<p>Also, how can you say that you will be a National Merit Scholar? Are you serious right now?</p>
<p>Start your own company and make millions (well by that point there's no point for going to college).</p>
<p>seduce the dean?</p>
<p>^Actually, according to the new interview (On Harvard Time) with Dean Fitzsimmons, that would be a serious mistake :)</p>
<p>^ ha true.</p>
<p>But to the OP: You have this whole application process/going to college process all wrong. It's not what you should do to get into a particular college, it's whether or not the college's needs fit yours. So don't focus on certain activities/awards just so you can get in; do the things you actually enjoy, and then come senior year, look and see how each college fits into what you've been doing/or what you plan to do. But, of course, do well in classes, that at least allows you to knock on the door of the admissions office, and the rest of your application determine whether you get to step in or not.
Good Luck. Enjoy high school.</p>
<p>"*National Merit Scholar (will be)"</p>
<p>How exactly do you know that? National Merit scholarships are based off PSAT scores in your junior year, and the cutoff is different every year. Also, as everyone else is saying, you're going about this process entirely the wrong way. You shouldn't be setting your sights on one particular college as a sophomore. Just go out and have some fun and enjoy highschool cuz it goes by too fast. Do the stuff that makes you happy, and then come senior year, find a college that matches your needs. Just because Harvard has the name of being #1 doesnt necessarily mean that its the best college for everyone. you should go out and visit a bunch of different schools and find one that fits you</p>
<p>I second the ridiculous nature of this thread. If you are seriously saying that you will play sports if that will increase your chances of going to Harvard, then you clearly should not even be applying to Harvard. Do what most interests you: high school is not the time to sacrifice your individuality for a goal that many never attain even with perfect grades and test scores. Please, by all means, work hard in high school, but remember that admissions officers can tell when you are trying to flatter them by fashioning yourself into what you think they want to see. I know it's clich</p>
<p>You sound like a pretty ambitious person. My best advice - don't just do lots of ECs; excel at them. You list debate team, for example. I'm on my hs debate team and know plenty of people that do it just for the resume. Not many people go 12-0, first place JV in the county, then go on to varsity as a junior and kick ass there too. Don't just do things; do them well.</p>
<p>Also, does your school rank?</p>
<p>
[quote]
seduce the dean?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Damn, I was going to say sex up one of the professors. Non-platonic relationships with Harvard faculty FTW =)</p>
<p>Wow Rachel, your hometown has the longest name I've ever seen! :)</p>
<p>Stop having a life, study and do ec's 24/7. Even then 10% chance</p>
<p>If you're asking people that question you're setting yourself up for failure.</p>
<p>You really want to get in to Harvard? Ok fine.. I'll tell you.</p>
<p>You can choose any of the following 3 plans.</p>
<p>A) Operation Under Represented Minority Instant Win
You build a time machine. You travel backwards a century or so and convince your relatives to take on Inuit, Black, and Colombian spouses all at the same time. Although this could possibly create a paradox and destroy Harvard along with the universe... there is a .20348% chance of success. If you succeed, your URM will increase admission chances by 236%. There is also a slight chance that having all three major URMs will overload Harvard's automatic likely letter generator, and Harvard will be destroyed in the blast.</p>
<p>B) Operation Sexxy Vixxen
First, you need to get a sex change. Then you need to invest in some plastic surgery to make yourself stunning. Specifically request Angelina's lips, and pamela's chest. Now that you have the goods- you need to accessorize. Stop by the store and pick up Godiva Chocolate. Dark chocolate. Dean Fitzsimmons is psycho about it. Now that you are armed.. and fabulous. Go to the admissions office. Ask for an interview with the dean. You will not be denied- due to your stunning looks. Seduce the dean, and get him to eat the chocolates, which are laced with horse tranquilizers. While he is knocked out, take out his tracking beacon (inside his left palm). Take him hostage, and demand admissions.</p>
<p>Plan 3 is so secretive, it can not be released yet.</p>