<p>If this post is serious, then I would ask if your parents are educated themselves, or not. Did they go to college, and where?</p>
<p>The problem here appears to be your parents, not you, though the problem is infecting you, so to speak.</p>
<p>Obsession with Harvard is more common among people who are not informed about colleges that are available for bright kids, and also common among people for whom their kids are sort of trophies. In other words, parents who gain prestige through their kids. </p>
<p>Not to get into stereotypes, but there are a lot of Asian tour groups moving through Harvard: I realize that in certain countries, Harvard is of great interest. Perhaps your parents were raised in that culture-?</p>
<p>Your parents may want to tell friends and relatives that their child is going to Harvard, or they believe, falsely, that such a school is the only road to success for you.</p>
<p>I honestly suggest somehow getting someone in a position of respect and authority to talk with your parents before this goes any farther. They could talk with a private college counselor, a school guidance counselor (if a good one), or even a mental health counselor.</p>
<p>They need to learn about other schools, and, if they won’t listen, then you need to do that for yourself. You could go to a library and get books on colleges, such as “Beyond the Ivies,” “Colleges that Change Lives,” “Cool Colleges,” “Creative Colleges” and so on. Also, honors colleges at state schools are often excellent, depending on what state you are in. Sometimes it is good to be in a place where you can really shine.</p>
<p>Usually, I would write the same things that others have written, about relaxing and enjoying high school, finding your interests naturally, and not living your life in order to get into a school. This is a form of spiritual sickness (tell you parents this!).</p>
<p>I would also tell you to put college out of your mind for a few years.</p>
<p>But in this situation, since you and your family are already obsessed with college, specifically Harvard, I think you actually need to explore the subject MORE. Then, let it go for awhile.</p>
<p>At first glance this seemed like a mental health issue, but it is clearly a matter of family culture, and counseling might help with that. Of course your parents love you and want the best for you, but maybe they could be persuaded to let go of this obsession for a few years, to help you be more relaxed.</p>
<p>You will crash and burn with this kind of pressure. A surprising number of Harvard students have mental health problems, probably from living the way you are. I have read that those who “dream” for years of getting in, get very depressed once there, because the goal was getting in, not benefiting once there. Once in, life feels empty.</p>
<p>I have a child at Harvard. Believe me, it’s just a school. Brick buildings, professors, students. Yes, courses are great, many interesting students. It is big, and you are on your own more than at some other colleges, such as smaller liberal arts colleges. My child was not terribly anxious to go there, long story, but she is relatively happy there, just as she would have been in many places.</p>
<p>There are many, many good schools out there and getting fixed on one, especially one that is so randomly selective, is not a good idea at all. The best way to prepare yourself for college admissions is to stop worrying and find other schools besides Harvard, that could make you happy. Apply to Harvard if you like, but not with desperation, and with other good options.</p>