What do colleges look for in a student application?

Question

I am in eighth grade and I am soon preparing for high school. What should I be focused on and what extra curricular activities should I take?

Links are gladly accepted and I am especially looking at Harvard University (to major in Medicine)

Answer 1

It depends on the university. For example, schools in the California State University system look for a pulse.

Harvard, on the other hand, looks for:

1. A diverse student body
2. High GPA (3.8+ unweighted, over 4.0 weighted)
3. 2200+ on SATs
4. Lots of activities
5. Killer essay
6. lots of AP and Honors classes

Contrary to what some may tell you, you don't have to be rich.

Incidently -- you need a college degree to get into medical school -- so plan on a different major for college.

Princeton Review's web site has lots of statistics on admitted students at lots of colleges. I've included the link below.

Answer 2

If you are thinking Harvard then you will need straight A's all 4 years, any extra cirricular activity you can find (student body, honor society, volleyball, and whatever other after school activities your school offers), and community involvement.

Community involvement is usually done by involving yourself in an environmentalist group, girl scouts, 4H, organizations like that. You will also need excellent references from your teachers and a letter of recommendation (eventually).

Get to know your local political leaders, etc. Basically you want strong ties to your community, good grades, and everyone to remember you as the perfect smart angel. Dont let it go to your head ;)

Answer 3

Good grades.

Do as many activities as you can, be it sports scouts or after school clubs but not so many you can't keep up your grades. But make sure it is something you want to do, and that you aren't just doing it to get into college.

And lots of community service.

Answer 4

take AP/Honor classes