<p>I am in the tenth grade and I currently have a 2.9 GPA. I know I didn't start Freshman year well, but is there still a possibility that I get accepted to a top university such as Harvard? How many AP/Honors classes should I take these next 3 years? As for extracurricular activities, I'm going to do something that's very personal to me and that's try and fight obesity/heart disease/diabetes through starting an organization. People say you should do things because you like them and not for your application, well health is something very important to me and the whole world.</p>
<p>Harvard is quite a bit of a long shot. Even if you get a 4.0 from now on, you’ll only have a 3.7 or so when you apply, and you’re competing against people who do have a 4.0. You’d have to do really well on the SAT, have really good extracurriculars, and get near perfect grades from now on.</p>
<p>For admissions into highly competitive universities, the answer is always “take as many AP/Honors classes as you can”. Obviously it’s harmful to take one and get a C when you could have gotten an A, but the kind of people who usually get into Harvard can take all honors and AP classes and get a B+ at least.</p>
<p>But that’s okay, because Harvard is extremely competitive. Even if you only manage a 3.0, you’ll be able to get into some perfectly decent school.</p>
<p>Any time any asks if they “can get into Harvard” I’m compelled to say: can you name me fifteen other colleges that will give you an education as good as Harvard?</p>
<p>If you can’t then you’re stuck on a name and a reputation. You deserve to look broadly and not fethishize a single named school. </p>
<p>One other thing: viable applicants to top schools aren’t asking “how many” top classes they should be taking. Usually it’s “I can’t fit enough into my schedule”.</p>
<p>It’s not about fulfilling a minimum quota or a checklist. It’s about being a truly sincere and hungry scholar. That’s an enormous gulf. Your current aim should be to learn to love to learn. Not take tough classes. You’ll learn to love tough classes.</p>
<p>Good luck to you this sophomore year.</p>