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So, from what you guys have said, it's more about doing what you love and doing it as well as possible? That as opposed to planning out everything "you need to do" to make a strong application?
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<p>Yes!</p>
<p>That's not only a better way to get into college- it's a better way to go through high school.</p>
<p>what freaks me out a little is that you are what, 14 or 15? I mean are you actually having any fun? High school is all about BALANCE! It means striving to do your best academically but having friends, participating in non academic fun activites/clubs, hanging out at the movies, parties,etc..........I am nervous for you because you are so driven to achieve perfection for when you do eventually apply that what IF just IF you don't get in to the almighty Harvard or Yale? What will you do? You will have spent 4 hard years working towards that goal, no doubt at the expense of losing out on many other valuable high school experiences and then what? Please reconsider your "game plan", by all means continue to strive but don't lose sight of the fun that is to be had. Besides being a well rounded student will get you much further than a single minded totally grade/score obssessed one dimensional person....having a multitude of expereinces will reflect well on the candidate that you become down the road. Have fun and ease up a little:)</p>
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And I hear these stories about applicants who have great scores and all but who end up getting deferred. Why does that happen (the deferrals I mean)?
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<p>Because a vast majority of them are uninteresting applicants. Rigorous courseload and good SAT scores are mere prerequisites for Harvard, not a guarantee by any means. Also, too many of them try to "build" an application, and may end up failing because they have a potpurri of activities, but nothing that they are passionate about. Life is not all about getting into college - but also exploring your interests, having fun, and making friends WHILE you try to get into college. Really, do the things you are passionate about and don't try to "think" what Harvard would like you to do. By all means, take a rigorous courseload, do EC activities, learn a new instrument; but make sure you are doing it because you love it -- not because you are doing it for college. What happens to all this work if you do it all for Harvard and you don't end up getting admitted?</p>
<p>Good luck, and enjoy your high school years!</p>
<p>Hm... looks great... I find it amusing that you're a freshman and worried. I didn't find out what the SATs ARE until beginning of Junior year :) I would say relax... but then again, I wish I had know about all this crap earlier so I had time to prepare...</p>
<p>Honestly, go for what you want...</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! I've really been thinking about what you guys have said. I'm starting to refocus things, especially extracurriculars. After thinking about it, I'm really most passionate about math, Model UN, piano, and learning languages. A lot less about sports or things like that. So I guess I should really do those than worry about doing sports when I'm just not that good and I'm not just that interested?</p>
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Thanks everyone! I've really been thinking about what you guys have said. I'm starting to refocus things, especially extracurriculars. After thinking about it, I'm really most passionate about math, Model UN, piano, and learning languages. A lot less about sports or things like that. So I guess I should really do those than worry about doing sports when I'm just not that good and I'm not just that interested?
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<p>Definitely.</p>
<p>Also, (this is the most important advice I can give you), don't think about SPECIFIC COLLEGES until the beginning of junior year. You should feel free to ask for advice about your choices in courses and ECs, but it honestly isn't worth it to start visiting colleges and college information sessions and so on in freshman and sophomore year...</p>
<p>For the first two years, focus on doing well in your classes, being passionate about your extracurriculars, and having a good time in general. You'll have plenty of time to tear your hair out about college in junior and senior year.</p>