Help on what to do to get into Harvard.

Question

I'm a sophomore in high school right now, and as a Freshman I posted a 4.0 in all advanced classes. I'm taking all advanced classes again, one of them being an AP class, and I was wondering if being a Valedictorian would be enough to get into Harvard.

Answer 1

Harvard turned down hundreds of valedictorians and perfect SAT scorers last year.  Having good grades and test scores is a must, but they only accepted 6 percent of applicants - you need to find a unique way to stand out.

Answer 2

Harvard's overrated.

Try Vassar, Lehigh, Northwestern, NYU, Columbia, U.of Penn,.......

Answer 3

your on the right track! But grades is only one factor.

Here are the big factors

1. Grades GPA

2. Courses, how advanced they are

3. ACT/SAT scores

4. School involvement (lots of clubs student government as many academic clubs you can get into)

5. Community involvment (community service, number of hours)

6. Teacher recomendations

7. Application essay

8.family alumni

Well i hope this helped, if your interested in a school like Harvard talk to your guidance counseler.

Hope I helped!

Answer 4

You should also join some type of academic club & do some type of volunteer work outside of school. They take your extra-curricular activities into consideration as well as your grades. I'd start preparing that entrance essay NOW!  

Answer 5

No, lately, being a Valedictorian won't make you get into Harvard.  It looks good.. but it won't determine if you will be going to Harvard.  If you are planning to be a Valedictorian, try to be one from all advanced classes.  The more AP test the better, seeing that you get a decent score that is.  Extracurricular activities are very important.  This is how colleges think these days:  Everyone that is applying for Harvard is smart... so if everyone is smart... how do they choose?  By extracurricular activities and something very eye-catching.  

Also, volunteer services are very important.  This way, they know that you are not a one-track person who only knows studying.  

Remember, most people that are applying for prestigious colleges are smart.  Do not underestimate.  

There was this one kid who had all the same classes as this other person, but had a somewhat lower grade than the other one.  Yet, the one with the little bit lower grade got in because his extracurriculars were good.  Colleges are looking for people that can offer their college something.  This is how people like Tiger Woods got into Stanford, because he was good in golf for his age, a trait that not many people had.

But there is another way to get into Harvard.  If your parents or family members have ever got into Harvard, that is a bonus point for you.  I do not know why, but they like people you had their family members that went to the same college.

Well until then, good luck