Take care of your GPA starting 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 article on how to conquer the SAT for Ivy League admissions, I explain the "minimum" score necessary for top schools.
My general advice is that you should shoot for a perfect score (why not??) but be happy with a "good score" (anything above 2100). Don't take it more than a couple times - anything more than 2 without 100+ strides each time makes you look like you're not trying very hard.
You should start taking it early - take the Duke TIP in middle school, take the PSAT in sophomore year at least once before the real PSAT. Don't worry, it won't go on your permanent record and Stanford won't be mad that you got a 1800 as a freshman high school student.
It's a great opportunity for practice that has no consequences. Why wouldn't you do that?
Get involved in activities now
Notice my advice here - an early start is critical for Ivy League schools. By joining different clubs early in high school, you show schools like Yale and Princeton that you are committed to specific passions and have clear hobbies.
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 at least a little
I usually say it's more about your unique admissions stories than it is about diversification. After all, Ivy League admissions offices want diversified student bodies but don't need everyone to be completely well-rounded.
Build a core set of commitments
By having a consistent and related theme - for instance, a passion for inner city issues or a love of music (as shown through participation in the String Orchestra and involvement in music-related nonprofit charities) is a great way to build a UNIQUE IDENTITY that, if strong enough, is your best shot at getting into Princeton.
Visit campus
By visiting schools, you show a clear and demonstrated interest. Plus, you'll meet people on that visit that will help you determine if you're a better fit for Princeton or Yale, Dartmouth or Brown.
Prepare for alumni interviews
YOU MUST start doing this early. If you're a strong student, you're sure to get an interview and this isn't something that you wait until the last day to prepare 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 Yale.
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 article on how to conquer the SAT for Ivy League admissions, I explain the "minimum" score necessary for top schools.
My general advice is that you should shoot for a perfect score (why not??) but be happy with a "good score" (anything above 2100). Don't take it more than a couple times - anything more than 2 without 100+ strides each time makes you look like you're not trying very hard.
You should start taking it early - take the Duke TIP in middle school, take the PSAT in sophomore year at least once before the real PSAT. Don't worry, it won't go on your permanent record and Stanford won't be mad that you got a 1800 as a freshman high school student.
It's a great opportunity for practice that has no consequences. Why wouldn't you do that?
Get involved in activities now
Notice my advice here - an early start is critical for Ivy League schools. By joining different clubs early in high school, you show schools like Yale and Princeton that you are committed to specific passions and have clear hobbies.
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 at least a little
I usually say it's more about your unique admissions stories than it is about diversification. After all, Ivy League admissions offices want diversified student bodies but don't need everyone to be completely well-rounded.
Build a core set of commitments
By having a consistent and related theme - for instance, a passion for inner city issues or a love of music (as shown through participation in the String Orchestra and involvement in music-related nonprofit charities) is a great way to build a UNIQUE IDENTITY that, if strong enough, is your best shot at getting into Princeton.
Visit campus
By visiting schools, you show a clear and demonstrated interest. Plus, you'll meet people on that visit that will help you determine if you're a better fit for Princeton or Yale, Dartmouth or Brown.
Prepare for alumni interviews
YOU MUST start doing this early. If you're a strong student, you're sure to get an interview and this isn't something that you wait until the last day to prepare 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 Yale.
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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