I am a stressed sophomore in high school and just want some guidance with college. I have no idea what/how many AP classes to take. I wanted to go to an upper-east-coast school but I don’t even know what the point is. My question is: Why do people spend their whole lives prepping for their dream college? Even if its not the most prestigious, if it’s a nice campus and you find yourself fitting in, why bother to compete with those getting into the more competitive colleges? (In the end you get the same education, right? Like when you apply for a job they wont think any less of you if you went to a local state school rather that a U.C. will they?) I don’t understand the whole college issue. I know atmosphere and new experiences are great, but why load your whole high school life with a bunch of time-consuming classes? Isn’t high school about learning AND making memories? I am sick of stressing over my school life, while balancing it with ASB, sports, and 2 clubs, as well as my social life
121956
college is SUCH a hard decision, but remember- it's not the be all, end all situation in life.  if you go somewhere and don't like it, you can transfer.  you should visit a bunch of school and get a feel for the vibe there, because no education is worth it if you are unhappy.  i was in a really similar position- wanted to go to harvard my whole life, but then, at 16, freaked out and started wondering, why?  i am a junior at UC berkeley now, and i really love it.\n\ni think that you should take AP classes in subjects that you are interested in, because then the extra work will be worth it.  if you can get A's in all your classes that are not AP or honors, then your GPA will be really strong, and that is a plus.\n\nsomething to keep in mind about all of those big name schools is that they are so competitive to get into- a lot of students keep that competitive attitude in college, and it's kind of a bummer to be around.\n\nas for jobs, which college you went to really only matters for your first job or two.  after that, your other work experience will be more important (but the fact that you have a college degree will reflect well on you).\n\ni think that your best bet is to try to visit schools as soon as possible, so that you start to get an idea of what you like about different colleges.  you do not get the same education at every school.  some schools have a maximum class size of 20.  at cal, i have lecture classes with 500 other people.  just take a look around and see what you think!  with your variety of talents, i am sure that a lot of schools will be very happy to accept you- what's important is that you find a place where you are happy.  good luck!!
157515
I was in the same situation as you..\nat the end of high school I had a million people telling me I had all the potential, and where was I going to college? \nI had mixed feelings about all this..  should I just go to make every one else happy? or what?  ..\n I decided that college wasn't the right thing for right away.. mostly because I didn't have any money and I was afraid of spending money on something I wasn't really sure I wanted to do anyway...\nIt took me one year out of High school to realize how much I missed being in school and missed the interaction with peers and all that...\n I also came to a realization that I really did have a passion in life and I finally decided to peruse it regardless of what other people told me about women in the profession... I moved 3000 miles to the other side of the country.. I took a huge risk in asking my BF of 4 years at that point to come with me or loose me... and I am now in my 3rd out of 5 yrs in architecture school and I am actually ranked 1st in my class.....\nmy point in telling my "life story" is that some times you just need some time to yourself to step back and reflect on where and who you are..  I know it sounds cheesy but during that year off I learned  a llot about "the real world" and myself and knew that I could do better than $8.25/hr at my local retail store ...  good luck.. you sound like an intelligent girl, trying to make the right decision...\nmy advice is talk to your parents but don't feel as though you are disappointing them if you don't want the same thing as them.. look into some colleges or even some certificate programs.. like massage therapy and other one year programs.. most community colleges have them...  see if you are finding anything you are interested in... if not there is nothing wrong with taking a year off.. and besides that year will be a good time to save money if you do decide to go to college....but like I said you are an intelligent person.. you just have to find "your thing"    good luck in life :)\n but like the other girl said ..  college is a great experience and you don't want to regret never going... or at least trying :)
384737
College is very cool! The people tend to be a lot more mature than high school and not so judgmental and narrow-minded. The same kids that were snotty and snobby in high school when I went to college were nice as could be to me! Don't ask my why because I'm not sure! \n\nAlso, in high school since I was planning on college my classes were very structured and I didn't have any choices at all in what I wanted to take so that I could fit in all the required college prep courses, but in college I had a lot more choices in what I wanted to take, esp. of course in the last 2 years when you choose your major. But even in the first 2 years you can choose what you will take to some extent, say a poetry class vs.a Victorian Lit class or a Women's History class vs. a European History class or Astronomy vs. Anthropology or Biology...\n\nI did have some very, very close friends (like sisters) in high school, and I think it is a little harder to get those kind of close friendships in college. I made one really close friend in college which we are still very close friends. I've heard you can get those kind of friendships in sororities or fraternities, although I did not join one, they can be very time-consuming, and I always had a part-time job unfortunately.
