Harvard University!?

Hey guys! Sorry to bug you so much about Harvard, but I would like to get your opinion on something. Here is my status so far: (I'm not in high school yet. I'm only in 8th grade, but how do you think I'm doing so far) I have had straight A's or a 4.0 GPA, honor student, volunteer 4 days a week working on 5, in only one club(because in my middle school you can only be in one otherwise I would be in more), great end of grade scores, and connections to Harvard University. When I get into high school I plan on doing a whole lot more, but tell me how I'm doing so far! Thanks!

Harvard University!?
On the one hand, it is a little early to worry about where you will go to college. On the other hand, I wish I had people telling me about the importance of doing well in HS so that I could have gotten into a better college (I didn't study in HS and went to a good, but not great college -- I did well there %26amp; went to Duke and Berkeley for grad schools -- so not all is lost if you don't get into Harvard).





Your grade schools grades won't really matter much -- except that the fact that you ar doing well now is an indication that you will do well in high school. There is certanly nothing that is keeping you out of Harvard at this point -- and if you do well in HS and get high SAT scores, youcertainly have a shot at getting into a too school.





Worry more about learning in HS rather than getting good grades. If you learn, the grades will follow.





BTW -- whoever said that the only difference between those who go to Harvard and those who go to other schools is money is ill informed. The majority of Harvard students do not come from rich families and get aid to attend.
Reply:Well, you're on the right track, but grades and activities alone won't get you in (or at least won't make you shoe-in). You have 4 years left - spend your summers trying out different fields you're interested in - science, medicine, journalism, policitcs, whatever - as an intern. Try to make yourself stand out from the other applicants - invent and patent something, publish a book or scientific article, start a non-profit, etc.
Reply:It seems that so far you are doing just fine. But let me ask you something...with all that you have going on, do you have time to actually be a kid and enjoy life???
Reply:WOW, I am impressed that a student so young is so interested in college. It is important that you get yourself on a 4 year plan right away. You are currently doing the right thing by volunteering and keeping you GPA up. If anything you need to do that and more all through High School. I am an independent college counselor with 13 years experience. I work with students in the Southern California area.


E-mail me at admissioncounseling@yahoo.com


If you have specific questions
Reply:You can completely ignore "BellyDancers" secret. Harvard is a very rich university, but not because of the students' money or rich parents. It's because of the alumni donations. Yes, of course you have to pay a steep tuition, but compared to a good college, it's not that much more. And it's an investment in the future and in yourself (the salary difference that you can command with a Harvard degree way exceeds the higher tuition cost). As one of my professors said: Harvard is a cashflow problem, not an financial problem.





You need to continue to focus on your development. From 8th grade you need to develop sound judgment and strong interpersonal skills. You can challenge that by taking initiatives or seeking leadership positions. Harvard wants to take young people with strong leadership traits and make them even better leaders. Yes, you need good scores, but the extracurricular activities (such as volunteering) is even more important. Remember, though, you will not be judged by the amount of work as much as the impact it is making.





Leverage your connections to position your application and give you feedback on your development needs, but they do not give you an advantage in the application process. Which is only fair from a nepotism point of view.





Keep up the good work. You're doing great but there are no guaranteed formula for admission, so keep a couple of backups on hand. You can be just as successful with a degree from Stanford or Princeton.
Reply:off on a good track.
Reply:As a person who has been there and done that, I am, of course, impressed with your resume. However, it is a tad frightening that you would spend your time at such a young age concerned with your collegiate status. Harvard looks for students who enjoy learning for the sake of learning. They want to get into an Ivy League-sure- but you must also have a sort of spirit and something that makes you stand out. Spend time enjoying yourself and make sure that you are being you. Do not stop getting good grades and being involved, but relax and take some time to find who you are and what you want to be.





Good luck!!
Reply:Your academic prowess is commendable, but I have to wonder about an 8th grader focusing so intently on getting into Harvard. I hope you aren't just doing this for your parents. I also hope that you are taking time to be a teenager--having friends, exploring, and even making a few mistakes. What happens if, after all your work, you don't make it into Harvard? There are thousands of students just like you trying to get into that school. Sometimes it is just the luck of the draw whether you get in or someone with similar qualifications does. Then, if you do get into Harvard, after having been at the top of your class all your life, you will just be an average student-- about the same as most of your classmates. That might be a psychological issues which could be tough to deal with.
Reply:I second newsblews' suggestions.





There is no guarantee when it comes to these schools. They look for you as a person, besides academics and how much volunteering you do. Just be yourself, do what you like (of course it wouldn't hurt for you to be good at what you like), and good luck. Have a life, don't worry in middle school.
Reply:Well, it sounds like you're doing good so far...I would join extracurriculars because you want to and you give a lot to them rather than just sign up for a whole bunch and have very little commitment to most.


I would recommend doing some community service - not just because you want to get into Harvard, but because it's a good way to give back to the community and you might find you like it.


I'm impressed with your drive and determination thus far, but I would like to point out that there are many many other great universities and colleges out there, and four years can make a world of difference. There may be a major, or a location, or an extracurricular activity that you find is more suitable to you in a school that isn't Harvard.


I teach at a high powered public high school, and I can tell you that a lot of kids apply to Harvard, and not all get in. And a lot of kids who originally wanted to go to Harvard changed their minds - they found that other schools were better for the sport they liked, or for their academic interest, or any number of other reasons. Bottom line: Harvard is a great school, but it isn't the only one. Good luck!
Reply:Peachy but here's a little secret. The only difference between a smart college student at any big college and a Harvard student is money. If you don't have the money to go to Harvard, hang it up now.

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