I'm in 8th grade and want to study law at Columbia university. Any advice to get a scholarship?

Question

I'm an extremely brilliant 8th grader and on my way to high school. I want to get my undergraduate's and study law at columbia university. I come from a poor family, so I need a scholarship. what should i do in high school to get it? I know it's kind of too much to hope for, but I have mostly A's in school and I think I might have a chance.

I would really appreciate any advice that anyone could offer to me; I know I am a little too young but I think it is good to get a head start on things.

Answer 1

You'll have to get outside scholarships. Columbia only gives grants, loans and financial aid, with which they are VERY stingy.

From their student affairs site:

Does Columbia offer merit scholarships?

No. There are no academic, athletic or talent-based institutional scholarships. Our students are often the recipients of merit-based scholarships from outside organizations (state grants/scholarships, local/national merit-based awards, etc.); however, no merit-based aid is offered directly from Columbia University.

I'd suggest going to the library and checking out a book on the various scholarships offered. Pick a few that interest you, decide how you can become involved and go from there.

Answer 2

Yes, you're too young to be thinking of law school, since you need a 4 year college degree to apply to law school, and you generally don't want to attend the same grad school as undergrad. Concentrate on keeping up your grades in high school and getting into a good undergrad institution first. You've still got at least 8 years before you apply for law school.

Answer 3

Continue to study hard. Take all the difficult courses like maths and science. Also remember it has nothing to do with brilliance as it does with perservernce. There are lots of "brilliant" people in life that have accomplished little due to lack of perserverance...