524005
Just about no one know what they want to do when they get to college and if they think they do, 9 times out of 10, that changes. That's why in many schools you don't even declare a major until your sophmore year at the earliest. \n\nSchools know that it is a good idea for freshman to arrive and acclimate themselves to their surroundings before worrying about a major. They need to actually experience classes in different disciplines before picking your major. So many people go in thinking about one major, but eventually change to a related or sometimes unrelated discipline. I thought I would be a Poli Sci major, but after Intro to Poli Sci, I knew that wasn't going to happen. I eventually became an English/Communication double major.\n\nMy advice is to wait and keep an open mind about majors. When you get there concentrate on fufilling your general requirements (the general liberal arts base required of all students enrolled) before looking at specialized courses. Experience as many different areas as you can. There will be plenty of time for picking a major in the next semester or two. Don't worry!
277700
My senior year. I had the most fun because I joined a few clubs and was more active in chorus. I was in a trio that won first in state and a triple trio that won second in state. I also had lots of friends and fun. Unfortunately, I had a little too much fun and my grades fell so badly that I almost didn't graduate. I barely made it, but at the last exam, I gave it my all and passed. If I would have only done that throughout all of high school, I would have been an honor student, along with winning lots of scholarships and going on to college. But, alas, I didn't. Don't mean to bum you out, but it's true. I had more freedom as a senior, turning 18 in the middle of the year. I didn't handle 18 too well. I hope you do better than I did. Study hard. Get the best grades you can. Join a couple of clubs. Have fun. You'll only do this once, then it's gone. Learn from one who's been there, done that. Be careful. Be safe. <*)))><
491061
I am in AP Economics and I went into the class because I like that stuff.  If you dont like history then why are you taking it?  Make it look good on your HS transcript?  So I would which into a diffrent class, say, AP English or an AP math class something that will keep your interest.  Dont take a class because it will look good for college.  If you fail or are close to failing it affects your GPA as well as colleges seeing that when you send out your final transcript.
586015
I have been an online student for over a year now and I am about to complete my associates degree. I think it is more challegeing because there is no one there to give you that push you sometimes need. However, it is all about you. There is nothing mroe satisfying than earning an A in a class and knowing that you did it 100% on your own. It is also less stressful because you are doing it on your own time. You schedule your classes, which are in chat room type settngs around what is goo dfor you. Plus, you never have to leave the comfort of your home. You can go to class naked if you want.
328212
acedemically speaking, you have a lot more responsibility.  Profs won't remind you to do your homework, some will give an assignment sheet at the beginning and expect you to do it on your own.  make sure you have enoug time to get all the assignments done.\nsocially, it's similar to highschool, only bigger.  its harder to make friends, becuse the people in your class one quarter will likely never be seen again.  you will have to do most of your socializing outside class, but then its really cool.  you live with all your friends if you are in a dorm, so can see them whenever.\ni love college, its way better than highschool could ever be.  just have fun and dont look back.\nthe biggest thing i would say for success: organization.  if you dont schedule and plan things, they will overwhelm you.  keep a day planner or something.  i have a giant white board on my wall, gridded out into days for the whole quarter.  do whatever works, and have fun!
312469
What school do you think is going to be better for you academically? Also, if yo know what field you are going to go into, which one has a better handle of that area?\n\nAlso, remember that you are probally going to make new friends. Maybe you should go to the school wwhere 5 of your friends are going, because you and your best friend are mostl likely going to keep in touch no matter what. Do you also really want to be clinging to one person as you adjust to high school? What if you have no classes together? \n\nBut in the end, it's really up to you.
297923
Depends on the person. If you are popular and no real worries now, then reality may suck for you. However, if you are one of the many kids who don't fit in and hate being forced to socialized with the select number of kids in your class and whatever courses available, then it is a welcome break! Sure, you have more responsibility, but you also have more freedom: eat what you want, live where you want, socialize with whom you want regardless of what they wear or where they live. College was my favorite part: my own room, everything taken care of on campus, family support when I needed, a job I loved, some pocket change to spend on frivolities. I would NEVER want to relive high school; too many petty tyrants, but if I hit the lottery I intend to take college classes for the rest of my life.
