<p>Hello! I'm Abigail, and I'm finishing my high school (Sophomore year).
I was wondering if you could help me. I was talking with my teachers the other day about the universities for which I will apply. They told me that if I want (and if I continue studying this way), I could be able to get in Harvard, but they didn't give me much more information.
Could you give me the name of the tests that I should take?<br>
For now, I think that it would be enough. Right?
Thanks you a lot.
P.D: I am in a public school in Spain.</p>
<p>SAT Reasoning Test and several SAT Subjects Tests</p>
<p>SAT IIs!
I didn't know these existed until freshman year.
And then I took one freshman year.
Bad move.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information.
Shouldn't I take a test in my sophomore year?</p>
<p>you could take the PSAT sophomore year or even take the SAT sophomore year</p>
<p>if you take biology or chemistry, i'd take an sat ii in like may of that year, whatever year that may be.</p>
<p>lol I love how you said "P.D." instead of "P.S."
:D</p>
<p>Hokem168: That's because here in Spain, we said P.D (Post Data) which means After Date.
xD But in fact, it's the same.
How many Sat II should I take? I read somwhere that I should take three. It's true? Besides, I have to take the SAT too?</p>
<ul>
<li>It's ideal to take three SAT Subject Tests for top tier schools like Harvard (and other ivies). </li>
<li>SATs are mandatory (you can retake these until you're happy with your score).</li>
<li>AP (or IB) exams would show your aptitude for college level work. You should be taking a corresponding class for these (unless you're self studying).</li>
</ul>
<p>If you want, you can also take the ACTs. It's kind of like the SATs, but mostly for midwestern/western schools. Harvard accepts either. Check with the schools to find which one they prefer.</p>
<p>Just remember: getting into Harvard (or any other American school for that matter) is much more difficult as an international. You're fighting for a limited amount of spots against many (very) qualified international students.</p>
<p>No wrong! Harvard doesn't have quota for international students! You don't "fight" against other international students. Harvard is even need-blind for international students. I got into Harvard as a foreigner studying at a local public school. Don't let yourself be discouraged by people like this!</p>
<p>yeah harvard is one of those schools whose international acceptance rate is pretty much the same as the overall rate</p>
<p>unlike some schools...coughstanfordcough</p>
<p>Here's Harvard's current guide to applying: </p>
<p>That's a section of the Harvard viewbook. The question and answer section </p>
<p>is also helpful.</p>
<p>It's a big deal if I take the SAT instead the ACT? Does Harvard have any preference for one of both?
Because it's impossible for me to take the ACT.</p>
<p>There is no preference one way or the other!</p>
<p>If ANYTHING, the SAT might be slightly more desirable than the ACT (but that is ABSOLUTELY not an official stance). I only say that because it is (maybe only slightly) easier to score "very high scores" (2300+) on the SAT than on the ACT (35+) because of how the tests are curved/points are counted.</p>
<p>Some advice about the SAT and SAT-IIs. International students are probably more familiar with the SAT than the ACT. To prepare for the SAT, look up the forum SAT/AP and check out "the xiggi method." Xiggi is currently a graduate student who, as a high schooler, developed a method to prepare for the SAT that is very useful and costs nothing more than the price of the RealSATs book published by the College Board.</p>
<p>As for the SAT-IIs, some schools ask for 3, some for only two and most do not ask for any. Harvard will accept any three but others have specific requirements. Since you are most likely to apply to other schools besides Harvard, check out their requirements and act accordingly.
The best time to take the SAT-II in a subject is at the end of the course in that subject and before your memory fades. Again, there are books that can help prepare you for taking the subject tests; it's important to check the coverage as American schools differ in the way they cover subjects from international schools and so the optimal time for taking the test may differ. The general idea is that you should try to get as many of these tests out of the way by the end of junior year, with the idea of retaking one or two in the fall of senior year if you think you could improve your scores.
Are you in an International Baccalaureate program? Most top schools in the US are quite familiar with the program.
As a sophomore, you need not worry about taking tests just yet. Take challenging courses and do well in them. Cultivate some extra-curricular activities, whether in the arts, sports or community service, or academic activities outside of classes. Top schools want students who are interesting individuals as well as excellent scholars.</p>
<p>Yes, for chance, as I heard about it some months ago, I have already bought the SAT books xD (the SAT and one SAT II, I only have to buy two more of the SAT II) </p>
<p>"Cultivate some extra-curricular activities, whether in the arts, sports or community service, or academic activities outside of classes."</p>
<p>I have a lot of that. Horse-riding competitions, play several wind/stringed instrument, cruz roja's volunteer... without talking about the posts I currently hold at school xD.
Unfortunatly, as I am in a public high-school lost in the middle of nowhere, they don't have an International Baccalaureate program :(.</p>
<p>Thanks you Marite, I'll learn about the "Xiggi method".
:)</p>
<p>I'm an international student (Canada, so just barely) and found the ACT to be a lot easier than the SAT. I've heard that Canadian students tend to do better on the ACT overall. The style of questioning is different, I would even say more direct.</p>
<p>I'd consider it if I were you. It has a rep as being for Midwestern kids, but schools weight it all the same and you might find it better suits your test taking style.</p>
<p>Abigail: You're from Spain??? I love Spain haha, I went there a few years ago and now speak with a Castilian accent (because it's just THAT cool).
Castilian accents are NOT common in the US though... people give you strange looks :P
Where in Spain are you from?
You seem like a strong candidate and I don't think Harvard gets too many applicants from Spain.
Universidad de Salamanca no es bastante para ti?</p>
<p>ChandlerBing: I don't want to look egocentric or conceited, but as I want to be the best mathematician of the world (xD, child's dream), build schools in poor countrys etc etc... I think Harvard is the best way to achieve it.
Pero la verdad, es que como matem</p>
<p>One thing to add about the tests you will need to take: since English is not your first language (I presume), Harvard requires that you submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Also, the admissions office says that candidates whose native language is not English should <em>not</em> take the SAT Subject Test in their native language as one of the three required tests. Just a forewarning.</p>
<p>So all you really have to worry about are the SATs, the TOEFL, and of course the Bachillerato. Your ECs are excellent; just make sure they're focussed on what you love. Since you're passionate about math, for instance, I would recommend some more math-related ECs. Also, definitely take the AP Calculus exam. If you're school doesn't prepare you for it, borrow or buy an introductory university textbook and study it over the summer (when you're not reading canonical English-language literature, that is!).</p>