I would love to know if there is a chance for me to get into Harvard University. Okay so I am a freshman right now, I know it is a little early for me to start thinking about Harvard right now but I want to know if I can get in. During this year I did not take any honors or AP classes unfortunately. I am in Algebra 1 for math, a normal english class for freshman, for science I am in Fundamental Physics, and I am taking P.E. . Is there a chance for me to get in if I improve myself next year and get into Algebra 2, honors english, and honors chemistry?
It is much to early to tell based upon the courses you are taking. Later on you will need to write good essays, get solid test scores, participate in some extracurriculars among other things. Not to mention getting good grades for four years! It is truly too early to tell.
Freshman generally don’t take AP classes. This post is wildly premature, but you can do everything right in high school and odds are, you still won’t get in. Don’t make Harvard your #1 school or your dream school. It’s a crapshoot for everyone whose last name is not Obama, Clinton, Gates, or Kennedy.
Your chances right now are 2000 (Harvard admits) / 3,200,000 (estimated number of HS graduates in your class).
That’s about .0625%.
You can do Harvard Extension School
Indeed, it is way too early for this! It’s not normal for freshman to take APs, so take a deep breath!
The best you can do: take the most challenging course load available to you at your school, and work diligently to get the best grades you can. When the time comes, prepare for the SATs and/or ACT, take it early (2nd semester junior year) to give yourself wiggle room in the event you need to take it again. Pursue extra-curriculars and things that genuinely interest you–have fun, enjoy yourself, but challenge yourself, too. When you find the things you love, go for leadership positions.
And don’t fixate on Harvard, or the Ivies, or any one school (especially elite). The Ivies (and Harvard) aren’t right for all people. And people change. What you think you want now, as a freshman, may not fit you as a senior. Keep an open mind. Just do your best, be genuine, and enjoy yourself. The students I know who have gotten into Ivies didn’t do ANYTHING in high school because they thought it would get them into said Ivies. They did what they enjoyed, they pursued those things all the way (starting clubs, leadership, awards, unique honors, etc.), then wrote stellar essays to complement their excellent GPAs and test scores.
As many have mentioned, it’s way too early to say anything. As you grow older you will be able to make more accurate judgments if you have what it takes for Harvard but at the same time, you will understand that there are numerous other schools that exist that are not Ivies.
For now, do your best. Keep a high GPA and develop your interests outside of school. Maybe get involved in sports, clubs, volunteering, community service, etc. Good luck!
@IvyLeagueSchools exactly.