A Few Questions..

**Richard S.** · 05-18-2002, 07:31 PM

Hello everyone.

I'd first like to start out by saying that I'm amazed they even had a board place like this. I've been joining many vb-boards, and so far they've been based on hit-tv shows.

However, it's surprising but not bad. I've been looking for a place like this for a long time.. mainly to satisfy my questions. I'm a student in JR. High, and for a few years now I have been worried about my future. I know, it's completely ridiculous that a child my age(13) should even be worried about things like that, but it's just something I do, and I want to make it stop. To make it stop, I need assurance from actual teachers. Also, before I ask my questions I would please ask that no one here doubt who, or what I am. In the past it has been difficult online to ask people who I think are teachers about all this stuff..mainly because I have such a high vocabulary. I assure you, I am 13, and I do go to JR. High.

Now..onto the questions.

My first one is, is that do colleges take in mind what kind of classes you are in? Right now, in our school, we have a system of having different classes for people that might be more gifted, or slower. I have been placed in both normal math, literature and reading(The only three classes that have that kind of thing). Now, should highschool come and I'm in the exact same level kind of classes.. would ivyleague schools like..say, Harvard, take in mind if you were in high algebra, and such?

My second question is, how does one move up in the classes? This is the point I want to get to quickly. I believe..and though it may sound arragont, that I'm rather highly knowledgable on writing and reading. Infact, the two classes have always never posed a challenge for me.., yet, I can't seem to get into higher classes. Whether this be because I'm a bad test-taker(for things like IOWAs..they put you in classes according to that), or that I'm just fooling myself on being smart, I'd like to know. I've talked to some teachers about it..and my parents are setting up a meeting, but they said it doesn't look hopeful. The comittee here always looks at test scores to decide things like that. But, I'm a straight A student, and my teachers compliment my work, so I really don't understand. I'm actually kind of angry that a school would have such higher classes.. for people like me that are in the normal ones, it makes us feel inferior in accordance to academic level, when I know a lot of us are hardworkers.

Should it be that I'm dumb.. or something like that, my parents have signed me up for something called 'SCORE'. They have a great program..you go on the computer and test yourself in language arts and literature, and math. The computer adapts so that they're giving you a challenge each time.. and you become better with each day. Yet, there are only 2 hours available for us each week, and I fear that's simply not enough to make me better. Therefore, I've looked around for some summer-school things around Mt. Prospect(where I live, in Illinois), and I can't seem to find anything. Does anyone have any suggestions for search tools that I could use to better enhance my academic achievements?

Thanks,

Rich.

**Kim/K/SCal** · 05-19-2002, 02:54 AM

Hello Rich........

As a mother and an early childhood educator, your questions perplex me. But these concerns are obviously very important to you so I will not discount them.

I think you need to examine the reasons behind your concern. Why is an Ivy League education so important to you? If the impetus is money, power, and prestige, then I think you should contact these schools directly.They all have admissions departments and the people who toil in them LOOK for specific things, like you stated..........ASK them what they are looking for in qualified candidates. Take it a step further and contact somebody in the alumni association.....all those schools have one because they are all so darn proud to have attended those schools and they paid so darn much money for the privilege! I am sure they would be happy to share information with you.

If you are looking for education to enrich your life, then do the things that all thoughtful and self-actualized people do. Read voraciously and prolifically. Read a lot. Read constantly. Read about topics that interest you and discover new topics and then read about them. If you don't write a lot already..........start writing. Write about your life, your family, your connections to the texts you read, the little things you observe in your life. Find the things that satisfy you: Music, sports, a good chess match, BOOKS, animals, crafts, woodworking...........I could go on and on! All that reading is going to enhance your life and enrich your vocabulary. It will help you communicate and put forth a good argument. It will help you to lead a rich and meaningful life. There are some schools out there that actually TEACH a "great books" curriculum. You could start that foundation right now!

Your parents sound like good advocates. They are "setting up a meeting." Good. If they are not satisfied with the results of that meeting, they must find somebody else in the school district who can answer these questions for you. They MUST be your biggest advocates because nobody in the counseling office is going to care about your education as much as you do.

Many high school students (and younger) sit for placement exams at the local community college. If you meet certain requirements, you can take courses there........in areas that interest you or that might enhance your learning experience. Keep in mind that you will have to meet certain prerequisites......... a certain level of writing proficiency, for example, or completion of certain coursework. Counselors in these schools are very knowledgeable about what it takes to transfer to the universities that interest you.

Rich, your values will probably change over the next few years. Enjoy your school experience NOW and engage in activities that you enjoy NOW so that you don't look back with regret. There are many different roads to get where you want to be........ it appears that you are on the right track. Let your parents have their meeting and talk about the possibility of community college coursework to supplement your studies. And READ READ READ!

Have you read The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams yet?

Good luck and keep us posted!

**David of Houston** · 05-23-2002, 04:49 PM

Hello Rich,

Welcome to our site.

I'm an elementary teacher with degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Texas - so I'm afraid I don't know very much about the requirements of Ivy League schools.

You may want to post your questions in our higher education forum.

I think Kim offered you some wonderful advice.

One thing I would like to add is that many Universities seem to look at the "whole person." Although grades and SAT scores are important, many Universities are also interested in how "well rounded" you are. What extracurricular activities have you participated in? Have you done any volunteer work?

Since you seem to be very articulate - I also wonder - have you considered trying to publish an article or short story? Being able to say that you're a published author would certainly enhance your college application.

Best wishes,

David

**Hope4Me** · 05-23-2002, 06:39 PM

Have you had an IQ test? As well as an achievement test? Many schools place by those tests too. IQ is very straight forward, not a lot to do with how well you take tests - more with what you know.

Good Luck

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