You might already have some vision for what you want to learn, do, or experience during or after college:
- Become an engineer
- Be a doctor
- Dive into classic literature
- Become a titan of technology or another industry
- Create positive change in politics
- Help those who need it the most
- Teach kids
- Express yourself with your art or music or dance
- Discover your underlying talents and passions
- Learn more about Eastern European history or math or philosophy
Whatever your vision is, consider what steps you can take now to start down that path.
There are plenty of books, YouTube videos, cheap in-person or online classes, internships, volunteer opportunities, apprenticeships, and other ways to get a taste of whatever interests you. And while I don’t think teenagers should be in a hurry to grow up (you’re only a teenager once, after all), initiative and curiosity are an appealing pair to colleges. Admissions officers know that the student who has not only the desire to learn and experience new things, but also the initiative to seek out and find opportunities to scratch those itches, is more likely to be successful in college.
You don’t have to become an engineer, perform surgery, or take your first company public to impress colleges (if you knew everything you need to know to achieve all your dreams, what would you need college for?). But the sooner you take your first steps, the closer you’ll be to your goal. And the sooner you’ll realize whether or not you’re stepping in the right direction.