Alumni department (please please please use this resource during/after your time at the school)
- When looking into colleges, ask the alumni office if they could connect you with an alumn that goes/went to the college
- Request getting connected to alumni in the industry that you’re interested in going into
Academic Courses
- Math
- If you’re good at math
- I recommend taking courses so that you can take the most challenging math class during your senior year. Going too fast through the curriculum may result in you not having any math classes to take during your senior year, and a lot of colleges prefer students who took 4 years of math, especially if you’re applying for a STEM major.
- If you end up pursuing social science or humanities major, you may want to consider taking Statistics rather than taking a higher math class your junior year since statistics will help you more later in life.
- Science
- Take at least one physics, chemistry, and biology class. You don’t want your first physics, chemistry, or biology class to be in college.
- If you’re passionate about a particular science discipline, take a more challenging class during your junior and/or senior year
- English
- If you’re a strong English student, you might want to strive to take AP Language or an equivalent level course during your sophomore year and AP Literature or an equivalent level course during your junior year.
- History
- You’ll end up taking at least one world history class and a US history class. These AP exams are very challenging, so only take the AP-level course if you’re interested in history and/or capable of analyzing different themes, primary sources, events, and policies.
- Language
- It is recommended that you take 3 or 4 years of one language. However, if you’re a weak language student, I recommend considering not taking a language class during your senior year since senior fall GPA is very important.
- Other disciplines
- DON’T only take core classes. You go to a very good school! They will offer other disciplines. Try those courses. You never know how much you’ll enjoy those disciplines.
- For all classes, read the course curriculum. It is always good to have a rough plan of course requests you want to make. Make the most out of your curriculum! Challenge yourself!
Leadership Opportunities
Seek leadership opportunities at your school. Whether it’s a club leadership position or serving on the student council, you’ll meet people who share the same passions as you. Through these experiences, you’ll be able to work on your leadership skills as well as obtain a lot of valuable experiences
Music Ensembles
If you’re passionate about music, join music ensembles. You’ll get to pursue your passions alongside people passionate about music. If there isn’t a group that sparks your interest, try making one! Take initiatives. These experiences will be very valuable later on.
Clubs
School Publications
- A lot of publications at the schools tend to be 100% student-run. Try to write an article, edit other people’s articles, take pictures, make graphics, or do the layout for the publication.
Affinity Groups
- Join an affinity group! The schools that you all are going to can sometimes be very stressful. Having someone to who you can relate is crucial when getting through those times!
Interest Groups
- Chances are your school has many interest-based clubs. Whether your interest is in technology, science, music, theater, and more, you’ll be able to find people who share similar passions and values as you, and you will find yourselves motivating each other to improve.
Signature Programs
- Every school has its distinctive programs. Take advantage of them. Make the most out of it!
Tips
- Maintain good relationships with your deans, advisers, and your teachers
- I know it's hard, but find areas that you are interested in and might pursue later in life, whether during your college years or after
- Do research - these are the programs that connect you with a college professor to do research
- Search for internships
- Look into different competitions you can participate in
- One or two writing-related competition
- competitions that align with your interests and passions are good.
- Community Service
- Do community service projects that reflect your interests and skills well!
- Make a LinkedIn Account
- Don’t be hesitant to meet new people. You will find people that you love being around, who share similar passions and interests, and who motivate you to become a better person.
- Taking initiatives in your school
- It might be helpful for you to find a friend or two that will be passionate about your project.
- Find who is in charge
- Write them a cold email. Send an email. Make the email short and concise, but explain your missions, goals, and purposes clearly.
- Have a meeting with higher-up administrators such as the dean of students or head of school