Extracurricular suggestions and getting into Harvard?

Applying to College
1

<p>Lets assume a person has a 4.0 GPA, took one year of AP classes in two subjects (in their senior year), got a 30 on the ACT, 2000 on the SAT, and was home schooled.</p>

<p>What else does this person need to do in order to get accepted into an Ivy League college, preferably Harvard? I'm talking about extracurricular activities. Would getting a part time job help? How about volunteering for a political campaign? </p>

<p>I'm just looking for suggestions, anything helps (no sports please). Also, does home schooling (through an online high school) help or hurt a persons chances? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>This is a FAQ, please see the sticky thread about ECs at the top of this forum.</p>

<p>Also, go to the College Board College Search function. You will see that for H, a 30/2000 is below the 25:75 range for test scores, so it would be very difficult for an unhooked candidate to be accepted with these scores.</p>

3

<p>My parental advice to my kids do not let college admissions drive what you select for ECs … pick ECs because of your interest in the activity.</p>

4

<p>I would do Science Research/Poetry contests/Math contests/Intel/Siemens to get into Harvard or a lesser Ivy.</p>

<p>Also, you need 2300 SAT/ 35 ACT</p>

5

<p>Scores are more important for homeschooled students. So, those scores will almost kill your chances unless your extracurriculars and essays are truly amazing.</p>

6

<p>Concur with #5. By amazing he’s referring to national recognition level amazing. Also you’ll need to have an outside instructor write a rec letter – have you taken any courses with a human /non-relative instructor? This is a extra hurdle for homeschool/online HS applicants.</p>

<p>At first glance, your aiming for Ivies seems like more than a strecth.</p>