QUESTION: I recently came to the United States and want to get into some really big colleges such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT or Caltech. I am taking two AP classes and three Honors classes next year. That's all my school offers. I have no idea of what kind of community service I should do, I do not know of any extracurricular activities that interest me and I have not taken my SAT, ACT or TOEFL. What should I do? When should I take these exams? What kind of community service should I do? What do these big colleges look for? Signed, Harvard Hopeful
Dear Harvard Hopeful: If you are a junior, take the SAT or ACT and TOEFL as soon as possible. Find out now if you need help in improving your scores. You could take a practice exam but that is not as accurate as taking the real thing. Plus, you won't be penalized for taking the exams several times since colleges will take your highest scores.
Having interests outside of the classroom is very important. If there are not any official clubs or activities that you enjoy on campus, then pursue what you enjoy outside of school. Look at what you are interested in and then find ways to pursue these interests.
For example, if you are interested in cartooning and there is not a cartoon club on campus, then consider joining one in your community. You might also consider taking a night course or summer course on drawing. Try to get recognition for your ability by getting your work published or entering contests.
You don't have to be an active member of a school club to show a passion for an interest. However, you do need to be able to document and demonstrate your passion for an interest through involvement in outside activities.
As you know getting into any of the four schools you mentioned is very difficult. Not only are their standards high but the quality of applicants is also pretty amazing. Make sure that you create an application that stands out from the rest. Learn everything you can about the process, what works and what doesn't work. We highly recommend that you look at our book,
Get Into Any College. There are many examples of how students from various backgrounds were able to get into highly selective schools like Harvard, Stanford and MIT. We also focus on proven strategies that you can use to make your application to any school much stronger.
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