Feeling Stuck as a Freshman: Is It Too Late?
I’m feeling really lost as a freshman with no extracurriculars to my name, and I’m worried about my future. My family has high expectations since one sister is at an Ivy League school and the other is at a reputable UC.
I struggle with ambition and have found it difficult to get involved in activities. Initially, I planned to join the badminton team, but I didn’t make it. I tried for a leadership position but didn’t win the election either. Now, halfway through the semester, I find myself without any extracurriculars, and it feels too late to join other sports. I feel like I’ve wasted valuable time and I’m guilty for not doing more last semester. I had hoped to join colorguard, but my mom wasn’t comfortable with me attending practice three times a week. Also, I’ve been encouraged by peers to join speech and debate, but it just doesn’t ignite my passion.
Now that I haven’t engaged in anything significant this year, I feel pressured to do speech and debate just to have something to show for my time. Is it really too late for me to get into a good college, like an Ivy or a UC, without any extracurriculars this year? I do have aspirations for next year—like starting an environmental club or helping recently freed prisoners reintegrate into society, along with participating in speech and debate and possibly a sport like tennis.
I’m currently in Honors English and Honors Algebra 2; does that give me any hope for college admissions? My grades aren’t stellar, with a B+ in Spanish and a C in math. Next year, I plan to take AP Bio, AP World, Honors Precalc, and Honors English 2. I feel overwhelmed and useless right now, but I don’t want to burden my friends with my worries since I’ve already leaned on them quite a bit. I’ve tried searching online for guidance, but I haven’t found anything that really resonates with my situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
First of all, I want to acknowledge how you’re feeling right now—it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and pressured, especially with high expectations from family and peers. But remember, you’re only a freshman and there’s still plenty of time to discover your interests and build a strong profile for college.
It’s understandable that you’re feeling discouraged after not making the badminton team or winning a leadership position. However, these experiences can be valuable in themselves as they teach resilience and help you understand what you really want to pursue. It’s great that you’re already thinking about starting a club next year! That’s a proactive way to channel your interests into something meaningful, and it shows initiative which colleges definitely look for.
As for academics, being in honors classes is a good indicator that you’re capable of handling challenging coursework. Focus on improving your grades where you can, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. Remember, it’s okay to not have everything figured out right now. Many students don’t have a full slate of extracurriculars in their freshman year, and colleges consider your entire journey, not just one year.
If you’re feeling pressured to join activities like speech and debate, think about whether they genuinely interest you or if it’s just the fear of not doing enough. It’s important to pursue things that align with your passions. You’ll be far more motivated and successful in areas that resonate with you.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to talk to your family about how you’re feeling. They may not realize the pressure you’re experiencing. Having an open conversation might lead to them supporting your choices rather than pushing you into things you don’t want to do. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. Focus on what you care about, improve at your own pace, and you will find your path. You’re not cooked—just getting started!