The Extracurricular that Got Me Into Harvard, Stanford, MIT... 

first

I have made several videos about this! Check out my videos about research.

They’re NOT all trash. I watched one of the ones you posted on the video and actually took some great points from it. Use your discretion guys, and thing’ll be fine.

Same bro😢😢

Allha r bichi chato

Dont worry, this guy is like the top 0.0000000000001% of students.

show your passion for culinary arts. seriously. STEM students may have different goals but your cooking and baking abilities are important as well.

Glad it was helpful!

Happy to help!

Oh my goodness, both of you have the same last name

@@oyinkansolaeshoYT ikr, what a crazy coincidence!!!

​​@@harshit.1915harshit i am in 8th standard and i dream about to get admission in MIT and in present time i dont have any achievements so how should i start and i am not able to find my passion so that i can move further pls if you can help or suggest me something as a senior

@@sreegmer1057 Would be more than happy to, Sree :D Since you're in 8th Grade..I'd say it is the PERFECT time to start learning, and building your profile. I frankly began a bit later and surely wishes I did sooner. And then soon after the pandemic too robbed me of a LOT of opportunities when it comes to things I could've done in High School, but the good news is you're lucky and just in perfect place to start exploring. Based on the research I have done these past years, here's my two cents. But before I say anything, know that YOU DOING YOUR OWN RESEARCH IS MOST IMPORTANT! I'd guess you already are, since you're in the comments section of this video. Definitely, 8th Grade is not the time to be rigorously researching universities you wanna go to and making college lists.. But CERTAINLY a time when you should try new things, find your interests and take them to the NEXT LEVEL. What I mean by that is, for example, if you like to write and are good at it, how can you take it to the next level, perhaps by polishing your skills and with time winning a national or maybe even international competition. Start engaging in activities. Use your summers of High School very well - engage in Internships where you learn; you could try shadowing people who are in the profession you wanna work in and learn about their work; do passion projects in fields you care about; try finding research opportunities even though they are scarce in India, they are certainly not non-existent, you can even do online internships today. With the ample time you have, there really is no constraint stopping you except for you yourself when it comes to IMMERSING YOURSELF and GETTING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Start doing things that have IMPACT, and it doesn't have to be wide-ranging like national or international...start small...universities care just as much about activities that you do which you care about which create impact locally. For example - If you are perhaps a good at technology, you could try to teach Computer Science to those who've never had exposure to it, that's IMPACT. Also, remember that without a doubt, when it comes to getting into MIT or any other of the top institutions, ACADEMICS are literally like the Bun of the Burger if your application is a Burger. They are very IMPORTANT. And that includes all your marks from 9th Grade upto Grade 12th. Try to be in the top students of your class, and consistently scoring good marks (at least between 85-95) each year. An upward trajectory that shows improvement is something that would surely be looked at positively. And try not to let your grades slump all through 9th grade up until 12th... Also, remember schools like MIT have a requirement that you should have taken subjects like Calculus and recommend having taken Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Languages as well as Social Sciences throughout high school, so, with that in mind, considering the current curriculum of the Indian Education System, in the simplest path, it would mean taking PCM along with three other subjects in your Grades 11th and 12th, and doing well which would mean working really hard at academics alongside doing ECs. That is something you should remember. Definitely there's more nuance to this and every school has their own requirements. Rest I would say, use 8th and 9th Grade as a time to immerse yourself into activities and trying new things, do things you otherwise wouldn't and learn what you really care about, what you're passionate about. It's hard that you would suddenly have an epiphany about it, though slowly but surely you'll learn about yourself. I would also say try talking to your parents, maybe sometime in Grade 9, about how you're considering this for your future, as applying to universities abroad doesn't come cheap and as harsh as it is, the costs do add up, be it for tests like the ACT or the SAT as well as the Application Fees. There's no need to worry about it just yet, but knowing that you have support from your parents would definitely relieve you of one worry that international students often face. Lastly, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, just don't do the things that you chose to do for using them to achieve that end-goal of getting into college. Do things you genuinely care about, do them because you have fun doing them, do them because you're shaping your character and personality through them, Do them because you wanna grow as an individual and have impact on the people around you. Because that is what will stay with you! The growth you witness.. pushing yourself out of the couch and outside your comfort zone won't be easy but if you push yourself during this time of your life, for the right reasons, you would look back at it as one where you built a rock-solid foundation for the person you would become as an adult. P.S. Tried my best to cover things in a nutshell. It is almost near impossible to give a one size fits all for what you should do that guarantees you get into MIT or any top school in the US for that matter, but I think this should be a good start to understanding what you're in for, if you decide to pursue it. You could definitely check out channels like Shaurya Sinha and videos Avanti Nagral's education playlist. I can't seem to pull out more names off the top of my head right now, but would try to add later if I recall any more. P.P.S. Bonus Tip and probably an advice I would have given my younger brother or sister which is : Don't ever make the college application process your be all end all. Work on yourself because life gives back in ways you can't see coming. And the care and hard work you put in pays back dividends even if it may not be in the form you imagine it to be, in the right direction, it is always worth it! ✨ This is long enough, but if there's anything else you wanna know, feel free to reach out. And yesss, ALL THE VERY BEST in your journey! ❤️

