<p>My little sister is just beginning high school. She plans to attend Harvard University. Since our family is a low income family, she wants to work on a scholarship so she can pursue her dream. She needs to know what should her main focuses be other than academics. Does she need to be a school volunteer, enroll in extra-curicular actvities, etc.? Please help her!
Sincerely,
Elzz9</p>
<p>Harvard provides only need-based aid, and meets 100% of all accepted students demonstrated financial need. The aid is particularly good for very low income families. For instance, parents in families making $40,000 a year and under do not have to pay anything toward their child's Harvard costs (though the child is expected to contribute some money through working during the school year or summer. I think the total is $2,000 a year). </p>
<p>It is very hard to get into Harvard. Right now, fewer than 1 in 10 applicants is accepted, and at least 85% of applicants are outstanding students who have the academic credentials to be able to graduate from Harvard if they were accepted.</p>
<p>If your sister is interested, my advice would be for her to consider more schools than Harvard. She should focus on getting good grades, and following her own extracurricular interests and passions. Then, when she's a senior, she should apply to colleges that best meet her needs. That may or may not include Harvard.</p>
<p>If due to family finances or obligations, she has to work during high school or for similar reasons can't pursue extracurriculars, that will not hurt her. Colleges understand when students' financial or family obligations restrict their extracurriculars. If, though, a student doesn't have such challenges, they are expected to pursue extracurriculars that match their interests and talents.</p>
<p>For colleges like Harvard, it's depth of involvement, not breadth of involvement that's most important when it comes to ECs. Attaining leadership roles (and accomplishing some specific things while leading -- such as doing major fundraising, starting new projects, etc. are very important), gaining awards or honors (such as winning state or national honors for music, academic games, etc). and/or starting clubs or projects that result in more than just being names on the student's resume, all are the type of things that colleges like Harvard look for.</p>
<p>If your sister is interested, she should be the one checking out sites like this. :) It's nice that you care about her future. Guide her to places like this to get info.</p>
<p>What are the top med schools in the country?</p>
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<p>What are the top med schools in the country?</p>
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<p>You can see the list at USNews.com, but don't even think about that now; first worry about getting into college and doing well there.</p>