Documenting Our Goal To Attend Harvard University

The Home Stretch

2011-04-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

For whats possibly the most intense, stressful, and most anxiety building times of the school year. This is when it counts the most. And sometimes (Especially when you realize the massive amounts of work that need to be done) we tend to slack off and become a bit un-motivated. I can't motivate you, or even offer advice for possible motivation assisting, however what I can do is show you (my loving readers) a cool tale of a girl that really helped inspire me this year. I was actually able to find it online, so I figured, Why not? Heres part one (will be updated daily).

Part 2

Part 3

part 4

part 5

part 6

part 7

part 8

part 9

Hopefully that helped you get through some of the stresses that comes with so much test taking.

The Applications Process

2011-04-23T00:47:00.000-07:00

Probably one of the more common things people get freaked out over when it comes to college. They're are two distinct types of applications colleges use to determine whether you live or DIE.

- The Common App
- The College Specific App

Both do the same exact thing. *the college specific app, however may ask for additional information as to get a better idea if you are in fact right for their school.

So, some advice?

When I asked a senior friend Gurleen Virk about her applications to such colleges and her overwhelming acceptance letter to Brown Uni. I just had to ask her to write up a piece of advice to give to you all.

"

What I learned was that it's important to space your time out wisely as you are doing the college process and not waiting till the last day or even the last week. It's also important to get your essays looked at by another teacher or adult. It is always a good thing to be well rounded and have extra-curriculars and community service as well as good grades. Showing your uniqueness is key since you are being compared to thousands of other applicants."

However, me being the lead author in all From Sanger To Harvard posts. I feel it's necessary to provide additional advice.
Try to not try that hard to seem smart or driven. let the college app do the talking. With good grades and Volunteer time. their sure to realize the awesome person you are, without the possibility or situation of you appearing fake.

-Derek

2011-03-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

ALL ABOUT BROWN!!!!

2011-03-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

Do to popular demand I would like to dedicate this post to Brown University!!!!!

Quick bio of Brown

- There Mascot is a bear (A BROWN Bear)
- Ivy League (Duh!)
- 21% acceptance rates to Valedictorians
- Located in Rhode Island
- founded in 1764 (one of the oldest schools out there. second only to Harvard)

For more detail regarding Brown acceptance rates, class schedules, ect. refer to Browns Website

(Front View Of Brown)

The Brown Bears

Whats My Chances of getting into [Insert School]?

2011-02-20T23:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've decided to address one of the more popular issues people encounter while applying and or thinking about a certain college. Do you think I would have a good chance at [insert school]?

Well hopefully I can help you answer that question in the next minute or two.

[Graph - 2010 acceptance rates in thousands]

An excellent example of someone suitable for an Ivy League.

I know of a person that actually goes to my school who wants to go to Harvard University. Based on what the Ivies look for, she is a perfect example. You see the common misconception is that it's "All About The Grades". And however important you think they are (and trust me they are, it's always good to have a strong GPA.) their not exactly "crucial". And not only does she have a strong GPA but she is involved in several clubs and is a tri-athlete. Impressive much?

You see theres more going on here than simple overachieving. By showing commitment to schooling and being an "All Around" excellent person. She practically secured excellent recommendations from the teachers and her peer's.

Basic OverView

1) Be well rounded

2) strong SAT scores

3) Strong GPA

4) Good recommendation letters

Hope this helps.

//Derek

Happy New Year! and I'm not dead!

2010-12-31T21:55:00.000-08:00

   Okay, before you start yelling at me. I'm completely aware of how long its been since the last time I've posted, however this wait was not in vain.

   It's finally ready, the answer to your question (Derek, why the hell would we ever care about what you think and your goals to college?).

   Well, for one you read it because I'm Derek, I'm freaking awesome, and the fact that I'm now giving YOU the chance to tell YOUR story to getting into your dream school. Thats right, your not drunk/high/tripping. My latest creation will give you the chance to interact with the colleges directly and with a community with the same interests in the search for acceptance from top colleges.

Popular Questions

Nope, I'm not done with it yet but will be VERY shortly.

Community is forum based.

Yes there will be a mobile version.

Any other questions?

Please ask me on facebook or other social media.

thanks

//Derek

A Veritas Way Of Life: Test Taking tips (for AP and for reg/Honors)

2010-12-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

With Winter vacation on the rise and the gradual growing popularity of FSTH, this holiday season is looking fantastic. To start off...yes, I do realize it has been over a week since my last update (and trust me I hate knowing that this blog goes un-updated for more than a week) but trust me when I say that take a good look at the way this site is now, because it won't be the same forever.

