Thread: wonderin' bout colleges....

  1. #1
    Software Developer jverkoey's Avatar
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    wonderin' bout colleges....

    Got a question for everyone here........

    I was wondering, I'm a sophomore in High School (15), and I would like to know about colleges a bit.....

    I'm guessing a majority of the people here are in or have graduated from college, so this shouldn't be too hard of a question.

    I have wanted to get in to MIT since my freshman year of HS, therefor I have been trying really hard to master as much programming as I can, and do a lot of focusing on math.

    So far, I've taught myself C++ and the Win32 and OpenGL API's and I know all of 'em really well. I have also taught myself plenty of web dev stuff (HTML, JavaScript, Java (pseudo web stuff, lol), some ASP, and a lot of other "languages")

    I am currently in Accelerated Algebra II, which is technically a "Junior and half class", i call it. I taught myself Geometry last year, and got A's both quarters in that, and also in Algebra the same year (my stupid math teachers held me back for some stupid reason)

    Also, I took a C++ class this year (only managed to get the 1st semester in, but I did second semester over christmas break and finished the three week semester test in 3 days........and aced it, lol

    I've also been trying to develop as many different varieties of games/programs as possible. So far I have developed a platform 2d side-scrolling game, an overhead space shoot-em-up asteroids game, a strategy game, a racing game, and a 1st person RPG style game, all in OpenGL. I also maintain multiple websites and have created my own "company" called the IVGDA. I am currently working on a scripting program for use in my games, and have already finished a new OpenGL header file (that is very useful and I will be uploading to the site sooner or later)......

    that's all my programming/school stuff that I've done recently.....oh, and I just started teaching myself computer programming last year, summer of 2002, so I've been programming for only about 8 months I think......

    so, I dunno, I don't want to be cocky, but I think in some ways I'm almost equivalent to at least a Junior college-level programmer.....but I don't know for sure

    I do know that I love programming as a passion....If my mom allowed me, I'd program every day, every hour......well, I'd take breaks every now and then, lol......

    also, if this would help with a scholarship (which I am looking in to also...) I have been accepted to the National Youth Leadership Forum on Technology, and received a scholarship to that, paying for all my entry fees...a little more than $1500.....i can't remember the exact amount......

    so, yah, that's all about me, if you have any info or advice on what I should try and get accomplished in the next 2 years before college, I would greatly appreciate it

    -jverkoey

  2. #2
    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
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    Join any/all clubs and/or sports that interest you. Kepp your grades up, but dont kill yourself. Keep inline as far as discipline goes, and dont boast like that to the college when u try and get in :P

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    Software Developer jverkoey's Avatar
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    ..................lol..............ok, i'll keep that in mind..........so, should i just say stuff like the classes I've taken and what I've made (portfolio)...?

    or would I need to give them more/less?

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    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
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    You want them to see that you are outgoing (clubs/sports) and that you are well rounded. The essays and such are to get to know you, anyone can spit credentials at them. I would mention your passion for what you are trying to major in, but dont lay it on too heavy. The important thing is to grab their attention, when they look at your transcripts and records they will see your classes and such.

  5. #5
    Software Developer jverkoey's Avatar
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    would my company count as a club? there aren't any computer clubs at my school (the school is almost to the verge of anti-tech, *sigh*).........my company meets every tuesday in the school's library, but the school won't recognize us....so i'm not sure if it'd really count as a club or not (most of the clubs at our school are stupid things like drama club or baker's ed..........or something stupid like that, lol)

  6. #6
    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
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    I would continue to try to get it acknowledged, just keep pushing it from every angle of staff you can reach! Maybe your guidence counselor can help?

  7. #7
    ¡Amo fútbol!
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    Just warning you... it is gonna be tough to get in there. Take as many AP's as you can. To get into MIT, you have to be very smart. On top of it, you have to have something that makes you stand out. There are a lot of smart kids out in the world. Remember this.

  8. #8
    Registered User Scourfish's Avatar
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    Crazy Go Nuts University!

    CGNU is the answer
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    as RoD said, essays are there to get to know you; so don't write about things that can be found on the application.

    also, i agree with joining other clubs that are not related to programming or computers. get into an outdoors club, or something that interests you other than computers. however, they do understand, depending on academic load, if you only do so much extracurricular activities.

    as mentioned, it is extremely tough to get in. not even one C, if you already have one, forget about it. i highly recommend you try, but if you have a C, your chances to get accepted just got really slim. You have to have barely any Bs as well, usually. it seems like you are a smart kid, keep it up; and you will be fine. and remember, if you don't get in to MIT, it's not the end of the world.

    best of luck!

  10. #10
    .........
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    Just stay consistent and you will do fine. You are only 15 so you still have a good while to go. Staying consistent is what will determine wether you get in or not, and if you do not, like alpha said it is not the end of the world. Remember you do not need to go to MIT to learn to be a good programmer.

  11. #11
    It's full of stars adrianxw's Avatar
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    Your company name certainly doesn't "roll off the tongue" easily.
    Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity unto the dream.

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    Dont bet on getting into MIT unless you have published something or have won some major science competition. I know two ppl who took most of the AP classes at their school (and this was a nationally recognized high school, so they offered almost all the AP classes that were available), 5's on most of the tests, 1590 SAT (both of them), 4.0 gpa's unweighted and still didnt get in. You REALLY have to stand out to get into MIT.

    Your best bet is to participate in some computer science and math competitions for HS (or college) students and do very well. Also, work on growing your company.
    C Code. C Code Run. Run Code Run... Please!

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    Software Developer jverkoey's Avatar
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    thanks for all the input, i'll take it all in to consideration.......

    would the college care about the number of games I have made? or do they really only care about Software Programs (the boring ones) like text editing programs or whatnot.......?

    and do they care about the number of games, or the quality? I'm assuming the quality

  14. #14
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    I would say the quality. They aren't just looking for students that concentrated in one area. You have to have good grades all around.

    As clownpimp said, it is extremely tough and you have to stand out. not telling you not to try, just telling you like it is. I too have had friends that have had all As and still be rejected. They were on sports teams, clubs, leadership positions, etc.
    You also need to show them interest. The more interest they see coming from you towards their school, the more your chances are.

  15. #15
    Terrance11
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    Try writing a backwards hasher... If you can do that, you definately deserve getting into MIT

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