Take care of your high school GPA from freshman year
This is a no-brainer but should be said anyway. Some students like to slack-off after middle school - it's a new environment, you may not have a solid group of friends, you're still getting use to everything. But a poor freshman year GPA can kill you.
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.
Study for and take the SAT now
In an earlier post on SAT secrets for college admissions, I explain the "minimum" score necessary for Ivy League admissions.
My general advice is that you should shoot for a perfect score (why not??) but be happy with a "good score" (anything above 2100). Don't take it more than a couple times - anything more than 2 without 100+ strides each time makes you look like you're not trying very hard.
You should also take the test as early as possible - take the Duke University TIP in 7th grade, take the PSAT in freshman year or sophomore year at least once. It's great practice, and it won't go on your permanent score transcript and Harvard won't be mad that you got a 1800 as a 9th grader in high school.
It's a great opportunity for practice that has no consequences. Why wouldn't you do that?
Get involved in clubs early
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 Princeton 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, Ivy League schools like Harvard want well-rounded student bodies but don't need everyone to be a perfect microcosm.
Build a core set of commitments
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 campus
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 Princeton or Yale, Dartmouth or Brown.
Prepare for admissions interviews
YOU MUST start doing this early. If you're a strong student, you're sure to get an interview and this isn't something that you wait until the last day to prepare for.
The best way to study for college interviews is to practice interviews with older people like teachers and your family - not your best friend. Have them quiz you on your accomplishments, your life challenges, your reasons for wanting to attend Princeton. - 22783
This is a no-brainer but should be said anyway. Some students like to slack-off after middle school - it's a new environment, you may not have a solid group of friends, you're still getting use to everything. But a poor freshman year GPA can kill you.
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.
Study for and take the SAT now
In an earlier post on SAT secrets for college admissions, I explain the "minimum" score necessary for Ivy League admissions.
My general advice is that you should shoot for a perfect score (why not??) but be happy with a "good score" (anything above 2100). Don't take it more than a couple times - anything more than 2 without 100+ strides each time makes you look like you're not trying very hard.
You should also take the test as early as possible - take the Duke University TIP in 7th grade, take the PSAT in freshman year or sophomore year at least once. It's great practice, and it won't go on your permanent score transcript and Harvard won't be mad that you got a 1800 as a 9th grader in high school.
It's a great opportunity for practice that has no consequences. Why wouldn't you do that?
Get involved in clubs early
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 Princeton 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, Ivy League schools like Harvard want well-rounded student bodies but don't need everyone to be a perfect microcosm.
Build a core set of commitments
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 campus
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 Princeton or Yale, Dartmouth or Brown.
Prepare for admissions interviews
YOU MUST start doing this early. If you're a strong student, you're sure to get an interview and this isn't something that you wait until the last day to prepare for.
The best way to study for college interviews is to practice interviews with older people like teachers and your family - not your best friend. Have them quiz you on your accomplishments, your life challenges, your reasons for wanting to attend Princeton. - 22783
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