<p>I am a sophomore a relatively prestigious highschool in MA (top 10 in the state) and I dream of going to an Ivy League (small or big). I am a fourth-generation legacy at amherst, and my GPA is 4.02 weighted, and 3.9 unweighted (those are the grades from freshman year only). I take all honors courses that are available, I am very distinguished photography student, and I am the secretary of our school's Junior State group, which I have been a very active member for both years. I have worked a minimum-wage job since I was in 8th grade and every summer I am a camp conselor. I have yet to take the SATs, PSATS, ACTs, and other tests but I was wandering what I could do now to increase my chanes of getting into an ivy league school!? Usually Harvard excepts 5 or 6 of the 12 or so applicants. </p>
<p>Is it already to late to work up my applications and ECs? I am very motivated!
Please give me advice!!</p>
<p>err no -_-; chill really</p>
<p>ha ha chill out... I think if you just participate in school life and get good grades you'll end up at a great school- maybe not Harvard- but good none the less.</p>
<p>if almost half the applicants from your school get in, get advice from your GC - they obviously know what they're doing and what it takes!
though "dreaming of going to any ivy league" is a motive i'd reconsider. might wanna approach college selection by considering your interests and majors instead.</p>
<p>Going to an Ivy League is a good, albeit common, dream to have, but many students, especially Fresmen and Sophomores don't seem to understand that 'Good School' doesn't necessarily spell out 'Ivy League'. Yes, I, myself, would love to go to an Ivy league school, but there are also plenty of other schools I would be more than happy to go to. </p>
<p>For the mean time, don't worry too much about Harvard. Just do your very best in school, and lay a foundation for your ECs. Naturally, if your first EC was in your senior year, it won't look too good. Just relax and enjoy high school before you worry about getting into Harvard.</p>
<p>Hah thanks guys. Now that I've had some time to mull over the whole highschool thing I've calmed down... I've found alot of things I'm interested in and not because it will look good to colleges! While someday I still dream of getting into an Ivy, my life does certaintly not depend on it and I definitely understand that good college is not synonymous with Ivy.</p>
<p>I'd recommend that you learn more about each individual Ivy. Each Ivy has a different atmosphere, that may suit some students, but not others.</p>
<p>There are few things more disappointing than going to what you thought was your dream school and finding that you hate the place.</p>
<p>You dream of going to Ivy League? Your nights must be horrible. How do you sleep?</p>
<p>I'm kidding. You'll be fine.</p>
<p>I know, I'm really not your typical "OMG I HAVE TO GO TO ANY IVY BECAUSE THEY ARE SO PRESTIGIOUS". I want to go to Williams (not an ivy league, but a very good school) which I have visited several times. I have visited Princeton and Harvard and really found that I would not like them (no offense anyone who is going there). I haven't really started looking at colleges though. </p>
<p>I wrote my post in december when I was flipping out about colleges. I don't really care as much anymore, anyway I'm only a sophomore.</p>
<p>Fourth generation Amherst and you want to go to Williams?</p>
<p>Sounds like my daughter. </p>
<p>You seem a little young to have such a strong opinion formed, keep an open mind.</p>
<p>Don't listen to anyone who says "Jeez, chill .You have time", cuz trust me, time is an amenity you are about to lose. Be involved, have an extracurricular focus, excel at school, start prepping for the SATs (it's never too late ;)), and do the rest. I recommend you check the chances thread, and have a look at suggestions there. Scrutinize the forum, and it will help you a lot.</p>