If you like books, it’s often a good idea to read a textbook. This skill can be extremely powerful. If you’re thinking about taking a class (that does not otherwise contribute to your graduation) because it seems interesting, try just reading a highly-rated textbook on the topic instead, and not spending all that time on the class. Like, classes aren’t the end-all be-all of learning stuff. If you’re taking a class that will require studying, reading a textbook on the subject ahead of the class will make everything much easier.
Grad school is not for everyone, not even for all smart people. It is however a good default for smart people who are bad at making long-term plans. Side note: attempt to spend some time a few times a year making long-term plans, so that you don’t have to settle for defaults.
Social life is very important, but I have little good advice to give about it. Joining a choir went pretty well for me at least.
Research as an undergrad can be very important, but on average it’s a waste of time—don’t do it just to do it. In order to make it work you have to be above average in finding out what research is currently going on in the field you’re interested in and at your university, and pick out groups doing research you are interested in and using methods that you are interested in learning about.
Once you’re an upperclassman, if you’re in the sciences, you should attend technical talks that sound interesting.
I highly commend reading textbooks in your chosen field as well, before taking classes (starting in high school if possible). The less time you have to spend reviewing and pondering basic issues during the class, the more time you have to hear, understand, and follow up on interesting side-notes in class.
Science grad student perspective:
If you like books, it’s often a good idea to read a textbook. This skill can be extremely powerful. If you’re thinking about taking a class (that does not otherwise contribute to your graduation) because it seems interesting, try just reading a highly-rated textbook on the topic instead, and not spending all that time on the class. Like, classes aren’t the end-all be-all of learning stuff. If you’re taking a class that will require studying, reading a textbook on the subject ahead of the class will make everything much easier.
Grad school is not for everyone, not even for all smart people. It is however a good default for smart people who are bad at making long-term plans. Side note: attempt to spend some time a few times a year making long-term plans, so that you don’t have to settle for defaults.
Social life is very important, but I have little good advice to give about it. Joining a choir went pretty well for me at least.
Research as an undergrad can be very important, but on average it’s a waste of time—don’t do it just to do it. In order to make it work you have to be above average in finding out what research is currently going on in the field you’re interested in and at your university, and pick out groups doing research you are interested in and using methods that you are interested in learning about.
Once you’re an upperclassman, if you’re in the sciences, you should attend technical talks that sound interesting.
I highly commend reading textbooks in your chosen field as well, before taking classes (starting in high school if possible). The less time you have to spend reviewing and pondering basic issues during the class, the more time you have to hear, understand, and follow up on interesting side-notes in class.