Would this increase my chances of getting accepted?
Do what you love to do, and apply to a variety of colleges. I think 80% of start ups started by
professionals in AI fail ,but its always good to try if you have a good idea, and 30 warm bodies willing
to help you.
You’re a rising sophomore. What do you really know about AI and about starting a venture? You.
Your time may well be better spent working with an existing org where you learn from them, meet their expectations, not try to invent your own. And standard hs math/sci ECs, as well as non-stem.
No, this won’t increase chances unless every other thing they want to see us there. After one year in hs, you have miles to go, much to leatn about what tippy tops want, and work on that basis.
You may want to seek out a mentor in AI. Also look at summer programs in AI for high school kids, if you have the money to spend on summer learning. You can use MIT Open Course , to learn more about AI. Start with 6.001 and
keep taking classes, to build up your knowledge in CS.
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-001-structure-and-interpretation-of-computer-programs-spring-2005/
You may want to find a FIRST Robotics program near you, to learn more about control theory, and AI.
Also look into Khan Academy on line classes to expand your knowledge of computer science and AI.
Don’t do something just because you think “Harvard will like it”.
I have said this many, many times: applicants need to eliminate the words “impressive,” “like,” “best,” or similar words from their vocabulary until after decisions are made. It is the rare application/course schedule/EC that admissions will “like.”. Perhaps the AO that read Malala’s application “liked” her ECs, but she set the bar high. Do things that are right for you.
I agree with everything the above posters have said, but would like the OP to read this article: Harvard edges out Stanford to be the No. 1 school for successful start-up CEOs: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/16/harvard-and-stanford-are-the-top-schools-for-successful-start-up-ceos.html
As such, the OP needs to understand the level of competition at a school like Harvard, as many high school students apply with start-up experience and research experience. So creating a successful start-up isn’t enough to make Admissions swoon at your application.
But also consider if Harvard is even the right fit for you. Cambridge is not a fit for everyone, out there. Boston can be a harsh place for midwestern or west coast students. Many really find they hate Harvard or MIT when they get there, but may adjust with time. Just don’t over focus on Harvard, as it may not have what you want in an education, since
you are a young high school kid, you don’t know yet. Give yourself time to develop an interest. If AI is interesting to you, learn it.
Make a business plan and outline what the 30 employees you envision will do. File an LLC in your state, and
get started maybe, it will be a great learning experience, and filing an LLC is not very expensive in most states.
You will need to read up on partnerships to be sure an LLC is the right incorporation for your business.
Wait a couple of years to think about college and enjoy high school, start-up or not.