junior in high school with a lot of questions

[mcb13]

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So here's my situation:
This fall I will start my junior year in high school. I go to a magnet school in Kentucky (it's really hard to explain, so if you don't know, google will help alot more) and have had a heavy course load both freshman and sophomore year (3 AP courses, all advanced classes, pre-calculus as a sophomore) and will continue with yet another next year (calculus, AP physc, AP US, anatomy&phys, bio, AP eng, just for starters). I have only had like one B my entire life so I get good grades. I took the ACT plan last year and scored like a 29. I have also taken the PSAT but don't remember what I scored. I am in Key Club and participate in varisty sports at my high school.

I don't have many people close to me that can give me good advice and at this point I don't know what to do. I feel as if I'm not doing enough. I want to be a doctor, possibly a surgeon.

Specifically:
1) what are some colleges to look at? I get letters from places that I have never heard of so I don't know what to think of them.
2) are there other things I can be doing at school? (classes, clubs, etc)
3) what do colleges really look at? I have heard that they won't care about where I go to school (but I have also heard they do). I have heard they care more about grades than test scores. What is it really??

Please help! I have a lot of questions and some time to think about everything yet, but I would really like a head start!

Thanks already!

 

[Copernicium]

State schools do not care which high school you come come. Elite private schools also do not care. It is your GPA, test scores, and ECs they care about. As to your question about grades vs GPA, the general concensus I gathered was that a high GPA/low test score is better than a low GPA/high test score. With a 29 ACT, you should be accepted to at LEAST 1 state school (as long as, you know, your GPA isn't terrible).

As for #2, you're doing fine as long as you don't want to go to a top school.

And for #1, apply to your state schools, maybe throw in some dream schools too? Idk, this is totally dependant on your interests/goals.

 

[Missdetermined]

Hey mcb13!
Welcome to the site/forum. I was and still is just like you.
Trust me, any and every question you have about school, becoming a doctor, etc can most likely be answered on this site by someone.
I personally advise you to just..google.
Especially about colleges, if you have any questions, random ones, specific ones, google them. It's the best way I've learned a lot that whole process and different colleges etc..
Uhm Collegeboard.com also has a lot of great information on different colleges, acceptance rates, their statistics etc..
Just take a deep breath and some time out to do a little research here and collegeboard and I'm sure you'll feel a little bit more at ease and understanding, at least I did from personal experience.

Anyway I think you have done very well for your self thus far regarding your stats. Taking rigorous classes, involved in some EC and did pretty well on ACT. Only thing I could suggest off top is maybe try to get involved in some leadership rolls. Like student government or something like that. I personally did JROTC and plan on running for treasurer or secretary.

Also, like stated above, colleges don't care where you go to school but they want a "well-rounded" person. So they take in GPA, ACT/SAT scores, EC all in to consideration.

Hoped I help some, good luck

 

[I'm No Superman]

Well everyone here said something along the lines of what I would say, but regarding your first question, you can use this:http://www.collegeview.com/collegesearch/index.jsp to get a few ideas of colleges that might suit you. Also welcome to the forums. 🙂

 

[AntiHouseMD]

Welcome to the forums! I'd be more than happy to help with any questions, although some of the people here would be much more qualified. The first piece of advice I can give you is to not freak out over anything. That's something I used to do, and it really didn't help.

Secondly, your schedule seems to be rigorous enough. I've think you have taken more AP's than my school offers, so that's a positive for you.

Just do some research on Collegeboard and other websites to find some schools for you. Cappex, at least for me, has also been a big help.

Also, everyone gets some of the most random college letters. My emails are even worse (use Cappex to search colleges, don't sign up). Eventually, you'll find a good college to aim for. I found my top choice because a co-worker of one of my parents had a son there.

Good luck with everything, and enjoy the summer! 😎