If i want to go to an Ivy League College, when should I start preparing?

Question

I am currently in 7th grade, and I would like to know specifically, what I can do THIS YEAR, to start preparing for college.. especially if i want to go to an Ivy League College

I am already taking the highest courses available in my school, and hopefully, i will enter in the National Junior Honor Society.. I am planning to do sum community servce, and join a sport (Track and field, and hopefully excel at it)

And maybe join a few clubs

If you guys could tell me ANYTHING,that i could do, OR things that i should be doing to prepare for college (such as saving, more info on this topic would be appreciated) Than i would deeply appreciate it

Thxs again everyone !!

Answer 1

I would suggest that perhaps the most useful thing you can do is to let everyone know that this is your goal. That way, when opportunities arise which might benefit you, they will think to pass them along. Often teachers, principals, and even religious leaders will be given information about some kind of leadership institute or program which might be particularly useful to your goals, but if they don't know what your plans are, they might not pass the information along to you and your parents.

I would also start thinking about summer programs which might boost your record. For example, Johns Hopkins offers the CTY programs (Center for Talented Youth) all over the country, and they are for elementary and middle school students who test in, spend a few weeks on a college campus, and learn some subject matter that they may not be able to get at their normal school. Since you can't really work for pay yet at your age anyway, it might be helpful to think of things you could do to boost your academic record right now.

Another thing you might start doing fairly soon is researching scholarships. For the most part, you can't actually get them until you are a high school senior, but if you know which ones you might be eligible for in advance, it would help you in the application process.

Answer 2

Sounds like you're on the right track. Remember that colleges look for interesting, passionate, well-rounded students, not just those with the highest grades or test scores.
Don't stretch yourself thin joining lots of activities - colleges would rather see you demonstrate *leadership* and *dedication* in a few areas than see you a passive member in many areas. Focus on the clubs/sports/activities that you really enjoy and love, and become a leader in those (team captain, vice-president, founder, project leader, etc).

Financially speaking, it's never too early to start saving, and hopefully your parents have already started on this for you. You'll probably need to look into financial aid and scholarships, but you don't have to worry about that for another few years. Once you're of age, considering a part-time job would also be a good idea, especially if you can find a job or internship that relates to the career field(s) you're interested in.

good luck!

Answer 3

relax, your in middle school, hardly any of the material you learn in middle school will be applicable in your high school years. In addition, most of it is common sense. I would suggest just relaxing till 9th grade then give it all you got- go to summer camps join orginazations, academic teams, and take the most rigorous courses, try to get in to the hardest highschool(looks better).

Answer 4

it doesn't matter what you do until the 9th grade.

Answer 5

be born into a rich white family with a legacy at an ivy league school.