My Chances at Harvard U (excluding standardized test scores) - PLEASE HELP!!!

<p>Name: Chinwe
Sex: Female
Age: barely 15</p>

<p>So, I've only just completed my first year of high school. My current cumulative GPA is 3.50 UW. By Ivy standards, that's subpar. I'm fully aware of that. What I'm asking is what are my chances, given my current situation, of being accepted into Harvard University for my undergraduate education?</p>

<p>Some things you should know about my prospective sophomore year (keep in mind that I do go to a public high school, so there aren't as many opportunities to excel):
Classes:
- Advanced Journalism
- Accelerated Sophomore English
- AP European History
- Honors Chemistry
- Geometry (mathematics is my Kryptonite. I took Algebra I twice.)
- Leadership/Student Council (I'm 10th Grade Treasurer)
- Spanish 1-2</p>

<p>Junior Year
- Honors English
- AP United States History
- Honors Biology
- Algebra II w/Trig or Honors Precalculus
- Leadership/Student Council
- Spanish 3-4 or Spanish 5-6</p>

<p>Senior Year
- AP English Literature
- AP Economics/Government
- AP Calculus B/C or AP Statistics
- Leadership/Student Council (hopefully Student Body President)
- AP Spanish
- AP Biology or AP Chemistry</p>

<p>Co-Curriculars/Clubs:
Interact
Key Club
Journalism Club
NAHS
NHS (though I'm not sure when I can apply)</p>

<p>Community Service Hours: 2-4 hours a week for a year
Types of Service:
- Community Service Expedition to Nicaragua or India (Junior Year)
- Tutoring
- Helping teachers after school
- (any suggestions???)</p>

<p>Sports:
Track & Field
Basketball
Volleyball</p>

<p>Hopeful Honors/Awards:
Presidential Service Award (Gold)
Jefferson Award
Academic Department Award</p>

<p>Other Activities:
Academic Decathlon (maybe)</p>

<p>As far as my hook goes, I have several:
- I have a low SES (I'm African-American and come from a low-to-moderate income family)
- I have a profound interest in literature (I've been writing short stories since I was 3 or 4)
- I am the only U.S. citizen in my entire family
- I've research the disciplines of sociology and Western philosophy during my spare time
- I have a heavy appreciation of my Nigerian heritage
- I had tough domestic situation from early childhood (won't go into detail)
- I'm a self-starter</p>

<p>It's been my DREAM to go to Harvard University for my undergraduate and graduate education for about two years now. I will do whatever it takes from this point onward to make sure I have a well-rounded application by senior year. I am fully aware that I cannot afford making the same mistakes I made freshman year ever again. I really need some advice. If you have any suggestions on classes I should take or extracurriculars, I would appreciate it immensely. Thank you!</p>

<p>Harvard: Reach</p>

<p>I understand that your SES may qualify you for a full-ride at Harvard for undergrad but if you cannot get in for undergrad, the easiest path to a Harvard graduate degree is public health, except maybe engineering. Or get 3.85+ in college and 172+ on the LSAT if law school is in the cards.</p>

<p>Harvard’s a reach for any applicant IMO. And as an undergrad I would be pre-law.</p>

<p>^^ You need to do more due-diligence on what Harvard offers, as they do not offer an undergraduate degree in law or pre-law. See: [Harvard</a> College Admissions § About Harvard: Concentrations](<a href=“http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/about/learning/concentrations.html]Harvard”>http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/about/learning/concentrations.html)</p>

<p>you need to relax, find something your passionate about, and get A’s in the most challenging class your school offers.</p>

<p>Also, just because you go to public school doesn’t mean you have less opportunities to excel. Looking at your hs plan, it seems like your school offers great many extra curricular activities and advanced classes.</p>

<p>In addition, don’t be afraid to do extra curricular work outside of high school. Show that you’re involved in your greater community not just the one filled with 14-18 year olds.</p>