I know know lot of us here are asking about HARVARD but please tell me if I have any chance of getting in.?

Question

I am going to be in 11th after the break, and I've signed up for 5 APs: PhysicsAP, Calculus AP, English3 AP, Computer SciAP, and Environmental Sci AP. I've already taken Chemistry AP last year and got a 5 on the test, and my other classes were all honors both in 9th and 10th grade. I am in CSF, NHS, Red Cross, and in student gov, and I'm planning to join more clubs in 11th grade. Moreover, last year, I did some community service at my temple and at nurse's office; however, I'm planning to do more this year. Also, I have taken 6 classes at community college: Biology, Bio lab, History of Rock music, U.S. History 1, U.S. History 2, and Precalulus.
Tell me how I am doing and please suggest what else I can do in school & for community service. I've this problem-my dad, being a strich Indian, won't let me do much after school as he is so overprotective, so how should I convince him for me to do extra things. For more info: I'll be first generation going to uni., and I'll turn 15 in 2 months

Sorry, I forgot to mention that till now I only got 1 'B' that is in English 2 honors, and for the rest of the classes, including college ones, I got 'As' in all. Thanks for answering.

Answer 1

While extracurricular activities are important -- people here seem to concentrate on them too much. Doing more will only help you a little.

In order to get into Harvard or an equivalent school, you need to graduate in the top 10% of your class (preferably even closer to the top), take lots of AP classes, get 2200/2400 on your SATs, get good letters of recommendation from people who know you and write a killer essay.

It looks like you are doing well with academics. Writing a strong essay will probably do more for you than doing more community service than you are already doing. Take practice SAT tests to feel more comfortable with the exam.

Even if you are well qualified, you may still not get into Harvard -- but you will get in somewhere.

Answer 2

Frankly, the three people I knew who went to Harvard performed at the top of their class in my high school and were considered some of the top scholars when compared to all classes throughout the history of my high school.

Thus, this wasn't a comparison of not only the current class, but class spanning close to 50 years of graduating classes.

The biggest factor of getting into Harvard is being a legacy. Harvard cares more about keeping generations of their people rather than anything else - that aside for your situation.

Realize where your high school remains amongst the nation. There are particular 'academies' about the United States (usually private boarding schools throughout the Eastern Seaboard) which are the Ivy School League pupil generators. Schools such as Exeter have an excellent reputation and frankly discard students which cannot make the grade and show excellence throughout their school career. In short, this is the definition of the large pond.

There can be many incidents of excelling at an inner-city school - however the funding is focused towards a more rumedial way of teaching rather than the accelerated programs. In other words, you're a big fish in a small pond.

For those students in suburban schools, your school can vary from being somewhat difficult to quite easy. School districts vary highly from one end to another.

In short again, Harvard only takes big fish who went to big ponds. You have to show massive excellence in not only academics, but in other areas also. If you're spending a majority of your time studying, perhaps you are not a easy candidate for the program. The people I knew who went to Harvard didn't spend a large time studying; the material came naturally to them.

Answer 3

I would ask your family members and particularly your father to take you to Harvard during an open house. Tell them this is what you aspire to; becoming a Harvard graduate and while there, speak to as many counselors and administrators (deans, academic affairs, student affairs, alumni associations) as you can. By the end of this visit, your family should be convinced of many things.

1. That your dream can become reality with proper guidance and understanding.
2. That you are mature enough to lay the proper groundwork to realize your dream,
3. That this is indeed the land of opportunity for those willing to reach out, and
4. That your family is an important part of your decision making process and you value and respect their input.

Every college or university weighs applications for admission differently, so while visiting Harvard, ask questions. Establish email contacts and network with your contacts after you return home. You are on the right track, but remember that the process is highly competitive.
Best of luck, and welcome to the community of lifetime learners.

Answer 4

Lot of people have already focused on Harvard so let me focus on your issue about convincing your dad.

Try convincing him that extra-curricular activities are "essential" to get into a good school.
And this words should reach him from someone he listens to. So, first find the person, your 'strict' dad listens to and respects (probably a very well educated person) and then ask them to talk to your father.

Also, someone had mentioned about "fishing big fish". I agree with that person. So if not harvard, always have a plan B

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Um, screw your father. My parents were the same, until I straightened them out.

NEVER settle with another's insight.

Anyways. You seem like you have the classes and activities alright. However, SATs and SAT subject tests make a big difference.

You need to show the admission's tutor WHY you're a good candidate, specifically in your essay. You need two interviews for Harvard and I believe one recommendation.

There's going to be thousands of students just like you, who have perfect grades and top notch extra curriculars. You need to make yourself stand out though. =]

And good luck! Harvard only accepts 9% of its applicants.

Answer 6

Those are some good stats. Try to get your dad to let you do more. You're definitly ivy league material.