My daughter is 10 and dreams of going to Harvard. How can I help her get there?

Question

she does really well in school, but it's only public school.

Answer 1

As a someone who just graduated from high school two months ago and will be attending a public university, here's what I can tell you. First of all, find out what her interests are. If she's into music, look at playing an instrument for the school orchestra or band. If she's into sports, you may want to offer her the option of joining a junior league team. Second, introduce her to different genres of books. Since she does really well in school, she is probably a good reader. And finally, she's only ten. When she's a few years older, she might have another dream school. Dreams can change. But for now, just explain to her that there are other options out there besides Harvard. I hope this answers your question.

Answer 2

I am a public school teacher and many students in public schools go to Ivy League universities. (not to mention, many private school teachers are not even certified to teach their subject areas).  You can help your daughter by encouraging her to try activities she is interested in, keeping up her grades and taking higher level courses (Advanced Placement ones) and AP exams.  You might also want to encourage her to do something "different"- that's what Ivy Leagues look for- such as volunteering abroad, having an uncommon hobby or sport (fencing, banjo, etc.)

Answer 3

Public school is fine. Make sure she is ranking in at least the top 3 in her class (best to be #1) or else she doesn't stand much of a chance. Also, make sure she has some unique qualities/skills about her that separates her from other applicants. Build her resume.

Answer 4

The best thing you can do is to teach her now that there are many equally good colleges. Right now Harvard takes about 4% of applicants that don't have a connection to the college. That means they are turning away thousands each year with perfect grades and SAT scores. There is simply nothing you can do to have a good chance there, much less a guarantee.

Answer 5

Public school does not disqualify your child right off the bat.

If the public school has less than average statistics, make sure she enrolls in higher-level classes. Make sure she takes Math and Science classes all four years (although they will not be required to graduate from high school).

Colleges and Universities like to look for someone who is well-rounded and unique. Make sure she volunteers at hospitals or for special organizations, while taking the harder courses in her school. Joining extracurricular activities tends to give the university a preview of what the student's values are.

There are thousands of children out there who have 4.0's, and who are absolutely alike in the aspect of education. Let her get close to her teachers in order to receive extra impressive recommendation letters. Try to find a way for her to be noticed nationally. Let her hard work be presented through a national award of honor students; let her accept an internship in Washington; things that are unique that not every other student does will definitely get her noticed.

From experience, Please let her know how important freshman year is! If she slacks off, it is a bad foundation for the rest of her education -- yes even in college.

Have her study for her ACT's and her SAT's before needing to. Let her take them her Junior year in order to retake them if she doesn't do so well. Let her reach for a 30 on the ACT's. Definitely take AP Classes, (and the AP exams at the end of the year!)

Good for your daughter, to be so motivated at such a young age. Good luck to the both of you. (And don't cry too much when she does get accepted into Harvard!) =]

Answer 6

There is not a darn thing wrong with public school.  the best thing you can do for her right now is make sure she attends and loves learning.

Answer 7

Well, let's see...Remember the old joke about how to get to Carnegie Hall?

You can get to Harvard by taking the Red Line to the Harvard Square station, or you can take the Mass Pike and get off at Exit 18.

Seriously, though....

I think it's great that your 10-year old daughter is already so highly motivated to succeed in school. However, as a parent, I would recommend that you teach your daughter that it's not Harvard that's the goal - the true goal is a constant dedication to do her very best.

Harvard is one of many fine schools in the United States - who knows, maybe your daughter's talents and interests will lead her to a field of study where MIT or Stanford or the University of Pennsylvania is the absolute creme de la creme. She should aspire to her own personal success - which will not be defined by a specific school.

If your daughter dreams of a top-notch college, you and she should work to sharpen her communication skills. The single most important element of scholastic success is almost always the ability to express yourself in writing and speech. Make sure she has a well-rounded education - expose her to places and things and "culture" - the more things she has an appreciation for, the more she'll be able to draw upon in her studies.

Even if your daughter doesn't wind up in a "science" career, exposure to the sciences opens up a whole new way of evaluating information and understanding how things "fit together". She'll learn healthy skepticism, and sharpen her logic skills.

Your daughter should read - and enjoy reading. People who are "students of life" are successful students of academics, too.

Maintain a good GPA in the most challenging available courses - honors and gifted programs are always helpful - not just because of the "halo", but because they provide more opportunities to explore. Do keep in mind, however, that it's not all about academics. A well-rounded individual has hobbies and enjoys things outside of the classroom, whether that's sports, music, work, or community service. As your daughter gets older, she should find things that she is truly passionate about, and engage in them!

It's a long way from 5th grade to Harvard, and it's important that your daughter realizes that she is going to have a lot of "growing" to do along the way. If her goals change, that's okay, as long as she keeps the doors open to pursue her dream, whatever that turns out to be. You can help her to understand that it's not Harvard that matters - it's developing into a smart, self-assured and confident young lady who can make a mark - whatever that turns out to be - on her world.

Good luck to you.

Answer 8

Better start getting her involved with a favorite sport of hers.  Get her more involved with her hobbies.  Make sure she doesn't hang out with the wrong crowd.  Get her a tutor (or tutors).  Start investing for her college education - open a 529 plan or an educational IRA right now.

God bless your daughter.  At the age of 10, I didn't even know what Harvard was.

Answer 9

Believe it or not, she can make it to Harvard by going to public school.  She will probably learn more by going to public school.  Unlike in private school, in public school you can't slip the school money in exchange for good grades.  

Answer 10

Harvard is a very good school in the fact that it doesn't matter if you go to public or private school. Just make sure that your daugher challenges herself. Like doing AP classes or Honors when she gets in high school or even middle. I am 13 and i have taken Algebra I and i am Taking geomatry. Thats what those Ivy Schools want to see. They would rather see her go outside her comfort zone and get a b then always take basic classes and get a's. Do you know what i mean? But do not let her take so many advanced classes that she will want to end her life. HOpe i could help :]

Answer 11

Make sure she understands what she needs to know. Help her when you can. Enroll her in some extra stuff, like sports, choir, volunteering, etc throughout the years. Don't overwhelm her, but keep her having fun and trying new things that help her mature and help others. Just little things over the years show a lot.