Skip to main content
2
6 months ago
School List Suggestions

How can I maximize my chances of getting into Harvard?

I have dreamt of going to Harvard since I was eight, and I have known what field of work I wanted to go into since I was five. Politics, law, and ethics have always been of huge interest to me. I loved to plan and as a result, I have been figuring out ways to get into the Ivy Leagues since middle school. In the sixth grade, I joined debate and partook in many competitions earning several speaker awards. Now as a high schooler, I not only participate in numerous debate competitions at state and regional levels, but I also go and mentor the debate team at the middle school. I joined the Ethics Club and I have enjoyed that, though I do not have a leadership position there. I have gone back to theater groups that I did for years in elementary and middle school and took leadership roles there as well. I have joined my school's volunteering club and have dedicated 80+ hours. I also took part in the Red Cross Club taking the initiative to plan out and lead several of the yearly events including blood drives and fundraisers. I have spent more than 400 hours volunteering at my local humane society since the seventh grade. And yes, I keep near-perfect grades with my GPA being 3.988. My class rank is unknown as it is not available at my school. I have done 5 AP courses (AP Environmental Science, AP English Lang & Composition, AP Stats, AP Human Geography, and AP Comparative Government). I have been working two grade levels ahead in mathematics since 6th grade, completing Algebra 1 and Geometry before entering highschool. In 9th grade I learned along with Juniors and in 10th with Seniors. I have three years of ASL along with leadership experience in the ASL club. I did French for 3 years as well. (I know the longer the better but my school only offers 3 years of language) In addition to clubs and academics, I have run a business generating several thousand dollars of which I have invested. I would have been more involved in sports however I have immunity and lung function issues that prevent me form getting far in that sphere. I keep good friends, have good relations with my teachers (many of which have offered to write recommendation letters), and I have highest honors. My SAT score is 1550 and I am on track to be able to graduate at 16. As you can see, I have worked tirelessly to increase my chances of getting this, getting accepted, and yet my chances given by CollegeVine are still 15%. How do I fix this?

5APs
applicationadvice
1550
improvement
volunteer
harvard
2
6
🎉 First post
Let’s welcome @puto to the community! Remember to be kind, helpful, and supportive in your responses.
@Creative_Squirrel6 months ago

Sounds like you’re going to be just fine lol If I had to guess why it’s only giving you 15% is because Harvard is really just that selective. I wouldn’t stress the collegevine chancing too much :)

Earn karma by helping others:

1 karma for each ⬆️ upvote on your answer, and 20 karma if your answer is marked accepted.

5 answers

3
6 months ago

I generally like to think that if your chances is over the acceptance rate, then you are on the right path! Looking at your grades, extracurriculars, and everything, I believe you have a higher chance than most students. Ultimately, even a well-prepared student may not be accepted, and a not-so-prepared student may be accepted. It all depends on the admissions officer, and what they college wants in another student.

Keep doing well, and I think you'll be great!

Hope that helps.

3
2
6 months ago

I've had the same exact dream. I am sure with that high GPA and SAT score you could be able to be competitive for these prestigious schools. Don't let the chances affect your dreams, try your best, do what you love to do, and you might as well be accepted. If you graduate at 16 that is a very impressive feat. I too have completed Geometry and Algebra 1. You still have as large as a chance of getting in as everyone else. Don't lose hope.

2
1
6 months ago

I think you are going to get in!

1
1
6 months ago

Hi!

I would recommend doing a lot of extracurricular activities. What would maximize your chances would be to go to a school (community college) for a year or 2 and then transfer. Then, they would look at what you make and your grades (In college not high school). I would still apply for the first year, it sounds like you have a good chance!

Good luck!

1
0
6 months ago[edited]

That is so great, Puto! Your unwavering dedication to your academic and extracurricular pursuits is truly impressive. I can tell that you are a very hard working and brilliant student, which is excellent for your application to Harvard.

To increase your chances given by CollegeVine of getting accepted into Harvard, you may need to take more AP classes. Other than that, I would like you to consider a couple of important things:

1) While your aspiration to graduate early from high school at the age of 16 is understandable, as it marks your precocious development among your peers, I urge you to reconsider. It may seem like an alluring prospect, but it is essential to realize you still have lots of time to improve your chances of getting into Harvard. But graduating early or not from high school, is your decision after all!

2) You technically have 2 years left for high school if you graduate as a senior, and because of this you may use the remaining time to hone your skills before applying to Harvard. In this time frame of 2 years, you may easily expand your knowledge of the major you intend to study, and also increase the AP classes you are taking, because 5 is well way below average therefore reducing your chances. But please do realize that the chances calculated by CollegeVine are just that of a statistical prediction; it does not take into account unique or special qualities that justify a person's chances of getting into Harvard. Having said that, you must take preemptive measures to increase your application quality with the remaining 2 years left in high school, if you do decide to graduate later.

3) Applying for the Harvard Summer School Program and taking college classes related to law, politics, and ethics would be a great idea. It would expand your perception of Harvard, and you would know what to expect in the coming future. Sadly because of the hefty price tag, the summer program won't come as prestigious, but it shows your interest in Harvard, and the experience is valuable I would say. Extra information: Harvard Summer School application starts around winter or spring.

4) Since you are interested in politics, law, and ethics, taking advantage of 2 years of high school would be paramount because you can easily spend lots of time reading books of respective fields. One thing I would like to remind you of is that politics and law by nature are related to history; they are just inseparable. Human nature since time immemorial has shaped politics and law throughout human history, which leads me to question, "Why have you not taken a World History AP class?" Even though history is not required in any law or political jobs, understanding history is crucial to understanding human nature by itself. Virtually all important figures I know in law, politics, and ethics are well acquainted with history, which shows how important history is in expanding human perception.

5) The demands of college work are not to be underestimated, and by nature it is physically demanding at times, it requires extensive focus and sleep, so I wonder how a young body can withstand such pressures.

I hope my advice equips you well in the process of applying to Harvard, and I apologize if my comment is ambiguous or offensive in any way. And remember, the admissions process is not just about your grades and test scores! Harvard is looking for students who are passionate, well-rounded and have the potential to make a positive contribution to the world. So take your time wisely, and realize that there are many aspects you can improve in to increase your chances of getting into Harvard. I am confident that you have a bright future ahead of you, and I wish you all the best in your application to Harvard! Go crimson!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

0
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Community Guidelines

To keep this community safe and supportive:

  1. Be kind and respectful!
  2. Keep posts relevant to college admissions and high school.
  3. Don’t ask “chance-me” questions. Use CollegeVine’s chancing instead!

How karma works