Greetings,
I’m a 5th grader who dreams about getting into Harvard, i know that i’m maybe too young to think so far in life, but i really want to get into Harvard, but my problem is i don’t know where I’m going to start the preparations, some help and advices would be perfect!
It’s pretty amazing that you’re already thinking about college! I would suggest that in middle school, take any practice tests for the ACT/SAT, or any other standardized test that your schools have you take. Make sure to do very well in middle school so that you can get into the best high school classes. Focus on taking the advanced/AP routes, but only if you’re sure you can handle it. Doing well in these classes will help you tremendously on the academic scale. I know that you’re only in 5th grade but make sure to look into extracurricular activities as well. Colleges look at those just as much as they do academics. I highly recommended that by your 8th grade year you start to plan what classes you want to take in high school and what you need to get into advanced classes. I had to figure most of that out on my own, and its starting to pay off. It will be challenging but trust me it will be worth it!
In all seriousness:
Get off College Confidential and go do something fun and productive. Find things you can dedicate yourself to and that you enjoy.
Seriously! Get off of CC and enjoy your childhood! I mean it’s never too early too prepare but 5th grade is ridiculous! Stop it!! lol
@tater3399 yes its great, but i dont think a 5th grader should be doing ACT/SAT practice tests. Even that can wait until 8th/9th grade if one is trying to get a headstart.
I’m sorry, but, nowadays, the kids who want to get into Harvard start planning in at least second grade. You’re a bit behind the curve, so, you’ll have some catching up to do…
I suppose sarcasm in the lowest form of wit. In any case, I advise you to forget that there is a college called Harvard. Seriously.
It’ll make a deferral/denial significantly less painful if you haven’t dreamed of one university forever (I’m being serious, the fact that Harvard was my dream ever since I knew what Harvard was only made the deferral more heartbreaking).
In any case, there is nothing that you can truly do right now to further your chances at Harvard, and I would highly recommend against you starting to play the admissions game until at least 8th grade, or so.
For right now, spend your time learning. I had an obsession with the History Channel, and had more science books at age 11 than most kids will have read by that point. It allowed me to explore my interests, and stimulating your mind now will prepare you for success in later years.
So, get off CC, and hit the books. Find a field that you’re interested in, and see how you can learn more about it. It’s too early to pick your future college.
My god. The stress from waiting 2 months for my SCEA decision for Yale was already bad enough. I can’t imagine being that stressed for years and year 
@PoisonIvy20 I agree with that lol. It’s just that some people are different when it comes to planning. Maybe it is a little too early to start, but at least there is some motivation here!
But yes, I agree with @Tiberium ; when the time comes it is better to have several colleges in mind than just one.
This is just a little too much, if it is even true. Going to close this thread and suggest that the OP come back in about 4-5 years. I think if they are serious the answers can be found by looking at older threads in CC. This issue has certainly been addressed in general.