Becoming Who You Want To Be

Take care of your school GPA from 9th grade/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 think that a few C’s or 70′s can be made up by strong AP and Honors inflated grades, but Harvard pays attention to your COMPLETE 4 YEAR TRANSCRIPT. A few C’s and 70′s in easy courses like Biology I will make Ivy League schools think that you can’t handle basic academic material. Your high school class grades matter – all 4 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 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 the SAT too many times – anything more than 2 times or so without 100+ strides each time just makes you look desperate.

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 is without risk. Why would you not 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 Harvard that you are committed to specific interests/passions.

Ideally, you should stay in those same clubs over at least a couple years. However, if you find that the German Club is really not where you’d prefer spending Thursday afternoon, that’s ok too – just make sure you’re not using the time watch TV cartoons.

Diversify at least a little

I usually say it’s more about your unique admissions stories than it is about diversification. After all, college admissions offices want diversified student bodies but don’t need everyone to be completely well-rounded.

Build a core set of commitments

By having a clear theme – for instance, a passion for inner city issues or a love of music (as expressed through your participation in the String Orchestra and involvement in music-related charities and the like) is a great way to build a CLEAR IDENTITY that, if strong enough, is your best shot at getting into the Ivy Leagues.

Visit campus

By visiting campus, you show a clear interest in that school. Plus, you’ll meet people along the way that will help you understand whether you’re a better fit for Harvard or Princeton, Penn or Brown.

Prepare for admissions 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 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 Yale.