibly can and make a SIGNIFICANT contribution to whatever clubs you're in. Don't just be another person in the yearbook picture for ten clubs.
Now, the more complicated answer...the best way to be offered admission to an Ivy League school is to know WHY you want to go. Lots of kids like the idea of going to a highly selective school because they are very competitive. They see college admissions as something else to compete for, like sports teams, cheerleading, etc. There's nothing wrong with competition, but it's not the best way to plan out your college career - and your life.
Lots of kids (and parents) also are convinced that the more difficult the school is to get into, the better their chances for a great career and happy life. It's a lot more complicated than that. The truth is that kids who are focused on some kind of goal - I mean REALLY focused - are the ones who will work harder, learn more, take more risks and become better candidates for Ivy League colleges. Find something you really get excited about and do the best you can with it.
I suggest you start by picking up "SO, YOU WANNA GO TO COLLLEGE...". This is the book I wrote for kids who want to start college and career planning as early as possible. Your parents may want to pick up the parent version: "SO, YOUR KID WANTS TO GO TO COLLEGE..." This will help them suppport you as you move forward in your college planning.
You seem like you have lots of ambition and a great attitude. Wherever you wind up, I'm sure you'll be happy and successful.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
