I'm 16 years old - how do I get into chess?

When you join the chess club and start playing in tournaments, you'll get an over-the-board rating from your national chess association.

1600 is a very realistic goal.  Studying basic tactics and endgames should get you there.

It's actually refreshing to hear someone wanting to be 1600, instead of a GM in 18 months.

I think almost anybody can reach 1600, it's a very realistic goal, who knows, you may even go much higher still.

Hi, I started at 15 (that was almost three years ago). I am now 1600 chess.com, though only 1419 national federation.

My best suggestion would be to do tactics. The Trainer here is good, I also use chesstempo.com You should also check the local library, mine had some great books on chess.

Just do not be intimidated at school-when you first join the club, most will be far better than you, but you will improve soon.

tactics, tactics, tactics!

If you put some time in it, I believe you can reach 1600 in a few months.

First you need to join a chess club, and if possible an OTB coach, but this is no must. Then get the books How to Reassess your Chess and read it. Then you upgrade to diamond here on the site, and watch some vids, do some mentor courses, and of course the tactics! If you dont wanna pay for the site, you have to buy a tactics book (could be The Complete Chess Workout) or you can use chessmentor, if you dont wanna pay for a book.

How to Reassess your chess and tactics is no question musts.

Tactics (like talent) are overrated....you don't need to study tactics until your eyes bleed to get to 1600. What you need is confidence, and the discipline to work hard both at and away from the board 

I think there are a couple of threads about this subject already on the forum, with soem good comments about progress and the do's and don'ts for each level.  just browse around