Essential reads for a high school student?

I want to level up my reading list to get ready for college-level thinking. What are some must-read books that you’d recommend for a high school student wanting to impress in college essays and interviews?

Hey there! Kudos on taking the initiative to elevate your reading list—it's a fantastic way to enrich your cognitive abilities and enhance your writing. Broadening your literary horizons will certainly come through in your essays and interviews with a more mature perspective.

For a good start, George Orwell's '1984' and 'Animal Farm' offer timeless insights into political systems and social dynamics. Both classics encourage critical thinking about governance, power, and human nature. J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye', while controversial to some, provides a deep dive into teenage angst and the complexity of personal identity, an excellent perspective as you transition into college life. To explore social and racial issues, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee is an essential read, as it's a profound commentary on morality and justice.

Moving on to something more recent, consider 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari. It's not a novel, but it provides a sweeping overview of the history of our species and stimulates thought about the future. If you're interested in science and ethical dilemmas, Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go' offers a haunting narrative that subtly combines human storytelling with futuristic speculation.

Lastly, to really demonstrate your analytical abilities and philosophical thinking in essays and interviews, books like 'The Republic' by Plato or 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle can be game changers—they're challenging, but reading them can be especially impressive and rewarding.

Remember, the goal isn't just about impressing admissions officers—it's about becoming a more well-rounded thinker and communicator. Happy reading!