<p>I keep reading that there's no way to predict admission to Harvard. But I still have time to work for something (I'm scientifically,not athletically inclined) and I really like to know of any accomplishment which would virtually GUARANTEE admission?</p>
<p>NOTHING assures you a place at harvard....you can be the best applicant in the world and still get rejected. They are things you can do to significantly raise your chances: (and since you say you are scientifically inclined...)</p>
<p>Independent research- I dont mean some 4th grade science fair project, but real independent/supervised research. Look for proffessors who would let you work with them in your area. Do some amazing longterm research project...send it for Intel or semiens and try to win....semifinalists in those competitions really stand out.</p>
<p>This is the wrong way to think about it. The vast majority of Harvard students were not shoe ins for admission. Those that were got to this state by being high national/international level in something intellectual, or serious D1 recruit level in sports. One does not just decide one day to reach this level of accomplishment. Instead, it takes many years of work. It takes being obsessed with chess or math or poetry or whatever for most of your life. If you are not already well on your way to being one of the best high school students in the country at something, then it is not likely to happen. </p>
<p>But it does not need to happen. These outsized superstars are a rarity on campus. Most of the students are just normal, smart and ambitious, but normal people.</p>
<p>International Olympiad medals, winning Siemens or Intel, being an internationally recognized virtuoso musician, or being a D1 athlete is probably the closest you can get to a shoo-in assuming the rest of your app is superb. Still I've heard of people like this being rejected, which I don't get at all. Wouldn't these people be able to contribute a lot more to Harvard than the average admit?</p>
<p>Oh yeah, another way is being willing to pay big bucks, meaning in the tens of millions at least.</p>
<p>Simple, incline yourself athletically, become a football or whatever jock, and drink plenty of alcohol so as to loosen up and gain popularity amongst your peers. That's the only way to become what you called a "shoo-in." That's the only way you'll matter.</p>
<p>Find famous parents.</p>
<p>Gnrfan is right. For scientifically inclined students, the best way to skyrocket your chances of admission is to either win Intel/Siemens or to participate in an Olympiad.</p>
<p>The Clinton's refused to adopt me, so I'm planning on doing a science fair project and maybe I can wind up at ISEF this year. Would winning that qualify me as a shoo-in? Signed: Wishful thinker....</p>
<p>Nothing's a shoo-in. Nothing.</p>
<p>Winning 1st prize Siemens is pretty damn close to a shoo-in for MIT, I have to say.</p>
<p>I have both science projects/olympaid and Journalism/Harvard Model UN</p>
<p>Which does Harvard prefer? Thanx</p>
<p>I thought that my research ability and motivation were already shown in research projects and awards. So I tend to put more of my "social experience" into my essay. Is it reasonable?</p>
<p>IChO team
IBO team</p>
<p>I'm not sure what "You'll See"'s olympiad team postings mean. Please explain.</p>
<p>Win the Noble Prize and you're pretty much guaranteed to get in.</p>
<p>I understand your desire to make yourself an irresistable applicant, but this is the wrong way to approach it. You shouldn't just do something to get accepted to college, because colleges have seen that before, and it has never led to a powerfully self-motivated and passionate individual. You should do what you love to do in high school, and do it well. I assure you, the "how do I get in???" kind of attitude doesn't lead to healthy, successful applicants. It breeds externally motivated, and desperate people. A Harvard admissions rep once told me "You can't game the system." She's mostly right. Just be exceptional in whatever you like to do, and present a strong, confident application as a talented, passionate person. Live for yourself, not for the admissions board. In the end, your self-cultivation will make you more of a shoo-in than someone who lived exclusively for some far off fixed goal.</p>
<p>^ excellent post, bmwdan! At my daughter's school, the graduates who have expressed regret about how they spent their time were the ones who were trying to create a resume, rather than the ones who tried to stretch themselves and excel at something they loved. If you do that, you will never regret the time you spent on it, and will carry that passion and accomplishment wherever you go - and remember, the overwhelming majority of students love where they go by the time Thanksgiving comes around.</p>
<p>If you spend your time polishing your resume, and don't get into First Choice U, you will feel you wasted those years.</p>
<p>Win the Noble Prize you're gonna to be a professor there</p>
<p>there is one accomplishment that would probably guarantee you admission:
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be born into the Kennedy, etc... families.....haha</p>