627268
I really like your questions.\n\nThe people who think that must not have any college experience.\nI worked harder at college than at anything ever in my 53 years of life. I love my degree because I know how hard I worked to earn it.\n\nIt sounds like another way to subtley put you down, to say that you have it easy.  It also sounds like they may resent you for having the drive and ambition to go to college when they do not.\nLearn to recognize the subtle putdowns these people are giving you and try to avoid them if you can. I would definitely avoid someone who told me that college was not really work. \nIn the book "The Verbally Abusinve Relationship", being told that going to college is not really work, and similar comments that belittle what you are doing, is called discounting and is a form of verbal abuse. The person who does this wants to make you feel bad, and by doing so they feel good. Sick, isn't it?\n\nThey are "discounting" your efforts as not being worthwhile.\n\nDid I mention that you need to read the book,\nThe Verbally Abusive Relationship? available on \nhttp://www.amazon.com
378790
I am not sure why either and I have raised the same questions. I used to work in a career counselors office at a college and they put so much pressure on these kids to decide on a major.  I realize they need to be able to steer them in one direction or another and that is their job, but a lot of students are very stressed under this pressure.  \n\nAll in all I think it should be up to the student to decide, some will know exactly what they want, some can just do some general studies for the first couple of semesters and some may want to flip burgers for a year or so and then decide.  I do think going to college is important, but our culture does put undo stress on our young people to hurry and join the rat race.\n\nYou think I am radical about this, ask me about sending 18 year olds off to war whether they choose or not.\n\nThat DJ thing is the pits, my friend did the same, now he has gone back to school to guess what...be a teacher, lololol.
238823
everyone is different there is no typical American kid...\nbasically we go 2 school from 5 (if not before) untill we graduate/get kicked out/dropout.... Alot of people are involved in something being a extraculicular activity, work, babysitting, stuff at home, family farm stuff, church related, etc. etc.  There's usually a stuggle for idenity from about 12-on.  Wondering if I'm good enough or worthy enough? lots of kids are on anti-depressents or stuff like ritilian usually unneeded meds.  Both parents tend to work creating the whole latch key kid thing, hours without supervision... elementary summers consist of reading programs, family get-togethers and pools and camping and outdoorsy stuff fire works on july 4th and various festivals.  once working or your friends are working its work or wait for your friends to get out of work or meet ppl who also don't work for stuff 2 do.  when your about 14 people start asking you what your going to do with you life and the average life expectancy for you unless this whole obesity epidemic gets you is well into your 70's which means you haven't live 2/7ths of your life expectancy yet and they want to know what your doing for the rest of it... phyiscal relationships start at all different ages.... were a pretty open society but we were founded by puritians and some of the values they had still exist. guilt is  usually a very strong emotion. and for schools the united states education system is not central which means all 50 states varry in their programs and even then some states leave that up to the local communities of the schools. colleges share what they expect of students on there websites...\nliving in a college dorm is an interesting experience and lots can be learned and taught... some new college kids know how to do laundry some don't and then are taught by the kids that do. friendships are very influential and can be life long or a second long.......it depends.... some people float through friends others have had the same friends from diapers on.......
368494
I can only speak from my own experience. The first time I went to college, I had no study skills at all. I had never taken notes in class because just listening was enough. I had never used memory devices because I didn't have to. Then - boom! - college, which is REALLY DIFFERENT. A study skills class was offered, but I thought it was just for dumb kids and wouldn't take it. So I basically flunked out. W\n  When I went back to college I ate up the study skills classes, cried much less and got my degree. If you went to a better high school than I did, perhaps you might learn sufficient study skills there, but my own personal 'research' says taking a class gives you a huge advantage.
250409
High school in the US is a popularity contest: who can have the cutest bf/gf, who can make the cheerleading squad/football team, etc. I enjoyed high school, I had friends, I'm not trying to be cynical, but it was always about who was the most popular flavor of the month. Kids cheated all the time on exams, I did too (mainly on homework), it didn't seem to be a big deal. I regret it now though, I should've just learned the info then b/c now I'm in college and don't know how to do somethings I should've learned in high school! Hope that all makes sense.
588204
Academics are your first priority in school. Like it or not. Even at the college level, I had to keep a 3.0 minimum grade point average. If you can't dedicate yourself to your studies, then what is there to make the coaches think that you're going to dedicate yourself to your sport? Remember too that people who are on school teams are representing that school in all aspects, not just for the sport.
201680
It really is never too soon, in my opinion, to start thinking about college.  Most colleges look at your overall gpa which accumulates over all four years of high school.  If you are thinking about some of the more prestigious universities, you should keep in mind that extra curriculars are important too.  If you participate in a lot of activities (sports, clubs, etc.) and still manage a good gpa, you'll have no problem getting into a good school!