I’m currently in the second semester into my sophomore year and I feel like time is running out for me to do anything to increase my chances to the max for top schools such as the Ivy League, Duke and Stanford (also am looking into top public in state schools such as UNC.) My counselors are pretty much useless for these schools since they know so little for applying to these schools and I can only gain such advice from here or Reddit. (No one in the history of my school district has someone ever made it to the the Ivy League except Duke). I currently have a 4.375 W and a 4.0 UW GPA. I can only take a limited number of AP classes and thus can only take 2 this year (all year long AP class). I’m also in the top 6% of my class. EC’s are my main and biggest problem since I live in a rural and a small town area where opportunities are scarce and I cannot really do anything major in my income (<35,000). I’m also a first gen student, low income and a URM (Latino). I’m interested in the medical field and in playing soccer (even though I’ve never played).I’m treasurer of the HOSA club, and I’m on the leadership team of a cultural club. I’m only a member of the following clubs but I don’t know if I can get a leadership position in the future:National Beta Club, Interact Club, Science Club, Student Ambassadors, another service club, student council and quizbowl (though I’m not sure if I’ll even keep all these clubs considering how in applications you can only list 10 and they’re pretty average I guess) I’ve also volunteered 70 hours each at my local hospital and hospice. Please guide me on what to do with EC’s considering it’s what I’m most struggling with. I’m aware I’m most likely gonna get rejected but I still want to be the best candidate I can possibly be to these schools and get into the best college possible.
Find something that you enjoy, and work hard at it. If you enjoy it, it won’t seem like work and you will be better at it. Show some achievement in the area. There are plenty of activities that you can do with limited resources. Being URM, first-gen and low income will definitely help. And obviously challenge yourself in school.
You are doing fine. Relax. Do your best. Be a teenager. Be yourself. Don’t be some imagine characature of what you think an Ivy League admittee is supposed to be.
You might read How To Be a High School Superstar by Cal Newport.
You’re a soph? Work on your ‘critical thinking.’
Do you know what a “best candidate” is? That’s an important step. It’s not asking others or trusting some bloggy sites or news media. See what the tippy tops say and show. Dig deep.
I know that’s not much help. But if you want Harvard, you have to think like Harvard, have that energy and follow through.
No idea what you’re doing now.
What’s the best way possible to prepare for Harvard or other top tier schools as a sophomore? Any good checklists to have the remaining years of high school? I feel time is running out to make myself the best candidate possible to even have a shot.