College help????

Question

I am a freshmen at the #1 public school in the country (Thomas Jefferson High) in VA. I want to go to Stanford University.
a) I am wondering what kind of activities I should start participating in and looking to lead.
b) I am an athlete and I love football and lacrosse and should I try and get recruited and start working now to be an exceptional athlete because I've heard it's easiest to get into Stanford through athletics.
c) What should my grades look like by the end of Junior year and what AP classes should I take in the coming years.
d) what are the best volunteering and community service things to do
e) I'm almost an Eagle Scout
f) Anything else that I should do that would SET ME APART from the other really smart kids at my school.

I would love to go there on an athletic scholarship or something;

But if anyone could give me a sample resume of what it takes to get into Stanford and what activities and grades are really good that would be really great.

Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

Finish your Eagle Scout! That alone will set you apart from lots of others. Even employers like to hear that someone is an eagle scout so do that. Try voluneering within the boy scouts. Look for a scout camp or a cub pack that you can help out. It will show great leadership skills. You've been doing it for a long time, and I think having things you've been really involved in are more important than being involved in lots of little things.

Try to find other community services that offer lots of volunteer opportunities. Maybe ones that link into things you are looking for as a major, or things that link back into boyscouts. I volunteered at a local museum during high school. It was a great opportunity.

Also try to do well in school so that you can be a part of honors societies. These would also be good things to take a leadership role in. I'm not going to tell you what specific GPA you should have, I don't think there is one. Just do reall well in your classes and spend time on knowing the material. If you do then you'll get the grades you'll need.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Hello wikiman:

Buy or borrow a copy of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," by Stephen R. Covey and read it. Then read "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.

Set a life goal beyond university; do you want to be a plumber, or astronaut architect? What do you want to be when you grow up?

During your HS years, take a wide variety of subjects. Study some things you think you may not want to study. Take a language all four years. Take some advanced mathematics classes. Most of all, learn how to learn.

Have a back-up plan, in case Stanford does not work out. Have a back-up for the back-up.

Best of luck

Answer 3

Since when is TJHS the top HS in the country? What can you offer to back this claim?

More important is what you asked. First, relax. Most of your classmates will not be applying to Stanford. The main thing is to get your grades as high as you can and to have fun doing it. If you like football and lacrosse, go out for them. If you like volunteering, do it. If you like scouting, become an Eagle Scout.