@sreegmer1057 Would be more than happy to, Sree :D Since you're in 8th Grade..I'd say it is the PERFECT time to start learning, and building your profile. I frankly began a bit later and surely wishes I did sooner. And then soon after the pandemic too robbed me of a LOT of opportunities when it comes to things I could've done in High School, but the good news is you're lucky and just in perfect place to start exploring. Based on the research I have done these past years, here's my two cents. But before I say anything, know that YOU DOING YOUR OWN RESEARCH IS MOST IMPORTANT! I'd guess you already are, since you're in the comments section of this video. Definitely, 8th Grade is not the time to be rigorously researching universities you wanna go to and making college lists.. But CERTAINLY a time when you should try new things, find your interests and take them to the NEXT LEVEL. What I mean by that is, for example, if you like to write and are good at it, how can you take it to the next level, perhaps by polishing your skills and with time winning a national or maybe even international competition. Start engaging in activities. Use your summers of High School very well - engage in Internships where you learn; you could try shadowing people who are in the profession you wanna work in and learn about their work; do passion projects in fields you care about; try finding research opportunities even though they are scarce in India, they are certainly not non-existent, you can even do online internships today. With the ample time you have, there really is no constraint stopping you except for you yourself when it comes to IMMERSING YOURSELF and GETTING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Start doing things that have IMPACT, and it doesn't have to be wide-ranging like national or international...start small...universities care just as much about activities that you do which you care about which create impact locally. For example - If you are perhaps a good at technology, you could try to teach Computer Science to those who've never had exposure to it, that's IMPACT. Also, remember that without a doubt, when it comes to getting into MIT or any other of the top institutions, ACADEMICS are literally like the Bun of the Burger if your application is a Burger. They are very IMPORTANT. And that includes all your marks from 9th Grade upto Grade 12th. Try to be in the top students of your class, and consistently scoring good marks (at least between 85-95) each year. An upward trajectory that shows improvement is something that would surely be looked at positively. And try not to let your grades slump all through 9th grade up until 12th... Also, remember schools like MIT have a requirement that you should have taken subjects like Calculus and recommend having taken Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Languages as well as Social Sciences throughout high school, so, with that in mind, considering the current curriculum of the Indian Education System, in the simplest path, it would mean taking PCM along with three other subjects in your Grades 11th and 12th, and doing well which would mean working really hard at academics alongside doing ECs. That is something you should remember. Definitely there's more nuance to this and every school has their own requirements. Rest I would say, use 8th and 9th Grade as a time to immerse yourself into activities and trying new things, do things you otherwise wouldn't and learn what you really care about, what you're passionate about. It's hard that you would suddenly have an epiphany about it, though slowly but surely you'll learn about yourself. I would also say try talking to your parents, maybe sometime in Grade 9, about how you're considering this for your future, as applying to universities abroad doesn't come cheap and as harsh as it is, the costs do add up, be it for tests like the ACT or the SAT as well as the Application Fees. There's no need to worry about it just yet, but knowing that you have support from your parents would definitely relieve you of one worry that international students often face. Lastly, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, just don't do the things that you chose to do for using them to achieve that end-goal of getting into college. Do things you genuinely care about, do them because you have fun doing them, do them because you're shaping your character and personality through them, Do them because you wanna grow as an individual and have impact on the people around you. Because that is what will stay with you! The growth you witness.. pushing yourself out of the couch and outside your comfort zone won't be easy but if you push yourself during this time of your life, for the right reasons, you would look back at it as one where you built a rock-solid foundation for the person you would become as an adult. P.S. Tried my best to cover things in a nutshell. It is almost near impossible to give a one size fits all for what you should do that guarantees you get into MIT or any top school in the US for that matter, but I think this should be a good start to understanding what you're in for, if you decide to pursue it. You could definitely check out channels like Shaurya Sinha and videos Avanti Nagral's education playlist. I can't seem to pull out more names off the top of my head right now, but would try to add later if I recall any more. P.P.S. Bonus Tip and probably an advice I would have given my younger brother or sister which is : Don't ever make the college application process your be all end all. Work on yourself because life gives back in ways you can't see coming. And the care and hard work you put in pays back dividends even if it may not be in the form you imagine it to be, in the right direction, it is always worth it! ✨ This is long enough, but if there's anything else you wanna know, feel free to reach out. And yesss, ALL THE VERY BEST in your journey! ❤️

lol aren't u in my usabo virtual class

Thanks for the idea! I actually have this on my list. It’ll be made one day ☺️

This is a great video idea! I’ll definitely look into it

Aww thanks!

