<p>Hi. This is my first time starting a thread, so I'm sorry if I spell things out and don't attempt to make use any cool CC lingo.</p>
<p>I am wondering whether a person with a perfect academic record (i.e. 2400 on the SAT's, tons of 5s on AP Exams, Straight A's, Class President, Valedictorian, etc) has a better chance of getting into college than say somebody with a less than perfect academic record (i.e. 1900ish on the SAT's, A's and B's in most challenging classes) with a more interesting academic background (i.e. going to a small- 30 students- and prestigious high school, doing study abroad, taking up a specialty in certain subjects and exceeding in them).</p>
<p>When students are beginning high school with a top Ivy league school in mind, should they attempt to stand out from the crowd and do exceptionally well in the parts of academia and life that they find most stimulating if it means sacrificing some of the typical "Harvard desired" activities to tack onto college apps? </p>
<p>My gut is that admissions officers constantly have the chance to accept a valedictorian (there's one at every school in America), but don't always have surefire ways to add diversity.</p>
<p>The answer is, you need both. The admissions guy at a top school said a lot of people ask him if it’s better to take an AP class and get a B or take an honors or CP class and get an A. He said his answer is to take an AP class and get an A.</p>
<p>It doesn’t sound like anybody’s heart is in the right place. Is it possible for a high school student who chooses to focus on personal enrichment to gain acceptance into a prestigious school? Or is the only way to get into a good college and enjoy the resulting life to focus on being a straight A’s in AP classes robot in high school or get straight A’s in AP classes and try to also manage to have a real life on top of that.</p>
<p>I would reject any school whose admission director gave that flippant answer. Sure, it wasn’t the most original question but his answer was truly unhelpful. That may hint at the school’s environment.</p>
<p>I would hope that colleges are looking at the person, not just the stats. I’m encouraging my daughter to seek out those colleges, because I sincerely believe that the journey is as important, if not more so, then the end. So, admission to Harvard (if that’s your aim)? Sure that’s nice but not if it means you have to drop what makes you unique and happy and just grind out the grades in classes you rather not take.</p>
<p>Think about what makes you different. Everyone has good grades, good scores, probably good references. So, why you and why Harvard? If the answer is “Well, it’s Harvard, duh”, then I’m not sure Harvard should admit you.</p>
<p>It wasn’t flippant, it was actually humorous and honest. Most of the top schools get a ton of great applications and the simple fact is that you have to have really good academics to have a chance to get in.</p>
<p>Those are not the only requirements but they are a very important starting point.</p>
<p>Also, top schools are looking for students who get good scores but don’t have to “drop what makes you unique and happy and just grind out the grades in classes you rather not take.” They want students with the grades and scores but also some other activities and interests to show that they can handle a rigorous schedule and still excel.</p>