<p>What can I do to improve my chances of getting into harvard? I have an ok GPA at 3.715, although I have taken 5 AP classes, and plan to take more next year. I have taken all AP classes that my school has offered that fits into my schedule. I haven't taken any standardized tests yet. I am a junior. My extra curriculars include chamber choir (not sure if this counts, since it's during school), symphonic handbells, a select singing group, musical theater (1 show I did crew, two others, I did chorus), math league, coeditor of school newspaper, creator and president of writer's club, and I plan to volunteer at the library over summer. I attend a small school (750) in a small of town (approximately 20000 or less). What can I do to improve my chances?</p>
<p>This blog post was written just for you: <a href=“Applying Sideways | MIT Admissions”>http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways</a></p>
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**There is nothing, literally nothing, that in and of itself will get you in to MIT [or Harvard] . . . **</p>
<p>– Do well in school. Take tough classes. Interrogate your beliefs and presumptions. Pursue knowledge with dogged precision. Because it is better to be educated and intelligent than not.
Be nice. This cannot be overstated. </p>
<p>– Don’t be wanton or careless or cruel. Treat those around you with kindness. Help people. Contribute to your community.</p>
<p>– Pursue your passion. Find what you love, and do it. Maybe it’s a sport. Maybe it’s an instrument. Maybe it’s research. Maybe it’s being a leader in your community. Math. Baking. Napping. Hopscotch. Whatever it is, spend time on it. Immerse yourself in it. Enjoy it.</p>