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I've been reading some posts about having a passion towards an activity or academic area, and realized that I don't have anything specific like that. I am in 8th grade, and got accepted to a very good high school with a lot of ECs offered and I am already thinking about what I would like participate in. I would like to expand my interests and talents in high school, and then see what happens when it’s time for applications. But I know I will not join a club I am not interested in just for it to look good for college. The thing is, out of the school subjects I like math and English, but people like to group English w/ History and math w/ science. I am not as good in those, nor that interested in them. But the hard part is if I join math and literacy oriented activities, how can one tell what my passion is? People categorize it into humanities and mathematics/sciences, but if I take part in Literacy and Math, wouldn't my interests look all over the place? Thanks for any advice.

By Agentx004 (Agentx004) on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 11:52 pm: Edit

My point exactly! Many people underestimate 8th graders, yet you seem to realize what most juniors and seniors fail to see. My advice to you would be to join an english and a math activity your freshamn year. Leave 9th grade for exploration. Colleges like to see that you have weighted all of your options and then followed your passion. During your freshman year, participate in all you can and then choose which subject you like. I thought I was a man of the humanities, yet in a short period of two months I discovered I love the sciences. Try joining the school newspaper and the math team. If you live in New York City, ask about math research. If you discover which subject you enjoy, pursue it.

Another turn on this would be to express your passion through your courseload. You may choose to pursue english in your extra curriculars by joining a literacy group or the newspaper. That way you can leave your course selection to focus on math. Take lots of advanced math courses. By doing this, it demonstrated your two passions in an interesting manner. Or, take lots of english courses and focus your EC's on math. Hope this helps, I was in the same situation as you when I was in 8th grade!

By Stillwaters (Stillwaters) on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 04:13 pm: Edit

Worth-
I would definitely recommend joining your school's newspaper staff your freshman year (if they don't allow frosh staff members, then offer to be a reporter and/or alternate staff member in case a staff member needs help with their duties). Joining the school newspaper will not only satisfy your interest in English but will get you involved with your school and see just what it has to offer. Try to do things like Math Olympiad, Mu Alpha Theta (if your school doesn't have the club, approach a counselor or principal and ask to start a chapter), and the ATPAC competitions for your math interests. I agree with Agent that you should take freshman year for exploration, but only to a certain level. Obviously, don't do every club you see. But do join some things that you have a passion for, and if you see nothing, take initiative and start your own club. And, if you're into creative writing, consider becoming involved with the drama scene. Acting does wonders for your reading and writing skills, and if you ever decide to write a play, you may be able to get it performed. Also, for community service, offer free tutoring service to kids in your neighborhood in math and English. That will display your passions effectively to colleges when you apply.

Best of luck!

...Norah

By Worth2try (Worth2try) on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 04:59 pm: Edit

Thanks you guys. That is definitely a good idea about focusing ECs on one and courses on the other. You both said to try out stuff during freshman year, and then pick something I like best and stick with it. Is it ok to quit clubs though? I will most likely get the math workload and humanities ECs. I am looking forward to Debate and Newspaper, both I am hoping to be a part of. The high school has a Math Team, but while I am good in math (90-95), I know the kids are about 1-2 years ahead of the program, my program for sure lol. I am a horrible actor, I always laugh when doing a prank or something, but I'll keep my options open. Also, how many clubs and sports should I be involved in on average? I am thinking 3 clubs and 2 sports, but not sure. I am quite athletic so I am not worried about that, but nothing that special. Thx again.

By Stillwaters (Stillwaters) on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 05:16 pm: Edit

Go for the math team. It will improve your grades and expose you to upper level math. Keep the sports, but keep your priorities in check as well. And don't rule out acting! (I'm a theater kid myself.) However, with 3 clubs and 2 sports, you will most likely be busy, depending on what clubs and what sports. I don't know how it will be at your high school, but at mine, it's hell to balance sports and academic/theater activities. Sports become your LIFE at high school if you choose to participate in them. I played varsity soccer as a frosh and soph and ended up quitting midway through my second year because I couldn't handle that, shows, the newspaper, tutoring, music lessons, rehearsals, etc. If you feel like you have too much on your plate, quit SOMETHING (not necessarily sports), because you WILL have a breakdown if you don't. Your activities sound good, though. Just be sure to stay well rounded and sane.

By Worth2try (Worth2try) on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 05:48 pm: Edit

The math team requires an admission sort of thing, but it doesn't hurt to try. Sports are narrowed down to basketball/swimming/track. Two at the most, and at least one. The only problem w/ sports might be timing, otherwise practice is not work for me. People say I am good at explaining some things, but I always feel I am not doing a good enough job and they will still not understand me, so tutoring is an option. And I promise to be sane, lol.

By Apguy (Apguy) on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 06:47 pm: Edit

So many 8th graders...this is almost frightening. Many juniors and seniors basically let what "colleges want" control just about everything they do, but 8th graders having the same mindset just can't be healthy...