Take care of your school GPA from 9th grade/freshman year
This is a no-brainer but should be said anyway. Some students like to slack-off after middle school - it's a new environment, you may not have a solid group of friends, you're still getting use to everything. But a poor freshman year GPA can kill you.
You think that a few C's or 70's can be made up by strong AP and Honors inflated grades, but Harvard pays attention to your COMPLETE 4 YEAR TRANSCRIPT. A few C's and 70's in easy courses like Biology I will make Ivy League schools think that you can't handle basic academic material. Your high school class grades matter - all 4 years.
Prepare for and take the SAT early
In an earlier article on SAT tips for Ivy League schools, I explain the "minimum" score necessary for top schools.
My overall advice is that you should shoot for a perfect score but be happy with a "good score" (anything above 2100). Don't take the test too many times - anything more than 2 or 3 without huge 100+ strides each time just makes you look desperate and incapable.
You should also take the test as early as possible - take the Duke University TIP in 7th grade, take the PSAT in freshman year or sophomore year at least once. It's great practice, and it won't go on your permanent score transcript and Harvard won't be mad that you got a 1800 as a 9th grader in high school.
It's a great chance for some practice that is completely risk-free. Why wouldn't you??
Get involved in clubs early
Notice my advice here - an early start is ideal for Ivy League candidates. By joining different activities and clubs your freshman year, you demonstrate to Harvard that you are committed to specific interests/passions.
Ideally, you'd stay involved in those same clubs over at least a few years. However, if you find that the French Club is really not where you'd prefer spending Tuesday afternoon, that's ok too - just make sure you're not using the time watch reruns of the Simpsons.
Diversify at least a little
I usually say it's more about unique stories than it is about being good at everything. After all, college admissions offices want diverse and well-rounded student bodies but don't need everyone to be an early Renaissance man.
Build a core, related set of interests
By having a coherent theme - for instance, a passion for inner city issues or a love of music (as shown through participation in things like the String Orchestra and involvement in music-related nonprofits) is a great way to build a CLEAR AND UNIQUE IDENTITY that, if strong enough, is your best shot at getting into Ivy League schools.
Visit campuses
By visiting target schools, you show a clear interest. Plus, you'll meet people during your time on campus that will help you decide whether you're a better fit for Harvard or Yale, Princeton or Brown.
Prepare for alumni interviews
IMPORTANT - don't forget to start doing this early. If you're a strong candidate, this isn't something that you wait until the last minute to get ready for.
The ideal way to prepare for admissions interviews is to practice interviews with older people - not your brother or your best friend. Have them ask you questions about your accomplishments, your life story, your reasons for wanting to attend Princeton.
This is a no-brainer but should be said anyway. Some students like to slack-off after middle school - it's a new environment, you may not have a solid group of friends, you're still getting use to everything. But a poor freshman year GPA can kill you.
You think that a few C's or 70's can be made up by strong AP and Honors inflated grades, but Harvard pays attention to your COMPLETE 4 YEAR TRANSCRIPT. A few C's and 70's in easy courses like Biology I will make Ivy League schools think that you can't handle basic academic material. Your high school class grades matter - all 4 years.
Prepare for and take the SAT early
In an earlier article on SAT tips for Ivy League schools, I explain the "minimum" score necessary for top schools.
My overall advice is that you should shoot for a perfect score but be happy with a "good score" (anything above 2100). Don't take the test too many times - anything more than 2 or 3 without huge 100+ strides each time just makes you look desperate and incapable.
You should also take the test as early as possible - take the Duke University TIP in 7th grade, take the PSAT in freshman year or sophomore year at least once. It's great practice, and it won't go on your permanent score transcript and Harvard won't be mad that you got a 1800 as a 9th grader in high school.
It's a great chance for some practice that is completely risk-free. Why wouldn't you??
Get involved in clubs early
Notice my advice here - an early start is ideal for Ivy League candidates. By joining different activities and clubs your freshman year, you demonstrate to Harvard that you are committed to specific interests/passions.
Ideally, you'd stay involved in those same clubs over at least a few years. However, if you find that the French Club is really not where you'd prefer spending Tuesday afternoon, that's ok too - just make sure you're not using the time watch reruns of the Simpsons.
Diversify at least a little
I usually say it's more about unique stories than it is about being good at everything. After all, college admissions offices want diverse and well-rounded student bodies but don't need everyone to be an early Renaissance man.
Build a core, related set of interests
By having a coherent theme - for instance, a passion for inner city issues or a love of music (as shown through participation in things like the String Orchestra and involvement in music-related nonprofits) is a great way to build a CLEAR AND UNIQUE IDENTITY that, if strong enough, is your best shot at getting into Ivy League schools.
Visit campuses
By visiting target schools, you show a clear interest. Plus, you'll meet people during your time on campus that will help you decide whether you're a better fit for Harvard or Yale, Princeton or Brown.
Prepare for alumni interviews
IMPORTANT - don't forget to start doing this early. If you're a strong candidate, this isn't something that you wait until the last minute to get ready for.
The ideal way to prepare for admissions interviews is to practice interviews with older people - not your brother or your best friend. Have them ask you questions about your accomplishments, your life story, your reasons for wanting to attend Princeton.
About the Author:
Hopeless To Harvard is an insider's account of how a B+ student got into Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. Click here to get college admissions help. Discover secrets of Ivy League admissions, and go to the school of your dreams. Learn how to enter Harvard now!
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