Some students want collegiate approval of all the choices they’re making in high school. They only want to do something if it’s guaranteed to help them get into their dream schools.
Those students sound like this:
“Would it look good if I got a job this summer?”
“Which would be better—playing the clarinet or running track?”
“Which is more impressive—AP calculus or physics?”
“Would my chances be better if I took another year of foreign language?”
“How would it look if I joined a few more activities?”
Planning for college is good; seeking their approval before you do anything is not. It’s a lot better to just take initiative and actually do things. Stop looking for permission and start making things happen.
Those students sound like this:
“I want to get a job at my favorite bookstore. I applied last week and have my interview tomorrow.”
“I don’t have time to do track, but that’s fine. I really like playing with the Dixieland band I just joined.”
“I’m going to take physics because I really like the teacher. I’d never enjoyed science until I took his class sophomore year.”
“I think I’m done with foreign language. It’s just not my thing. I’d much rather spend that time taking this college level math class I found online.”
"We’ve got some really cool stuff planed for the yearbook next year. It’s going to take a lot of time, but it’ll be worth it. I’m excited about it.”
The second group always has a lot more to show colleges than the first group does.