To answer your questions, I am entering Freshman year at highschool- that is the first year of four years. (I am 14.) I enjoy English, Biology, American History and such... I would probably chose an occupation where I can help people with their personal problems- therapy, psychology...
And about Oxford. It has always been a hope of mine to go there, but to be frank, I'm afraid that my grades simply won't allow me to be admitted. You see, I usually get a 3.8 GPA or so, which is equivalent to getting A's in all of my 6 classes but one, where I get a B. I'm also no outstanding student body officer or on any sports teams at the minute, although I am considering applying for the Swim Team in winter.
Hey, you've got *plenty* of time yet :) I think Freshman year equates to 'year 9' in the English school system. At your age, I was getting constant B's in several subjects, particularly Maths and sciences. I was surprised to get A's in those at GCSE (exams at age 16). So don't worry, you have time yet to work on those areas.
As for extra-curricular activities, just do things you enjoy. You can make great university-brownie-point capital out of pretty much anything if you spin it right :) I did quite a lot of music when I was at school, some debating later on when I was 17, and spent four years organising a school Christian Union, which looks quite impressive on applications. I mostly sat about playing my guitar and making friends with younger girls, having interesting conversations, playing games, and eating chocolate - all of these things are good :)
I was never very sporty - I always used to get put in the obstacle race on sports day. And then come last. I was *thrilled* one year (I think I was actually your age or maybe a year older) when I got to run the 60 metres instead - and I didn't come last! 6th out of 8, I think. If swimming is your sport, you'll be pleased to hear that Oxford is having a pool built at the sports complex at the moment - it should be opening this summer, I think. The quintessential Oxford sport is rowing, and there are plenty of opportunities to do that. I was in the women's novice B crew in my first term (there's a race at the end of the first term for new crews) and loved it. There were several American students on our teams, actually :)
Anyway, I'm rambling. Relax! Just work hard (sounds like you do that already, to maintain those grades) and do things you enjoy. Oxford is best for people who really love their subject specialisation, so one thing I think you can do to prepare is read widely! Read anything and everything you can! Wide background knowledge really helps when choosing subjects, and is invaluable when writing last-minute essays. The more you read, the more idea you have of the possibilities out there for things to study. But take time to get out and have fun too :) If I'd done more socialising when I was younger I wouldn't have been so blown away by the possibilities of university.
no subject
Date: Monday, 4 August 2003 10:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: Monday, 4 August 2003 01:07 pm (UTC)I shall be adding you as a friend. Is that okay?
To answer your questions, I am entering Freshman year at highschool- that is the first year of four years. (I am 14.) I enjoy English, Biology, American History and such... I would probably chose an occupation where I can help people with their personal problems- therapy, psychology...
And about Oxford. It has always been a hope of mine to go there, but to be frank, I'm afraid that my grades simply won't allow me to be admitted. You see, I usually get a 3.8 GPA or so, which is equivalent to getting A's in all of my 6 classes but one, where I get a B. I'm also no outstanding student body officer or on any sports teams at the minute, although I am considering applying for the Swim Team in winter.
Cheers.
no subject
Date: Monday, 4 August 2003 01:25 pm (UTC)As for extra-curricular activities, just do things you enjoy. You can make great university-brownie-point capital out of pretty much anything if you spin it right :) I did quite a lot of music when I was at school, some debating later on when I was 17, and spent four years organising a school Christian Union, which looks quite impressive on applications. I mostly sat about playing my guitar and making friends with younger girls, having interesting conversations, playing games, and eating chocolate - all of these things are good :)
I was never very sporty - I always used to get put in the obstacle race on sports day. And then come last. I was *thrilled* one year (I think I was actually your age or maybe a year older) when I got to run the 60 metres instead - and I didn't come last! 6th out of 8, I think. If swimming is your sport, you'll be pleased to hear that Oxford is having a pool built at the sports complex at the moment - it should be opening this summer, I think. The quintessential Oxford sport is rowing, and there are plenty of opportunities to do that. I was in the women's novice B crew in my first term (there's a race at the end of the first term for new crews) and loved it. There were several American students on our teams, actually :)
Anyway, I'm rambling. Relax! Just work hard (sounds like you do that already, to maintain those grades) and do things you enjoy. Oxford is best for people who really love their subject specialisation, so one thing I think you can do to prepare is read widely! Read anything and everything you can! Wide background knowledge really helps when choosing subjects, and is invaluable when writing last-minute essays. The more you read, the more idea you have of the possibilities out there for things to study. But take time to get out and have fun too :) If I'd done more socialising when I was younger I wouldn't have been so blown away by the possibilities of university.
no subject
Date: Friday, 8 August 2003 05:22 am (UTC)Hey, me too. :-)
Mind you, I wasn't too bad at the sack race when I was a wee lad.
no subject
Date: Monday, 4 August 2003 01:25 pm (UTC)