How to get into Harvard in 30 minutes
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 at least once. It won’t go on your permanent score transcript and Harvard won’t be mad that you got a 1800 as a freshman high school student.
It’s a great opportunity for practice that is without risk. Why would you not do that?
Get involved in activities now
Notice my advice here - an early start is necessary for Ivy League admissions. By joining different clubs early in high school, you show Harvard that you are committed to specific interests/passions.
Ideally, you’d stay involved in those clubs over at least 2-3 years. However, if you find that the Spanish Club is really not where you’d prefer spending Wednesday afternoon, that’s ok - just make sure you’re not going home to watch reruns of the Simpsons.
Diversify within reason
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 set of commitments
By having a clear theme - for instance, a passion for inner city issues or a love of music (as expressed through your participation in the String Orchestra and involvement in music-related charities and the like) is a great way to build a CLEAR IDENTITY that, if strong enough, is your best shot at getting into the Ivy Leagues.
Visit your target schools
By visiting campus, you show a clear interest in that school. Plus, you’ll meet people along the way that will help you understand whether you’re a better fit for Harvard or Princeton, Penn or Brown.
Prepare for college interviews
DON’T FORGET to start doing this early. If you have a strong shot, this isn’t something that you wait until the last second to study for.
The best way to get ready for alumni interviews is to practice interviews with family and older people - not your twin brother. Have them ask questions about your accomplishments, your life story, your reasons for wanting to go to Stanford.