Quote from Dragonfiremule

Melatonin is non-addictive because your body makes it naturally. As long as you take the prescribed dosage, there are no side effects aside from drowsiness. (which really isn't a side effect, since that's the point of the pill....)

Okay, I have yet to read what's in my grandma's sleeping pills...

But in all honesty (my opinion of course), I prefer going about it the natural way... exercise to boost those endorphins!! Eat dark chocolate (like 71%) to reduce stress!! Hmm... there's an article about "mood" foods... here ya go!! Oatmeal or toast is good to calm yourself down before bed... Same with a warm shower (like 2 hours before sleep).

Quote from Dragonfiremule

Quote from hobbitelf518

=Don't start popping pills... I've seen the side-effects on an addict, and it's not good.

Melatonin is non-addictive because your body makes it naturally. As long as you take the prescribed dosage, there are no side effects aside from drowsiness. (which really isn't a side effect, since that's the point of the pill....)

But no matter what, it would be for the best if one could fall asleep without medication. That should be one of the last options.

@ Hobbit & Oriolidae - I know it's better to try to go without pills, but I'm just saying, there is nothing wrong with melatonin if that's the way he/she wants to go.

Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?

Thanks Oriolidae, I'll take your advice. I'm kinda at the most crucial crossroads of my life. I am now preping for three things - an application to Unis abroad for UG, 12th class finals(in a year), and my country's most popular law entrance exam(in a year and a half).
I really want to be selected to the Uni I'm applying to. If I don't get selected, it's kinda the end of the road for me, and that's a fact. And it's not like the other two exams are easy either.
My chances of selection - nada. The US unis are all about extracurriculars, and I never gave a rat's fart about them, I just did what I loved doing. The UK unis are as costly as the US ones, without the aid.
My 'rents, while they support me, are not that happy with me, overall. How do you think positive if you feel like the only thing you ever truly wanted to do is out of your reach 'cuz you didn't participate in what everybody said you shouldn't participate in? And if your dream's as well as poof? Damn, man.

Edit: No piils for me. They may not have side effects, and as tempted as I am, my parents won't let me.

There are times when you will miss what you never had. I wonder how you will find what you so desperately need.

Quote from Casey D. Geek

Well, that's good advice, especially the optimistic part. But how do you reel yourself in, and get a rein on your emotions every time the situation starts getting ugly?

breathe.. and then try slowing everything with your mind..
im serious! this will make you feel more relaxed and give you more control over your own mind.

oh please do click this!
The sweeter the apple, the higher the branch. The quieter the fart, the nastier the smell.
GUESS WHO??

lol
you really are thinking too much
just do the best whatever you can
and see the result
even at the end, you failed
just take a deep breath --- exhale
and think like this:

Quote from otakuness

an optimistic character will think of the good and the bad circumstances that may occur and then seeing the good. and the good that will happen because of the bad.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/lHjrfaR.jpg[/img]

*pats Casey D. Geek

There's more to life than this. I too am trying to apply to uni (only it's for professional school), and it looks like I'm getting no love from the schools I applied. But, I have the support and understanding of my friends (and eventually my parents), so I'm just gonna try it again. If it's tough, then that just makes the blessings that come later all the better. 😀

And there are people who pay-it-forward. You never know if there's a "benefactor" who will help you in any way, shape or form.

But most of all, believe in yourself. If you really really want it, you will get it... just maybe not now. And hey, many years from now, when there are others in your situation, you can give one of the most touching motivational speeches ever.

Quote from hobbitelf518

I have the support and understanding of my friends (and eventually my parents),

That's the worst part. I have nobody I can to talk to, nobody I can share things with, excpet you guys, though I suppose some people would consider that lame 🤢 . Honestly, I could let myself relax a tad if I knew there was someone around me who would support me no matter what, but I don't have anybody like that, so I can't let go. Everybody around me expects me to ace at everything, and if I don't, I deal with the balmes. What, don't I know that I messed up? Don't I know how low my chances are? For chrissakes, what am I, a dolt? 🤢

For me, the Uni is similar to the last straw. Without going into my convoluted reasoning, the fact is that if I don't get selected, I won't ever be able to do anything for myself ever again. It's like dragonfiremule said in her "if you were to be born again" post, I've always had everything I wanted, never had problems with studies. Never felt "inspired" either. In India, you have brains, you're studying for IIT. I never wanted to be an engineer, wasn't ever interested in IIT. Now these Unis, God, wouldn't I love it if had access to all those oppurtunities.... I'd be happier than a drug addict who just scored the biggest score of his life 😛

For the first time, I was inspired, only to realise what I wanted was just out of my reach. Postives, anyone 🤢

There are times when you will miss what you never had. I wonder how you will find what you so desperately need.

Casey D. Geek, keep talking to that friend you mentioned above (even if his cellphone reception is horrid)... whether it may be through e-mail, chatting or skype!!