Glad to hear it!

Glad it was helpful!

Start a lemonade stand for 1 day and give the profit made to a charity.

YES! I know students who had very few clubs at their school. Their idea? Lead those clubs and start NEW clubs at your school. Harvard will evaluate you based on what opportunities you have available. Don’t lose hope!

you’ll make it. ace your essays and get a coach serving underprivileged sectors.

Litterally same I live in morroco and there is NO ecs and it's stressing me out

@@らな-p4d lets do a challenge Who gets in an ivy league wins

Welcome aboard!

I'm in the same boat as you bro. I live in rural Pennsylvania and there is literally zero infrastructure for half the things he mentions in this video. My best advice for you is to build your spike by meeting up with professors from a local college and asking them to research, or try to start a program to teach about your spike to the younger students at your school. It's tough but I think colleges are starting to realize that some of us have to really work to make a good application, which could help with admission.

Well at least y'all live in the US😂

I think NASA being NASA is good enough. I wouldn’t put it in unless you want it to be recognized as an award.

Chill out man just create good study habits, find out what you are passionate about and go deep into it no need to stress this much now.

i’m so glad you’re looking into this early now! right now, get those high a’s on everything and move up to the highest level you can - if you don’t know how ask your teacher. narrow your options down to a pathway and start looking at catergories in that pathway. (for example if you wanna do biology, you could look into leukemia) and just keep that in mind. slowly start to research about that specific topic so you gain more knowledge and do science competitions so you can get experience. and like that other person said, don’t stress too much but just get a clear idea of where you’re heading. right now, it’s most important to get high marks because that’s what gets you into these prestigious programs. develop good study habits and set your mind to something. best of luck!!

plsss reply!! I've been dying to know.

And also, how do you preserve your mental health when living in such a high intensity lifestyle? A few of my friends are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety and I want to help them.

No just show you put care into your ecs

Thanks for your questions! a) I would advise putting them in the Research category b) There is no benchmark, just try to be honest yet on the liberal side with the hours

@@RishabJainK thanks for your quick response, really appreciate it!

I would recommend doing some competition math. Check out my video where I interview a math olympiad winner!

same this just jumpscared me although also motivational

Of course you should still discuss that! That's amazing! $20k is awesome for supporting the society.

Anything can be an extracurricular activity, as long as your child has a passion for it.

13 million was the total view count on my channel, yes. I have two channels now, but back then I just had one w 13 million views.

If you want to pursue research in the future, YES! Experience at any time is good. Furthermore, summers are a great time to do passion projects like that.

just do what you care boaut

Extracurriculars are broad. U need to show u can balance ur time well, are a good student, care about the community, and show who you are. Because of this, I recommend breaking it down to sub categories. I can list down some of my extracurriculars (im a sophomore in high school, just entered a month ago) in those categories; Service/volunteering; Volunteering at a dog shelter, feeding stray dogs, making websites and spreading awareness about social issues, teaching people English (those who are specifically grade 12 graduates and work as maids or low ranking staff) Academics; International science bowls, part of business/economics magazines, taken part in blue ocean pitch competition, business essay competitions, biology chemistry and psychology essay competitions, STEM competitions that involve scientific knowledge AND creativity, helped hosting an international business competition in school, stock market trading competition, debate competitions and MUNs Interests; Chess competitions, art and cultural competitions, pursuing my interest in cooking and carrying it on to make a cookbook and website and promoting the products as well as my interests on social media Upcoming; Attempting to attain a leadership position in the business magazine, leadership position in economics club, being a part of student council Breaking it down helps u note what to focus on and what you can do anytime, and allows u to know what all are to be done. These are the 3 main categories to look at, but u can make ur own as well!

Yes! My other channel has 110,000+ subscribers and millions of views. You can check it out at ru-vid.com What company are you referring to?

I self reported my scores, and then submitted mine to Harvard for free using CollegeBoard score report later once I committed to Harvard

Are you serious

yes@@saniyaoteuli5730

you got in cuz u black ngga

All my research in high school was virtual that I initiated via email… not sure what opportunities you are talking about. The only equipment I had was my laptop computer.

Ok. So what would your strategy be in this situation then? I'm trying to do physics research but a lot of those opportunities are not virtual meaning I would have to live near the college in order for it to work. The nearest research college to me is about a 2 hour drive. I'm applying to PGSS which is very similar to RSI, but if that falls through then I don't see how I could get published or recognized in any way. This is why these videos often don't help because I don't have the necessary equipment to make anything new or impressive. You clearly knew what you were doing, so if you have any insights for someone like me, then I'd still hear them out.

I wish i found your vids or preaching p's in freshamn year damn... a lot of misinformation got me