Eighth Grade

Get advice and opinions from people you know—your teachers, parents, older siblings, and anyone you know who’s been to college. They can help you sort out what you should be thinking about right now

And ask yourself questions, too! Like:

What do I like to do?

• What do you like to do in your free time?
• What hobbies do you enjoy?
• Which subjects are your favorites?
• What afterschool activities are you involved in?
• What are you good at?

What do I want to be when I grow up?

• What are some careers that I want to know more about?
• What am I interested in now that I could develop into a career?
• What kind of professional life is important to me?

Thinking about what you like to do can help you figure out what career you should aim for. (By the way, it’s totally normal to change your mind several times before choosing your ultimate career.)

Where should I go to college?

• If you could study anywhere in the world, where would you go?
• Would you rather go to a big state university, a small private college, or somewhere else?
• What kinds of classes do you want to take?
• What kinds of activities do you want to be involved in?

Answering questions like these can help you narrow down your choices when it comes time to pick a school.

What you get out of school depends in part on what you put into it. Here are some things you can do to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward in your studies:

• Sit close to the front of the classroom
• Participate in class discussions
• Stay organized
• Keep up with your assignments
• Ask for help when you need it
• Get enough sleep
• Eat right

Many universities offer summer programs for middle schoolers, and Indiana University is no exception. Whether you’re interested in sports or science, dance or drama, you’re sure to find something that interests you.