<p>Hello :) This is my first post so I apologize if it's in the wrong section. I just want to know what I can do at this point going forward. All my life in the city of Boston, I have been battered by the stigma that Harvard is really the only college that one ought to go to. I know this isn't true with the plethora of colleges within Massachusetts and across the U.S., but that doesn't mean I haven't attached myself to this saying. As a result, ever since I was in elementary school, I have always said that I'm going to Harvard. Currently I am in 11th grade at Boston Latin School but I don't know if I can make that goal. My GPA is currently at a ~3.5; I play three instruments; I haven't taken the SATs yet; I don't have work experience; I haven't done anything too spectacular over my summers; I am the club president in one club and participate in a couple others; and I don't play sports. Looking at those who were accepted early at my school, I cannot help but feel inadequate and hopeless in comparison to them. I know that getting into Harvard is not an easy thing for anyone - even those at the top. But is there anything that I can do to help my chances at this point in time? Is it too late for me? I realize that my chances are slim and that I can turn to other colleges besides Harvard but I would love to accomplish this dream of mine.</p>
<p>Start practicing for the SAT now. Try taking the March test, where no SAT Subject tests are scheduled. Then, plan to take a Math subject test, preferable Math 2, and maybe a science or language or extra humanities subject. The subject test depends on what you are interested in. Maybe consider getting a tutor for the SAT, or taking an SAT class, and always do the Question of the Day for the SAT on the College Board website. Also, go do volunteer work. Volunteer work is not only useful for the hours it shows you gave, but it can help give you insight on something to write for your essays to make it even better. Also, read a lot of books centered around your subject of interest, it can help a lot if you ever have to do an interview.</p>
<p>Are you a leader of anything in your school band? If not, try to practice to be the 1st chair or something similar in your school band or orchestra, anything you can do to show leadership or initiative is essential.</p>
<p>Boston Latin School seems to be a top feeder school for Harvard, so maybe that will help, but do not let that get to your head. Work hard and remember that a lot of kids get into Harvard from Boston Latin School (About 25 students per year from what I’ve heard) because they are academically eligible.</p>
<p>However, try looking at other schools. If you really like Boston, try MIT if you are into the sciences, or try Boston University or Northeastern. You can always try to transfer to Harvard if you are really committed to attending Harvard. You can transfer from any school, basically. Or, if you go to a school in Boston, I bet they have programs where you can take classes at Harvard, but probably not exceeding half of your total classes. With your GPA, you seem like a great shot for BU and Notheastern.</p>
<p>Also, try to apply Early Action. This year, Harvard accepted 21% of it’s Early Action applicants. However, every year, Harvard’s overall acceptance rate is somewhere between 5.5 and 7% This means that they probably only accept about 2-3% of Regular Action Applicants. Applying to its Restrictive Early Action program shows that Harvard is your number one choice. The setback to this is that your application may not be as stellar as it might be if you wait until Regular Action to apply, but you will probably be deferred as long as your application is not too bad.</p>
<p>Good luck, and keep studying hard!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the tips! 
Just not knowing what to do has been extremely frustrating. Hopefully I can achieve my goal.</p>
<p>What is it that you value so much in Harvard? I have a feeling it is mostly the reputation… You play three instruments, perhaps a music school like Eastman would be better suited for you.</p>
<p>The only kid who got accepted to Harvard at my high school (in the last 5 years) had a 4.8 GPA and a 2360 SAT. Those are pretty standard stats to be considered, so I would say that it’ll be near impossible to bring up your stats to the level Harvard expects of their applicants.</p>
<p>I agree with 11scooter about reputation. There are plenty of amazing schools out there that are not Harvard. Look into the Public Ivies (you can see the list on Wikipedia) and the Big 10 schools.</p>
<p>Don’t listen to the people saying give up! You definitely have a shot if you do the following:
-improve your grades. Try to get them as high as you can while still focusing on your music.
-audition for the all states orchestra or band for the instrument that you play! Its very impressive if you make these groups.
- try to find something cool to do over your summers. You dont have to go to Haiti and save the orphans, but at least be productive.
- do really well on your SAT’s! Start studying A LOT now so that you can (hopefully) do amazing
- apply early action so that you’ll have a higher chance!
- Maybe look into starting a club at your school or a charity of some sort? Its not too late yet and you still have a shot!</p>
<p>Also, make sure that you so really well on your essays and teacher recommendations. Try to have your interveiws go well too, grades aren’t the only factor that get you into Harvard. Your passion for going to the school is already going to help you out.</p>
<p>If youre interested in being near Boston, look into BU, BC, Northeastern, Emerson, etc.
You might also want to look at Holy Cross!</p>
<p>Give up on Harvard. Take that idea right out of your mind. A 3.5 gpa won’t get you into a single ivy. No brown, no duke, no dartmouth, no mit, no pomona college. You need to look at lower tier schools.</p>
<p>Why do you have to go to Harvard anyway…? Just because you were told to?</p>
<p>I agree, your GPA is way too low to be considered. You need to have something to make up for that, aka state/national awards in science/match, lots of leadership, great essays, great SAT scores. And not just one of these things, but all of them. Harvard is a top school and you have to distinguish yourself to be considered.</p>