<p>Well, I'm a sophomore and we met with our guidance counselors for scheduling next year. This past semester I made A+'s in 6 of my classes. I made 1 A, which was in Honors Pre-Cal. </p>
<p>She said I have the best grades with the toughest schedule she's seen in her bajillion years of counseling. Next year, I'm taking 6 IB classes and 1 AP class (which is AP Calc). So I have no BS or easy classes at all next year.</p>
<p>When she asked where I want to go to college, I said "Harvard would be nice, but their admissions are unpredictable. I'd like to go to UVA if I couldn't get into Harvard".</p>
<p>She told me she definitely thinks I can get into Harvard if I keep up my grades. I'm not so sure though. I mean, I excel in my grades, but my EC's aren't as good. I have all the typical EC's - student council, Eagle Scout, etc.</p>
<p>I don't have any really good EC's. I tried to get an internship doing bio research this summer, but missed the interview date with the professor. So I'm probably gonna take Gen Chem at my local community college.</p>
<p>What do you think I should do in the next couple of years to maximize my chances at Harvard? I don't want to go to Harvard just because of the name, I just feel it's a perfect school for me with a very intellectually stimulating environment.</p>
<p>I think if stick to the grades you’re getting, have really good SAT I and II and/ or ACT scores (surely you’ll have them) and have an amazing essay you’ll be fine…but like you said its unpredictable. Also with the EC’s i think you should work on the the most right now, since you’re at a steady pace with your excellent grades…and as for the summer programs and what not…do those two and try to be ‘outside the box’ colleges like to see that especially Harvard. I say it’s a tad-bit to early to see if you really are on the ‘Harvard track’ but keep up the grades do more EC’s, volunteer things, and summer programs…you may just be in…who knows…definitely repost once you have your SAT’s/ ACT’s and other things.</p>
<p>Getting good SAT scores and having a great GPA does not mean that you are guaranteed into Harvard. However, you will be a competitive student, and will have a good chance.</p>
<p>Try doing something something unique during your summers (I would think that the summer research is pretty cool).</p>
<p>Getting good SAT scores and having a great GPA does not mean that you are guaranteed into Harvard. However, you will be a competitive student, and you will probably have a good chance.</p>
<p>Maybe try doing something something unique during your summers (I would think that the summer research is pretty cool)?</p>
I’m sorry but whenever I read a generic statement about Harvard it raises concerns for me. There is nothing wrong with wanting to keep your options open and therefore have Harvard as a possibility. But if your reason to pick a university is for it’s “intellectually stimulating environment” then there a many other schools for you other than Harvard. The generic nature of your statement also tells me that you are actually interested because of its name, or you would have a reason that is unique and specific to Harvard.</p>
<p>As for your question, sure your grades match the profile of admitted students. Unfortunately, they also fit the profile of rejected students. </p>
<p>My advice to you is do things that are exciting to you during high school. Make the most of your time. Do not focus on ANY single school while continuing to work hard. When applying to schools, but sure to apply to a variety of schools that you like, actually know about, and understand why you would like to attend. If you do this, you should have the option of going to college that matches you and will give you the education you seek.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that Harvard is not perfect. It like every other schools has it’s flaws. Be sure that you are aware of both the good and the bad of every school to which you apply.</p>
<p>BTW congrats on Eagle. Going for palms? Son made gold palms but his senior year was too busy to go for silver. Eagle has served him well and I believe opened doors along the way. He is now 24, had great college options, had great employment, and now preparing to take on a Masters in the fall.</p>
<p>You have a fair chance, but many high school students with perfect stats have been rejected. A lot depends on other factors, as well. Your counselor doesn’t know anything if he/she said you could “definitely” get into Harvard. Feeding you false hope is just mean.</p>
<p>I just want to emphasize this statement: “As for your question, sure your grades match the profile of admitted students. Unfortunately, they also fit the profile of rejected students.”</p>
<p>You’re in the ballpark. Keep up the good work. But like you yourself said, there are many vagaries and subjectives that go into a Harvard admitee. Your counselor’s chancing of you is unsound.</p>
<p>Yes, you’re “on track” but so are the other 80% of people who will apply with you but will be rejected.</p>