<p>Hello, I'm relatively new to College Confidential, as I just entered high school. I know I'm very young! Since 5th grade I have been literally dreaming of attending Harvard, just having that distinguishment of attending the most prestigious university in America. Therefore, I've taken it upon myself to start worrying about college NOW! What do you guys think I should do over the next four years to get into an Ivy League school? What do Ivy Leagues look for? Anything specific? Anything not specific?</p>
<p>Are you on the way to stellar ECs?</p>
<p>Find interests and become very active in them. If you’re interested in math, find a math club and work your way to a leadership position by sophomore/junior year, etc. Don’t join clubs just so you can put them on your application - find clubs that you truly enjoy being a part of and be ready to explain why you’re a member of them.</p>
<p>Start volunteering now. 1-2 hours a week, more if your schedule/transportation allows. Make meaningful contributions to the organization(s) that you can note (for instance, propose a project and actually take it through. Taking initiative is important.)</p>
<p>Start studying for the PSAT/NMSQT now. If your school allows freshmen, sign up for it and use it as a diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses. That’ll give you a major edge, as usually you take it as a sophomore as well so you’ll be given a year to check your improvement and even further narrow your studies. Hopefully by junior year you’ll be able to score high (220+) and get national merit recognition. Also, this will be incredibly helpful when you start studying for the SAT later on. </p>
<p>Of course, you should take the hardest classes offered. Outside of school you should also pursue your academic interests, not sure of specific examples but you’ll know the opportunities when you see them.</p>
<p>Overall, just become a well-rounded individual over the 4 years. Don’t define yourself by your grades; sample everything high school has to offer while not losing sight of your ultimate goal. Remember, high school is meant to be a fun period of your life. Don’t take things too seriously. Good luck.</p>
<p>edit: oh, and also establish very good relationships with teachers and your counselor.</p>
<p>I realize this is an old post, but the PSAT isn’t that important. I did 1 practice test one night, 1 the next night, and took the real one the next morning. I ended up one of the 8000 National Merit Scholars that year out of the 1.5 million students who take that test. It’s relatively easy.</p>