<p>My son just got into Harvard and I’d be glad to give you a bit of input . . .</p>
<p>The best thing you can do if you are a high school freshman and want to get into Harvard is forget about getting into Harvard and focus on high school. Not just work in high school, but becoming a person in high school. Try to find what genuinely motivates you as opposed to just what you do to please others or just jump through a hoop. Find your passion. Grow socially as well as academically. Stretch yourself and try new things. Then, when you are late in your junior year or early in your senior year, you will be in a position to take a look at yourself and know what the best next step for you in your life is. Maybe it will be Harvard, maybe not. In any case, I can assure you that Harvard does not want someone who just punches the numbers thinking that’s the road to success. They want someone with genuine passion and drive. There’s nothing unusual about that. This is what all of the schools are looking for. So find your passion and pursue it. The college piece will fall into place on its own.</p>