Can you give me some advice?

Applying to College
1

<p>Currently I am a sophmore. I've wanted to attend Harvard since i was in 6th grade. But only recently (this year) have I really begun to try and improve my chances. In middle school i was in all honors classes, but in mid-seventh grade I became a rebel and purposely got F's (I know, stupid). Then in 9th grade, while in on level (or L level) classes i got A's and a few B's. This year (tenth grade) I'm in K (above level, honors) world history, and biology. Next year I am going to enroll in K Algebra II (if i don't decide to take it during the summer. But if i do I will be in K Pre-Cal), K Chemistry, AP/Dual U.S. History, and AP English, French III K, and Computer Science I K (obviously I'm trying to catch up). I am in my school's Orchestra and consider myself a very talented player :). I expect to get a 700 in the math section, an 800 in writing, and hopefully above a 650 in the Critical Reading section of the SAT next year. I will read extensively from here on out. </p>

<p>Extra:
I'm hispanic
Top 15% (surely will be in top 10% w/ next year's courses)
First generation to go to college</p>

<p>Senior Classes:
French IV AP
English IV AP
Gvt/Eco AP
Calculus AP (if I take algebra II this summer)
Physics K
Psycology AP
Business Law (not sure if it's offered in K or AP yet)
Orchestra</p>

<p>Now I would like to know waht I should do (apart from taking challenging courses) to have a greater chance of being accepted into Harvard.</p>

2

<p>First of all, it's great that you're aiming high, but you need to realize that no matter who you are, your chances of getting into Harvard are never good--they are bad or they are worse. Look at other schools, too, at a variety of selectivity levels--you'll find that there are lots of great schools out there. You want to have lots of options come senior spring, including true safeties--schools where you are basically guaranteed to get in, and where you know you can afford it. </p>

<p>That said, taking challenging courses is great. But, are you doing anything outside of school? Whether it's a sport, a part time-job, caring for siblings, or some other extracurricular activity, any selective school will want to see you doing something significant with your time outside of school. </p>

<p>Best of luck, and remember to enjoy high school along the way!</p>

3

<p>Thanks.
I'm planning to talk to my councelor about where I can volunteer time tutoring others. I am constantly seeked by my peers and i like to help. </p>

<p>I'll also apply to Rice, Columbia, Princeton, and Stanford.</p>

4

<p>Have you ever even been to Harvard? You can't really know that you've wanted to go there since 6th grade, as you would have no idea about what college is when you are 12. Just do well in school and keep real.....</p>