Does Harvard favor students with high accomplishments, or those who try different clubs, or those who help their community?
Honestly, I think they expect it all - success and engagement in and out of the classroom.
They want both, and more.
Is it a good idea to try different clubs or focus on one area?
You need superior GPA with the most rigorous schedule, high SAT/ACT scores, leadership positions in EC’s, and other accomplishments. Joining clubs just to pad an application will get you no where.
It’s a combination of high accomplishments (meaning academically you are the best-of-the-best from your high school, as demonstrated by your course rigor, GPA, test scores and EC track record) AND helping your community: https://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/ideal-grad/
You need the whole package: high test scores, GPA, Letters of Rec, Essay, and ECs but to answer your question, a couple B’s early in HS won’t hurt if the rest of your portfolio is strong but do realize many applicants will have 4.0s and there will be more competive applicants with 3.85/3.9 than there are spots.
4.0 GPA is always better than a lower GPA in the same courses.
However, for non 4.0 GPA, rising trend is better than falling trend.
Hi guys, just wondering how much does Presidential Scholar in the Arts weigh as an honor? What about Aspen Music Festival?
For Ivies: Do they prefer students who have straight-As throughout high school, or those whose GPA is rising over 4 years? (Let’s say, some Bs and Cs in sophomore year and straight As in junior year)
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Do you actually have either of those or on track to get either? If not, please do not waste users’ time.
Your pattern of questions comes across, to me at least, as the “grasping at straws” approach to admissions. For that reason, I’ve merged all your threads. There is no magic formula to an acceptance, sorry to say. Pursue your passions, get good grades, score high on the SAT/ACT, nail the interview and essays, and let the chips fall where they may.
In addition to the above, stand out in some way. And if you can, make 'em laugh.
The fact that you are asking all these questions indicates that you are unlikely to be admitted to Harvard and similar schools.
US Presidential Scholar in the Arts? It is going to be special; only 20 seniors are granted. But the announcement comes in very late (May?) and is not going to be timely enough for most college applications.
It appears that you are a classical instrumentalist. The chance of getting this honor as a classical instrumentalist is very, very small. That was only one last year; there were far more singers; do not know why.
Aspen Music Festival? It is something, particularly if your instrument is in high demand (say French horn). BUTI is also quite something. These experiences help, but only to a certain extent. It is more about how good and talented you are.