Besides a 4.0+ GPA in soph/junior/senior year, what does it take to get into schools like harvard or stanford?

Question

I have ambitions for the future and I want to get a general view of whats coming up for me in the next few years (im a freshman). Besides competing in competitions that relate to my ambitions, I want to know what else to do to get into such schools, and what kind of GPA I will need. I'd also like to know a few experiences from some people who have managed to get into these schools during their college years, or people who are in these schools now.

Answer 1

You will also need good SAT scores. Competitive colleges like that also look for you to be active in your school - doing volunteer work, joining clubs, leading projects, etc. Get letters of recommendations from your teachers, etc. - they may be required on your application, or may just help you if you are allowed to add them. You will also have to write an essay about why you want to go to that college - it will be used to judge your writing skills, but also to differentiate yourself amongst others who may have the same grades as you. I would highly suggest an in person interview with an admissions rep as well - it shows that you are really interested. And if you know 100% where you want to go, apply for early decison - they look more favorably on someone who is committed to JUST their school.

AND of course it also helps if you have all the money to pay for the school and you are not asking for financial aid -- you are almost guaranteed to get in then if you can pay tuition w/o assistance (ya right!) or if you are a minority -- sorry to say, but play that up -- it can help you.

Answer 2

It helps if you have a parent who is a prestigious alum with a lot of cash. Maybe ask your parents to add a wing to an administration building. You'll probably definitely get in then.

You could also maybe watch Legally Blonde to get some advice from Elle Woods.

Answer 3

well, it also might help if you donate a couple hundred thousand, or have a long history line (several realitives graduated, but depending on my junior & senior years i might just wait till grad school.) But if you have a realitive (or several) or donate a few buildings, your golden, what's you intrest for a major? (ie: what collage at harvard are you lookin at attending?)

Answer 4

you should look at their websites and look at what they require and consider for you to get in you can also go to this website www.collegeboard.com that gives you some good info and lets you compare colleges

Answer 5

if you don't have huge family money and political influence then i can only think of scholarships and high GPA's.

Answer 6

2400 on ur SATS and 2400 community service hours minimum