Too young to be deciding and learning about sororities?

[DubaiSis]

You need to find a way to dial back the worry. Getting into college is not going to be a problem for you, unless you have your heart set on one of the really competitive schools. So that you don't make yourself crazy, you might think of college like joining a sorority. You need to keep an open mind and look at all of your alternatives. There is nothing wrong with attending a state school (I'm doing just fine, thank you), or the many many schools out there that would love to have you for those 4 years that are not Stanford or Yale. If you're freaking yourself out about this already, you might start looking at "normal" schools where you have a reasonable likelihood of getting in. And going to a college just because it's the toughest to get in (much like sororities) is a recipe for disaster and disappointment. Remember, a lot of really amazing and successful people went to college where "anyone" could get in. So quit freaking out about it.

[hae413]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

You need to find a way to dial back the worry. Getting into college is not going to be a problem for you, unless you have your heart set on one of the really competitive schools. So that you don't make yourself crazy, you might think of college like joining a sorority. You need to keep an open mind and look at all of your alternatives. There is nothing wrong with attending a state school (I'm doing just fine, thank you), or the many many schools out there that would love to have you for those 4 years that are not Stanford or Yale. If you're freaking yourself out about this already, you might start looking at "normal" schools where you have a reasonable likelihood of getting in. And going to a college just because it's the toughest to get in (much like sororities) is a recipe for disaster and disappointment. Remember, a lot of really amazing and successful people went to college where "anyone" could get in. So quit freaking out about it.

I'm worried about getting into a state school, even though so far I'm on track to get into one! I don't have an interest in an Ivy or private school, I realized very early that they aren't for me. Like I said earlier, I just have an irrational fear about it. My teachers and parents keep telling me I have no reason to worry, and now you are as well, but I honestly just can't help it. Silly? Yes. Completely unnecessary? Absolutely. Does the fact that I know I'll get into and be happy at a state school make me stop? Nope. I know I'm going to do just fine, but because I worry, I do better. My thinking is, if I am the absolute best I can be at everything I do, I will end up happy somewhere and have the credentials to get to that somewhere. I don't worry about college unless my high school is getting a speech about requirements to get into a college or right around practice tests for the ACT/SAT and also finals/exams. My school kind of puts an elephant on our backs about all of those things. It's supposed to make us more conscious of getting a grade we will be happy with, not one that will let us get by. I really hope that made just a little bit of sense..

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by hae413

I'm worried about getting into a state school, even though so far I'm on track to get into one! I don't have an interest in an Ivy or private school, I realized very early that they aren't for me. Like I said earlier, I just have an irrational fear about it. My teachers and parents keep telling me I have no reason to worry, and now you are as well, but I honestly just can't help it. Silly? Yes. Completely unnecessary? Absolutely. Does the fact that I know I'll get into and be happy at a state school make me stop? Nope. I know I'm going to do just fine, but because I worry, I do better. My thinking is, if I am the absolute best I can be at everything I do, I will end up happy somewhere and have the credentials to get to that somewhere. I don't worry about college unless my high school is getting a speech about requirements to get into a college or right around practice tests for the ACT/SAT and also finals/exams. My school kind of puts an elephant on our backs about all of those things. It's supposed to make us more conscious of getting a grade we will be happy with, not one that will let us get by. I really hope that made just a little bit of sense..

Have you considered talking to a mental health professional? If you have this much anxiety over getting into college (and obviously it's hard to tell simply from GC posts), you may want to consider something like short-term therapy.

[33girl]

I think maybe venting it all out on GC IS the therapy. Sometimes it just feels better to take a word dump and get it all out onto the paper/screen.

[IndianaSigKap]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I think maybe venting it all out on GC IS the therapy. Sometimes it just feels better to take a word dump and get it all out onto the paper/screen.

Exactly!

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I think maybe venting it all out on GC IS the therapy. Sometimes it just feels better to take a word dump and get it all out onto the paper/screen.

cosign.

I don't get a crazy vibe from the OP, just a really young and inexperienced one.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

cosign.

I don't get a crazy vibe from the OP, just a really young and inexperienced one.

You don't have to be crazy to talk to a professional. As I said, I can't tell from GC if this is just venting, or if she is dealing with the type of anxiety that keeps her up at night.

[hae413]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

You don't have to be crazy to talk to a professional. As I said, I can't tell from GC if this is just venting, or if she is dealing with the type of anxiety that keeps her up at night.

Don't worry, it isn't keeping me up at night! I honestly think that wouldn't be a bad idea! A guidance counselor or teacher even would help.

My school does have a counselor for these sort of things. We haven't gone back to school yet, but when we do I'll see if I can talk to her.

amIblue- My school offers an ACT prep class but it is possible they are cutting it next year or making it an elective. If it's still an option I will do it!

Melinda- I honestly only know one other sophomore even thinking about college. I feel like it's weird my peers are looking at prep tests like they don't matter.. I do love my extra curricular's and I do enjoy high school. It's nice to know someone has been in my situation before. I have read some really awesome stories, my favorite being the Bellatrix Lestrange one! They are quite entertaining.

Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate every bit of advice.