Moreover, since this is concerning higher education, what is the system like in India? Do your school counselors have suggestions? Or any students in uni that have advice? Maybe there's another way of getting into the school/program of your choice if it seems "unreachable" at this point.

If anything, do start looking into uni in the UK or the US (or CAN, etc... etc... study abroad... fun experience!!). Be active like your life depended on it. There's no harm in doing that is there? It shows determination (but try not to sound too desperate) and motivation. You want it, and you're trying your damnest for it!! Keep a spreadsheet for school data (like number of acceptances, average requirements, tuition, etc). You can look at forums regarding schools (I have no idea if this is for undergraduate or graduate/professional school)... a peer-to-peer basis... success stories are often found there... Some people even keep blogs about how they turned their failures into successes, so you're seriously NOT alone. You will be if you don't get yourself out of this pessimistic mindset!!

And if it seems difficult to get data, look at yourself. Make your own CV/resume... what makes you unique? What makes you stand out? Actively email/communicate to the schools you're interested in. See how you can get into them. The worse that could happen is that they can only offer you generic advice, but nothing lost, right? You learn more.

I was seriously in a situation somewhat similar to yours 1 month ago, now I'm moving my arse. I'm tired of that sick feeling in my stomach. I HAVE WORTH!! And so do you. So does everyone!! And seriously, if there are people who are willing to offer help/advice, TAKE IT. And if you really are in need of help, SEEK IT OUT from reliable sources. Networking is amazing man... seriously...

Quote from hobbitelf518

Moreover, since this is concerning higher education, what is the system like in India? Do your school counselors have suggestions? Or any students in uni that have advice? Maybe there's another way of getting into the school/program of your choice if it seems "unreachable" at this point.

If anything, do start looking into uni in the UK or the US (or CAN, etc... etc... study abroad... fun experience!!). Be active like your life depended on it. There's no harm in doing that is there? It shows determination (but try not to sound too desperate) and motivation. You want it, and you're trying your damnest for it!! Keep a spreadsheet for school data (like number of acceptances, average requirements, tuition, etc). You can look at forums regarding schools (I have no idea if this is for undergraduate or graduate/professional school)... a peer-to-peer basis... success stories are often found there... Some people even keep blogs about how they turned their failures into successes, so you're seriously NOT alone. You will be if you don't get yourself out of this pessimistic mindset!!

I was seriously in a situation somewhat similar to yours 1 month ago, now I'm moving my arse. I'm tired of that sick feeling in my stomach. I HAVE WORTH!! And so do you. So does everyone!! And seriously, if there are people who are willing to offer help/advice, TAKE IT. And if you really are in need of help, SEEK IT OUT from reliable sources. Networking is amazing man... seriously...

Uni options in India - not so good for what I want. Good, but not what I want. I am already looking into US and UK Unis, as I mentioned above. Financial Aid is the biggest problem, if I get accepted anywhere. And I searched a lot, and found a few articles relevent to what I want to do. Not that helpful, overall.

Dude, I'm waiting for my transfer. There's honestly nothing to do in school - no clubs, no competitions for 11th and 12th class students, nothing. When - or rather if - I get to the new school in the new city, I might be able to do something, but we've been waiting for transfer orders for almost a year!!!!! And the holidays are starting! 🙁

There are times when you will miss what you never had. I wonder how you will find what you so desperately need.

Quote from Casey D. Geek

Uni options in India - not so good for what I want. Good, but not what I want. I am already looking into US and UK Unis, as I mentioned above. Financial Aid is the biggest problem, if I get accepted anywhere. And I searched a lot, and found a few articles relevent to what I want to do. Not that helpful, overall.

Dude, I'm waiting for my transfer. There's honestly nothing to do in school - no clubs, no competitions for 11th and 12th class students, nothing. When - or rather if - I get to the new school in the new city, I might be able to do something, but we've been waiting for transfer orders for almost a year!!!!! And the holidays are starting! 🙁

Okay, first... what do you plan on becoming (or at least, majoring in for uni since I'm assuming you're in secondary/high school right now)? I say... if you want to get into a US school, make sure you're prepared for the standardized tests like TOEFL and SATs (though I am unfamiliar with the process for foreign students). But based on your English, I think you'll do quite well on TOEFL... 😀

If your school doesn't offer great extra curricular programs, find something in your community... Can you get a job? Can you volunteer or do a non-paid internship? Are there any two-week/month-long or summer programs for secondary/high school students in a company/school/clinic/etc? Honestly, I didn't do much while I was in secondary school except participate in two clubs and was an active tutor for the school... I think what got me into undergraduate uni was my personal essays and my numbers... GPA was great (not meaning to boast), SATs were good... but it was really the personal statement. I had help from my cousin in making it a unique story... Everyone has interesting experiences, just figure out what can do to make you stand out... Or maybe you have an interesting family circumstance... that's interesting as well.

