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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 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.

Study for and take the SAT now

In an earlier post on SAT scores for Ivy League 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 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 at least once. It won’t go on your permanent score transcript and Harvard won’t be mad that you got a 1800 as a freshman high school student.

It’s a great opportunity for practice that has no consequences. Why wouldn’t you do that?

Get involved in clubs from day one

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’d stay involved in those clubs over at least 2-3 years. However, if you find that the Spanish Club is really not where you’d prefer spending Wednesday afternoon, that’s ok - just make sure you’re not going home to watch reruns of the Simpsons.

Diversify at least a little

I usually say it’s more about unique stories than it is about being good at everything. After all, college admissions offices want diverse and well-rounded student bodies but don’t need everyone to be an early Renaissance man.

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 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 college interviews

IMPORTANT - don’t forget to start doing this early. If you’re a strong candidate, this isn’t something that you wait until the last minute to get ready 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.