Jeffrey Said:

What do I need to get into a college like Harvard?

We Answered:

Contrary to what others say -- you don't have to be rich to go to Harvard. The tuition is high -- but because of aid, the average tuition paid by students is about $15K.

The typical student admitted to Harvard has an unweighted GPA above 3.8 with a weighted GPA over 4.0. They get the extra points by taking AP classes and honors classes. Almost all of them graduated in the top 10% of their HS classes. They also have 2100+ on their SATs and are active in extracurricular activities.

The quality of their HS is a factor. Anyone meeting these high standards will be considered seriously -- but many qualified students are turned down every year. The good news is that they will all get into some good school.

A killer application essay may be the deciding factor.

Everyone talks about how important extracurricular activities are -- but I doubt if they matter too much. After all, there is really no way that the admissions committes can check the truth of their statements & most people probably pad their activities.

I didn't -- of course.

Dwight Said:

Tips on getting into Harvard?

We Answered:

Well you've got big dreams :) I'm a rising senior and working on getting into Stanford myself, so I've been in a similar situation.

The clubs that would most likely look best to a Harvard admissions officer would be clubs like Mathletes, Debate, or Academic Team. Sadly, my school provides me with none of those options, but I'm working with what I've been provided.

Although schools like Harvard search for highly talented students academically (4.0 unweighted GPAs, high standardized test scores), they also look for well-rounded students. So do what you're planning - join lots of clubs, maybe even a sport or two, and once you get into high school, apply for jobs and community service, but don't overload yourself. On my tour of Stanford, my admissions counselor said that they appreciate when students are interactive with their school and community, but they also appreciate when people don't exaggerate their hours of community service on their college applications.

Good luck!

Paula Said:

is it easier to get into harvard if your grades are good or if u have alot of money?

We Answered:

To be honest, being rich gets you many places, but will not get you into Harvard, Yale or any Ivy League Institution in the states.

But before you misunderstand me, let me make myself clear, you may 'get into Harvard', but without the brains to back up that fat pocket, you're not going to 'graduate from Harvard', there's a big difference.

There are plenty of students whom go to Harvard and can barely afford the tuition, and that's where loans do come in, but you have to understand, the students aren't borrowing money from Harvard, they're borrowing money from the government, or other private lenders. So Harvard is going to get paid regardless if you're rich or poor. They also don't care who's paying them, as long as they get paid, you get your education.

Seth Said:

What type of college/career should i look into?

We Answered:

Well even though you hate them cuz believe me i absolutely hate them. No matter where you go you will have to do it. Especially with what it sounds like you want to do. Even doing those stuff you will have to write a lot. Either way you could try and become a languist and become a translator in different countries. That means you get to travel around and learn different languages too. That seems like you would be able to fit in that. I already knew since I was little tat teaching is perfect job for me. Already I do not like the paperwork but I love teaching. I also like foreign languages and want to become a languist myself so I can teach in different countries. I want to teach them english. So I wish you luck and hope that this will help you.

Jeremy Said:

I am feeling insecure about my job career... am I going the right way?

We Answered:

In my personal opinion, I do not feel that you should be feeling confused or insecure. You seem to know what you want and are taking the actions on making that happen. I think you should stick it out at the Big 4 because it will look wonderful on a resume and alot of employers often have that listed as a preferred qualification. I would, if possible, take night classes towards an MBA if there is a good university in your region. That way you would be killing 2 birds with 1 stone (time-wise).