<p>So I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of my chances to enter Harvard or any other major university. Currently I'm a sophomore in high school (still need to go through second semester) and if I were to get all A's in all advanced classes with the current grades I have would it be possible to get into one of these major universities?</p>
<p>Freshmen year:</p>
<p>Semester 1 Classes:
Advanced Physical Science (weighted) - C
Advanced Algebra 1 (weighted) - B
German 2 - B
World Geography - B
English - B
Physical Education - A
Java - A</p>
<p>Semester 2 Classes:
Advanced Physical Science (weighted) - C
Advanced Algebra 1 (weighted) - B
German 2 - B
US Government - B
English - B
Web Applications - B
Technology in Business - C</p>
<p>Sophomore year:</p>
<p>Semester 1 Classes:
Advanced Geometry (weighted) - C
AP Java (weighted) - A
Advanced Algebra (weighted) - A
German 3 - A
AP World History (weighted) - B
Advanced English (weighted) - C
Advanced Biology (weighted) - C</p>
<p>Extra Curriculars:</p>
<p>Speech and Debate
Mock Trial
Model UN
Chess Team (founder and team captain)
Astronomy Club (founder and president)</p>
<p>Finally as a side note I also founded and currently regulate the high school chess league in my county.</p>
<p>So, do you think it would be possible if I were to really grind out as many A's as possible in the hardest classes over the next 2 1/2 years or should I just stop aiming so high?</p>
<p>Its pretty much impossible. In order to have a shot you need to do well from 10th grade onward and even then 9th grade can’t be too low. Obviously push for A’s and make sure your SATs come out above a 2250+. I mean no one really knows but thats the best advice I can give.</p>
<p>This sounds like a pretty grim and academically pointless existence, and to what end? During these years you should be trying new experiences and identifying interests and talents, not just for a college app but to eventually become a possibly fulfilled grown-up. In any case, a mercenary approach to your studies will not make you attractive to colleges, who are looking for some kind of spark of curiosity and individuality , not kids asking what steps and rules they need to follow. Your eventual employers too. Best of luck!</p>
<p>The ugly truth is, plenty of other applicants will boast exceptional grades and outstanding test scores. Excellent grades inform an admissions officer that the application is worthy of consideration, which is significant. Consideration and admission, however, are two very different things.</p>
<p>College admissions committees view themselves as community builders. They are societal engineers who take pride in sifting through thousands, if not tens of thousands of applications, and carefully select each student who sets foot onto their campuses in the fall. </p>
<p>Campus recruiters look for students who demonstrate passion in a variety of areas, not just academics. They not only want to know if the student excels academically, but also if she or he displays qualitative characteristics such as integrity and leadership, qualities that will indicate whether he or she is likely to contribute to the social fabric of the wider campus community.</p>
<p>One of my favorite Admissions quotes is from “Acing The College Application” by Michele A. Hernandez</p>