<p>Obviously, there are some things like:</p>
<p>-High SAT/AP/ACT scores
-Stellar essays
-Good recommendations</p>
<p>but there are lots of other things that will give applicants an "edge", like contacting admissions officers beforehand, or getting in touch with former alumni.</p>
<p>So: anyone have any ideas?</p>
<p>Search for my hook/tips/tricks post way back.</p>
<p>Theres debate on which item belongs in each category still, but it lists most of the advantages on one post.</p>
<p>I forget the exact name of it =/ something like hooks tips & tricks v2.0</p>
<p>Search for the thread on the Harvard boards with a title that challenges the notion that H admissions is a "crapshoot."</p>
<p>If SAT scores are 2250+ (1500+ on CR and M), then higher SAT scores will do little to nothing in improving your chances. Same goes with SAT IIs. AP test scores do not affect admissions, but taking AP classes can show that you are pursuing a rigorous course load. Having a high GPA and high class rank is also key. If your class is of 250+ people and you are top 10 in your class (not 10%, 10), then you cannot do much else to improve that aspect of your application. Being committed to your extracurriculars and making good use of your time is what really matters for the extracurriculars section. They want to see that you are devoted to what you do and not just picking up random and meaningless activities here and there. Try to go outside the box. If you do a high school sport, try to do some off season work. If you are particularly interested in a certain subject matter, then try to take some classes pertaining to that subject outside of school or do something else related to that subject. While certain activities and awards are sure hooks, most aren't. The majority of applicants will not have those sure hooks, so piling on tons of activities will not help. Essays are extremely important. If you have a good essay, it really makes you stand out. You need to show your personality and how you would fit well into ____________ class of '__. Recommendations are used throughout the process; they pertain to your transcript, interaction with other people, extracurriculars, and personality. The most important things in having high chances are:</p>
<br>
<p>Solid test scores (anything 2250+ for SAT/SAT II puts you at the top for test scores) Great transcript (GPA matters; class rank really matters, especially in a competitive class) Devotion to activities and some level of skill in activities Essays that indirectly express how you would be a good fit for the school Make friends with two teachers and have them write you recommendations that aren't the normal insert applicant's name here ordeal</p>
<br>
<p>Other than that, there are some things that are big hooks, but the majority of us will not have those, so there is no sense in listing off hooks. Sadly enough, race and athletics really does help. So does socieconomic background, but that is more understandable.</p>
<p>
[quote]
but there are lots of other things that will give applicants an "edge", like contacting admissions officers beforehand, or getting in touch with former alumni.
[/quote]
I really don't think this will give you an edge at all. I think taking a demanding (but not insanely difficult) curriculum should be up there on the original list in post one. However probably the most important thing is demonstrating that you go beyond the normal in terms of academics, or involvement in something outside the school.</p>
<p>For example my son showed his ability to work independently and go beyond the curriculum by taking AP Comp Science as a freshman. He pursued his interest in physics and computer science by taking classes outside school, teaching himself through MIT open courseware. His beyond the average EC's including working for a computer software company both during summers and the school year, doing volunteer programming for a couple of scientist (and getting acknowledged in published scientific papers). His essay was pretty boring though it did have a quirky, slightly daring opening that showed his sense of humor.</p>
<p>That said, every year, some nice well rounded students, also get accepted at Harvard. I think the healthiest approach is to do what you love and see which schools end up loving you.</p>
<p>I'm going to agree with Mathmom. They don't keep track of contacting admissions officers or your regional rep. And it's pretty obvious when you're trying to contact them just for the sake of contacting.</p>
<p>If you make an impression or have them remember you I guess it can be helpful then.</p>
<p>Former alumni don't do anything... maybe if you mentioned it in your essays that you did research that way... but still won't do much.</p>
<p>how about doing something meaningful with your life or improving the world?</p>
<p>^...like that's going to happen...</p>
<p>Just find some extracurriculars that you like and stick with them. Try to also to make progress with your activities. If it is something that you can compete with, try some competitions related to that activity/subject. Don't worry too much about those. As long as they are not extremely generic/boring activities (or none at all), then it shouldn't be much of a problem. I really think that people underestimate the essays and recs. Good recs from your two teachers, GC, and interviewer, along with a stellar essay, will really push you ahead more than most activities will.</p>
<p>Become a Native American who wrote a book about their true experiences curing cancer, which is turned into a movie which you offer parts in to the Admissions counselors and their children.
It also helps if at some point you suffered some kind of tragic loss ranging from limb to parent.</p>
<p>Now that I've established an upward limit...</p>
<p>Be unique.</p>
<p>Be genuinely devoted to an activity.</p>
<p>gina: not unless the loss affects your academics...?</p>
<p>By the way, what exactly is unique? Sorry, I never knew how to answer that in interviews, and luckily was never asked.</p>
<p>tell your parents to donate $ 1 million or more.</p>
<p>No, the loss must not affect you academics. It must deeply affect you emotionally but cannot let your GPA drop. If anything it must make your GPA rise.</p>
<p>Be interesting.
Unfortunately, the time you spend on CC before your senior year (or, okay, the summer before) is inversely proportional to how interesting your life is.</p>
<p>I think ginab591 nailed it.
Oh and if you've discovered an alien lifeform in your free time, it may tip the scales.</p>
<p>But only if you can map their DNA.</p>
<p>The thing I write to high school students on this forum and others is (and, yes, I am shouting for emphasis) DARE TO BE YOURSELF. Really. Just being the kind of person who does things because they are really important for your personal development into an adult and not just because they look good to a college admission committee tends, paradoxically, to look fresh and original to a college admission committee. One of the links in my signature line distills other advice I have heard from college admission officers, including members of Harvard's admission committee. </p>
<p>Dare to be yourself. Good luck in your studies.</p>
<p>On a serious note, get arrested.</p>
<p>Hear me out.</p>
<p>They have those sections everywhere for criminal history, and probably don't expect anything. If you, say, were arrested for protesting some local factory's pollution or some local logging company, it might really help you stick out.</p>
<p>Maybe.</p>
<p>It's a big roll of the dice...</p>