Take care of your school GPA from 9th grade/freshman year
Some students like to slack-off after middle school - it's a new environment, you may not know where the water fountains are, you're still getting use to the teachers. But a poor 9th grade GPA can kill your chances to get into Ivy League schools.
You may think that one or two C's can be made up later by plenty of AP and Honors classes, but colleges pay attention to your FULL TRANSCRIPT. A few C's in relatively easy courses like American History or World Geography will make Harvard think that you can't handle even basic academic material. It doesn't matter if you're 15 or 50. Your high school GPA matters - all four years.
Prepare for and take the SAT early
In an earlier post on SAT scores for college admissions, I discuss the "minimum" score for Ivy League admissions.
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 opportunity for practice that has no consequences. Why wouldn't you do that?
Get involved in clubs from day one
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 should stay in those same clubs over at least a couple years. However, if you find that the German Club is really not where you'd prefer spending Thursday afternoon, that's ok too - just make sure you're not using the time watch TV cartoons.
Diversify a little bit
I usually say it's more about stories than it is about being well-rounded. After all, college admissions offices want well-rounded student bodies but don't need everyone to be a perfect microcosm.
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.
Some students like to slack-off after middle school - it's a new environment, you may not know where the water fountains are, you're still getting use to the teachers. But a poor 9th grade GPA can kill your chances to get into Ivy League schools.
You may think that one or two C's can be made up later by plenty of AP and Honors classes, but colleges pay attention to your FULL TRANSCRIPT. A few C's in relatively easy courses like American History or World Geography will make Harvard think that you can't handle even basic academic material. It doesn't matter if you're 15 or 50. Your high school GPA matters - all four years.
Prepare for and take the SAT early
In an earlier post on SAT scores for college admissions, I discuss the "minimum" score for Ivy League admissions.
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 opportunity for practice that has no consequences. Why wouldn't you do that?
Get involved in clubs from day one
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 should stay in those same clubs over at least a couple years. However, if you find that the German Club is really not where you'd prefer spending Thursday afternoon, that's ok too - just make sure you're not using the time watch TV cartoons.
Diversify a little bit
I usually say it's more about stories than it is about being well-rounded. After all, college admissions offices want well-rounded student bodies but don't need everyone to be a perfect microcosm.
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:
Running out of time on your college application? Hopeless To Harvard is an insider's account of how a B+ student got into Ivy League schools. Click here to learn last-minute tips. Get into Harvard now!
No comments:
Post a Comment