<p>I am a junior, and I am thinking of summer activities. One thing I seen to be very interested in, however, is psychology. I love the subject, and I can take some correspondence courses at my local university (Which are mostly college senior and junior level courses) and, hopefully, take a graduate level course in 12th grade. In other words, I am trying to develop a passion for psychology, which won't be hard to do, since I already love the subject. </p>
<p>However, I was just wondering if any of you how the Harvard admission committee will look upon my interest. I got pretty low grades (B's and a few C' and a few A's) and do VERY little activities other than read psychology articles on the internet and in journals. Do you think that my interest and, if I do the classes, commitment, to psychology will get me into Harvard (I heard they were looking for passion). </p>
<p>Finally, I also plan to take a course at Stanford Summer School over the summer (undergraduate level course) in psychology, but do you know of any other good distance learning program in psychology or philosophy (I'm also interested in that).</p>
<p>Also, is my interest in psychology unique for a high schooler, (are their alot of other kids with interest in the subject) Will this make me stand out?</p>
<p>Take your interest beyong the classroom and books by volunteering for some mental health association in your community. You may be limited by your age, but they should be able to find some tasks for you, even if it is just stuffing envelopes initially. Call area psychologists offering your services for research assistance. Is there a teen crisis hotline in your area? Is there a big brother/sister program that you could get involved with?
Endless possibilities...none of which will necessarily get you into Harvard (especially with low grades) but you will be a stronger candidate across the board.</p>
<p>Don't count on Harvard. Grades matter. But apply. You never know if you don't apply. At any rate,you have absolutely nothing to lose by pursuing your interests. It will lead you to great options, ultimately. So go for it.</p>
<p>If you get GREAT grades as a junior and senior, a few rough patches as a frosh or soph might be discounted. The problem is that you will be competing with thousands of consistent high performers with demonstrated passions and amazing talents.</p>
<p>Also depends on what sort of school you go to.</p>
<p>Actually, it's quite the opposite, I got evcellent grades as a frosh and sophmore, but am getting bad grades as a junior (but i took that idiotic IB program as a junior)</p>
<p>Oh -- the IB program, you didn't mention that. Well, your grades in Junior year can be a down side, but if you do your best to make those grades look like a rough patch rather than How You Really Are, that would be helpful</p>
<p>Don't worry about what Harvard wants. Do what you like! If you have an academic interest that you enjoy pursuing, your summer can be both fun and productive at the same time.</p>
<p>For example, I am very interested in physics so two summers ago I attended a physics program and this past summer did independent research with a professor. I got into Harvard this year, but whether this has anything to do with my acceptance I have no idea. Just pursue whatever you enjoy and that passion should come through in your application.</p>
<p>I'm just curious -- why are you so intent on Harvard? I bet other good schools would accept you. It sounds like you're trying to change yourself just for the school. Why?</p>
<p>"interest. I got pretty low grades (B's and a few C' and a few A's) and do VERY little activities other than read psychology articles on the internet and in journals. "</p>
<p>Harvard rejects many valedictorians including some who are National Merit Scholars, are excelling in IB programs, have held national offices in organizations, and have a long history of pursuing ECs that have resulted in their getting awards and their making a documented impact on organizations.</p>
<p>With that in mind, Harvard would be a very distant reach for you. It would be wiser to consider Harvard for graduate school and to concentrate now on schools that are more realistic and on pursuing ECs that truly interest you, not things you do to try to impress colleges.</p>
<p>For instance, if you like psychology, start a Psychology Club, find a way to become a peer counselor, attend psychology conferences, do research in psychology. Just liking and reading about psychology (which is a very common interest of high school and college students) doesn't count as much of an EC.</p>
<p>No chance. If you haven't developed something 'special' by this time, then it simply is not going to happen. Mainly, your grades are too low without something 'special.' They will allow a few B's if you are still at the top of your class, but don't count on any more: given that you are still unique.</p>
<p>I'm also a seimens semifinalist, and will take a total of 10 AP's (Cal. BC, Chem, Bio, a lot of hard ones) by the time I apply. I am trying for finalist this year. Does this compensate for lower grades?</p>
<p>Also, won't taking Graduate level courses next year be unique? (The adcoms may think that I might become a famous psychologist)</p>
<p>You have nothing to lose by applying and giving Harvard your best shot. We can't read the minds of the admissions officers. My guess is that Harvard is a distant reach for you, but some students do manage to get in even though Harvard was a distant reach for them. </p>
<p>Do make sure that you have match and safeties that you'd love to attend.</p>