<p>My daughter got into Harvard and recently graduated with a degree in Physics. She was definitely a science track kid. And in preparing for college she did almost none of the things listed by the OP, certainly no science Olympiad stuff. She did have near 4.0 grades and excellent SAT scores, but there was none of this nonsense about taking the tests as a freshman. Mostly she studied hard for her classes, had fun with her friends, and played her music in various organizations and venues. Her ECs revolved around music. And when the time came Harvard decided they liked what she had to offer. </p>
<p>It never occurred to her to spend her high school years packaging herself for Harvard. In fact she says she never even thought about Harvard at all until she got her SAT scores her junior year, and I pointed out to her that her stats put her in contention for high-end schools if she cared to try.</p>