<p>Hello, I'm a freshman at a small private high school of no more than 500 kids. I have good grades, but my school doesnt offer many EC's. The only club we have is the anime club. I'm just on here looking for advice on how to get prepared for these schools, since I know they are very selective and I seem to be at a disadvantage</p>
<p>Start your own club.</p>
<p>Start by talking to the most accomplished seniors in your school. They are no doubt very visible and well known. Maybe you’ve already done this, and if not although you may find it intimidating, I’m confident that they’ll be receptive to your inquiries. The inquiries are “what are the ECs that you’ve pursued, and which you’ll mention on your college applications.” </p>
<p>Not knowing your school, it’s hard to guess what’s available. Follow up on what you’ve learned from your inquiries. For example, are there annual school plays/musicals? Is there a need for technical staff (e.g. lighting)? Dependent on your talent and interest this may be something to pursue in depth. Another example, are there annual school fund raisers, admissions open houses, etc. Is there a place for students to help? Or tutoring? Or becoming a teachers assistant in a math class? Also outside the school? Are their community service opportunities that look for student involvement? Or science fairs, etc.</p>
<p>Whatever you pick, first pick only one or two. Participate in depth. Stick with the EC for 2-3 years if you can. Take on bigger and bigger roles in doing it – especially leadership roles, and roles that allow you to make a measurable and externally visible difference. Ultimately it all depends on your inner interests, and your commitment.</p>
<p>May I also add that your premise of “Tips on Getting into Harvard, Princeton, or Yale” is flawed. Given the extremely low accept rate of those 3 schools and the fact that you’ve cited them most likely due to their reputation and prestige but with no facts more than that, may I suggest you instead, be focused on how to be the best college applicant you can be? These are typically the students that fare well in selective college admissions: not kids who are glazed over by the “name” recognition of a few colleges.</p>
<p>In my experience, even now, you’re already the hungry scholar, the person who influences others, the person who is astronomically gifted in one area — and come 2.5 years from now, you’ll be a viable candidate for top schools. </p>
<p>Or you’re not this person </p>
<p>and won’t be able to just “wish” it so. </p>
<p>However, best of luck to you. Continue to push yourself academically. Search out things outside of the classroom that you enjoy. Explore. Be unafraid to fail at new ventures. Look to better your classmates and your community.</p>