Chances for Harvard thus far?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I am a freshman at a private school in CA and was wondering if I'm on the right track for Ivy League universities, and especially Harvard, as of now.</p>

<ul>
<li>I have a 3.95 GPA unweighted</li>
<li>I took a diagnostic for the SAT and already got 1990 without any prep at all!</li>
<li>I'm taking three honors classes (one extra because I tested extremely high into Honors Orchestra)</li>
<li>I volunteer for Cedars-Sinai and play cello there often</li>
<li>I play on the JV tennis team</li>
<li>I'm on the track and field team</li>
<li>I'm in Model United Nations</li>
<li>I'm a double legacy (my grandpa and dad went to Harvard)</li>
</ul>

<p>Tips are greatly appreciated! Thanks!</p>

2

<p>You’re on track for a successful college career. To fixate on a target like Harvard now is quite premature.</p>

3

<p>Thanks! Do you think I have enough extracurriculars, and is my GPA high enough? (Should I focus on a 4.0?)</p>

4

<p>I think your GPA is fine, but if you think you can do better, then there is no reason not to.</p>

<p>Your extracurriculars are something you should focus on. While there is no activity that will guarantee your matriculation, you should try to partake in things that matter to you. You still have a long time until you have to start worrying about college, but getting started early always looks good on your application.</p>

5

<p>Thanks! What extracurriculars, other than my volunteering to play cello, would look good?</p>

<p>I am pretty interested in science, so would a science internship at perhaps UCLA look good?</p>

6

<p>Every year, students are rejected from Harvard with 4.0’s and 2400 SAT’s because they lacked passion in their life. William Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions, has stated he wants to know what else a student does besides chew gum and spit out good grades and test scores. Harvard is not interested in studesnts who’s passion is to be admitted to Harvard. They are seeking students who have a passion for life and a love of learning. Having lots of extracurriculars is not important. Harvard is looking for demonstrated passion in a few activities.</p>

7

<p>Right. So if I’m interested in science, I should apply for an internship at UCLA.</p>

8

<p>Correction: my GPA is a 3.98-4.0 unweighted! (My teachers haven’t finished submitting the final exams yet)</p>

9

<p>I’ve read that admissions officers are impressed when they see leadership in things outside of school (e.g. director of a community orchestra rather than section leader in school band, etc.). Just something to think about.</p>

<p>Edit: Also, do keep in mind that Harvard is not the be-all, end-all of universities. I consider myself qualified to be admitted, but it’s certainly not my top choice. There are other schools out there! Don’t fixate on one.</p>

10

<p>Valid point. Thanks!</p>