Take care of your GPA from freshman year
Some students like to slack-off after middle school - it’s a new environment, you may not know where the water fountains are, you’re still getting use to the teachers. But a poor 9th grade GPA can kill your chances to get into Ivy League schools.
You may think that a few C’s can be made up later by strong AP and Honors grades, but Harvard pays attention to your FULL TRANSCRIPT. A few C’s and 70’s in easy courses like World Geography will make Ivy League schools think that you can’t handle basic academic material. Your high school GPA matters - all four years.
Get ready for and take the SAT as soon as you can
In an earlier post on SAT scores for college admissions, I discuss the “minimum” score for Ivy League admissions.
My overall advice is that you should shoot for a perfect score but be happy with a “good score” (anything above 2100). Don’t take the test too many times - anything more than 2 or 3 without huge 100+ strides each time just makes you look desperate and incapable.
You should start taking it early - take the Duke TIP in middle school, take the PSAT in sophomore year at least once before the real PSAT. Don’t worry, it won’t go on your permanent record and Harvard won’t be mad that you got a 1800 as a freshman high school student.
It’s a great opportunity for practice that has no consequences. Why wouldn’t you do that?
Get involved in activities now
Notice my advice here - an early start is ideal for Ivy League candidates. By joining different activities and clubs your freshman year, you demonstrate to Harvard that you are committed to specific interests/passions.
Ideally, you’d stay involved in those same clubs over at least a few years. However, if you find that the French Club is really not where you’d prefer spending Tuesday afternoon, that’s ok too - just make sure you’re not using the time watch reruns of the Simpsons.
Diversify a little bit
I usually say it’s more about stories than it is about being well-rounded. After all, college admissions offices want well-rounded student bodies but don’t need everyone to be a perfect microcosm.
Build a core passion
By having a coherent theme - for instance, a passion for inner city issues or a love of music (as shown through participation in things like the String Orchestra and involvement in music-related nonprofits) is a great way to build a CLEAR AND UNIQUE IDENTITY that, if strong enough, is your best shot at getting into Ivy League schools.
Visit campuses
By visiting schools, you show a clear and demonstrated interest. Plus, you’ll meet people on that visit that will help you determine if you’re a better fit for Harvard or Stanford, Dartmouth or Brown.
Prepare for college interviews
DON’T FORGET to start doing this early. If you have a strong shot, this isn’t something that you wait until the last second to study for.
The best way to get ready for alumni interviews is to practice interviews with family and older people - not your twin brother. Have them ask questions about your accomplishments, your life story, your reasons for wanting to go to Stanford.