Gaaah... I wonder if there are any BU members who were in a situation similar to yours... trying to get into a uni in another country because I'd trust them and listen to their stories rather than my attempt at advice...

Quote from hobbitelf518

Okay, first... what do you plan on becoming (or at least, majoring in for uni since I'm assuming you're in secondary/high school right now)? I say... if you want to get into a US school, make sure you're prepared for the standardized tests like TOEFL and SATs (though I am unfamiliar with the process for foreign students). But based on your English, I think you'll do quite well on TOEFL... 😀

If your school doesn't offer great extra curricular programs, find something in your community... Can you get a job? Can you volunteer or do a non-paid internship? Are there any two-week/month-long or summer programs for secondary/high school students in a company/school/clinic/etc? Honestly, I didn't do much while I was in secondary school except participate in two clubs and was an active tutor for the school... I think what got me into undergraduate uni was my personal essays and my numbers... GPA was great (not meaning to boast), SATs were good... but it was really the personal statement. I had help from my cousin in making it a unique story... Everyone has interesting experiences, just figure out what can do to make you stand out... Or maybe you have an interesting family circumstance... that's interesting as well.

Gaaah... I wonder if there are any BU members who were in a situation similar to yours... trying to get into a uni in another country because I'd trust them and listen to their stories rather than my attempt at advice...

I am looking for things to do, but I can't find anything. No jobs, clubs, anything. Everybody expects 11th and 12th class students to be preping for IIT, or AIEEE, or PMT, or CLAT, or some other tests, and to be working their asses off studying.

I think I can do pretty well on SAT, I'm taking it in May. I'll work on my essays so that they truly express what I want to do. GPA - good according to Indian standards for 11th, not so good for US standards.

The only thing that makes me stand out - other than my lack of official ECs, that is - is the fact that I'm doing something nobody around me is doing. I'm piecing everything together by myself, e-mailing this guy and that guy and this Uni, that Uni, to gather bits and pieces. I'm hoping I can highlight that in my application, but hey, I'm talking about the most selective schools in US. The only thing interesting about my family circumstances is that I've moved 12 times in 16 years, and I'm 16 years old. I'm screwed 🤢

There are times when you will miss what you never had. I wonder how you will find what you so desperately need.

Quote from Casey D. Geek

I am looking for things to do, but I can't find anything. No jobs, clubs, anything. Everybody expects 11th and 12th class students to be preping for IIT, or AIEEE, or PMT, or CLAT, or some other tests, and to be working their asses off studying.

Keep looking... something is bound to turn up somehow. And again... what are you planning on majoring in?!

Quote from Casey D. Geek

I'm hoping I can highlight that in my application, but hey, I'm talking about the most selective schools in US - Yale, Princeton top choices, Harvard only other choice (Financial Aid problems). The only thing interesting about my family circumstances is that I've moved 12 times in 16 years, and I'm 16 years old. I'm screwed 🤢

Why do you have to apply to the ivy leagues? This is undergraduate (bachelor's degree) education we're talking about here... not for graduate/professional degrees (masters/doctorate/MD, etc). Those are incredibly selective AND expensive... to me... not worth it... worth it maybe for professional/graduate school, but most definitely not worth it for undergrad...

Again, WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR? There are plenty of "more" affordable universities that have excellent programs... no need to go to a "brand name" school. Don't pick it just for the "brand name."

Not certain about major, but it will probably be English and/or related. And I'm applying to those Unis not because of the brand value, nut because of two reasons -
1, The oppurtunities there are what I want, and so much more 🙂
2. They are the only good US Unis other MIT(Engineering 🤢 ) that offer need-based Financial Aid to International Students. I can't afford a US Uni without aid.

There are times when you will miss what you never had. I wonder how you will find what you so desperately need.

Quote from Casey D. Geek

1, The oppurtunities there are what I want, and so much more 🙂

I wonder what kind of opportunities ivy leagues offer that other schools don't... (big research-oriented universities offer a lot, not just ivy leagues... trust me...)

Quote from Casey D. Geek

2. They are the only good US Unis other MIT(Engineering 🤢 ) that offer need-based Financial Aid to International Students. I can't afford a US Uni without aid.

I hope that this link helps as I am unfamiliar with financial aid for international students. But definitely contact the school directly (someone from the Office of Financial Aid... and be as polite as you can... they're usually sulky people... don't take it personally... they just are.)

EDIT: This Q%A link looks pretty good too regarding financial aid for internat'l students.

As for admissions, contact someone on the Admissions Committee (and maybe the specific "school" in the university as you may see... there are many MANY majors, so a university may split up into many different "schools"...) Since you're in 10th grade? Or is this 11th grade? You seem to be right on track! Kudos to you. See... you're doing better than you think.