Okay so in to todays topic "Test Taking"

believe it or not it or not Test Taking is one of my stronger attributes so ill share some secrets that will maybe help you.

- find a study schedule that works for you (stop trying to conform yourself to someone else's suggestion's)
this means if you can get an A by studying at night contrary to the day time, or some even go as far as studying in the morning (not for me but hey, it's definitely worth mentioning)

- go in with the mindset that your going to defeat the test and not vice-versa.

- eat, seems so simple but many people just starve themselves before a big test. Don't be that guy!! EAT EAT EAT DAMN YOU!!

- Play your favorite song (something really fast) right before the test. Don't be scared of turning up the volume a little to get the maximum effect (you know its working when you have goosebumps and a false since of "wow I studied hard for this")

- YOU HAVE NOT STUDIED ENOUGH!!!! EVER

- And one last tip...... When all else fails, GUESS. Go ahead and google some stats, use deductive reasoning, and have confidence in what you have learned.

- Remember the names dates and ideas people.

Trust me if you follow even one of the above things you will improve your test scores in both AP/REG classes.

//Derek

The Rebirth OF FSTH!!

2010-12-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

All I can say is....YES!! I'm glad to have this site back and I'm glad I can continue to document my goal to the hundreds of people who read this blog. When I was told to take down this blog because it "wasn't in my best interest" I was heartbroken and fought every step of the way.. but enough playing the proverbial violin FSTH is back and its time to kick ass and work even harder to get to Harvard... So watch out Harvard because I'm coming and everyone who has read and supported me through the documentation of this goal will be there too. I want to say sorry for all the fluctuation lately its been quite busy because of finals and the recent reform of my software development company "the iPhone Brigade" (apparently Apple hates when you name your stuff after their's I hate copyrights..) well thats all for now since I need to get to studying. A new post will be up shortly so please don't think I'm forgetting about any of you!!!

PS: Thanks again for just being there and supporting what I'm doing it means so much to me and my cause.

//Derek

Consequences Of This Blog

2010-11-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, In short I'm not an idiot and I know getting into *any* university is no guarantee, especially with Harvard, and boy I have been Getting that question a lot! Derek, what if you don't get in? For those of you who asked or have ever thought this, you've misinterpreted the entire point of this blog. This blog was created by my own thoughts, with my own time, with my own effort, with about 95% of my code, and I'm doing this so I can demonstrate the value of the old saying,"The path or journey undertaken is far more important than the actual destination." Regardless to whether or not I get into Harvard is all that important to me, I want to go to Harvard because I need their resources. I have ideas and ambitions that go beyond "hard work". Ideas that will influence others and our culture in it's entirety, I chose Harvard because they can help me cultivate and achieve these ideas even further. I understand fully what the risks are and that I might not get in, I understand how many people may think that that would constitute as a failure, but take in the fact that I'm trying my best and putting an effort into the little things that convey the message that not every little thought or goal I have is completely idealistic.

// PS. sorry for the delay I've been a little under the weather lately.

/Derek

Week Three: New Study Habits

2010-10-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Okay well I have recently been self analyzing some of my school behavior i.e study habits.. I'm still very disappointed with myself.. Even though I'm getting A's it still feels like a rely heavily on my abilities to memorize information with little to no studying at all. I personally don't feel like this is Ivy League material and in the next upcoming weeks I'm going to try and do my best to increase time of studying to at least an hour a day (I'm already doubting that even that will be enough to develop good habits).

On a good note however I'm preparing for the Science fair this year. Not exactly sure what I'm going to do quite yet but I have been fiddling with the idea of writing a program that grants {root} access to both Macs and iPhones but this is only an idea (an idea will be finalized by next week I promise)

Anyway to close this weeks blog I would like to say I'm pretty impressed with how this website (and the ideal with it in general) but until then bye

/Derek

Well it's that time again, Week Two: Some Important Pieces Of Information

2010-10-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have a lot of information to get through so I'll try my best to get through some of it.

One of the more popular questions I've been getting is "Derek, Whats "TheiPhoneBrigade"?

- In short it's a a software development company that I founded a couple of months ago.. Our goal (or at least my goal) is to develop Apps for "iOS" (iPhone Operating System). We have NOT released anything so far so anything you hear is fake nonsense, however I feel it's time to announce or current project that I have been working on. it's name (or at least the projects name) is simply "n0cturnal". Thats all I'm saying for that at this moment.

Okay secondly as for as connecting to me through Facebook, youtube, Twitter Ect..

- My youtube accounts include of the following: Pugster360, pugster3600, and theiphonebrigade.
---feel free to send me a friend request or a message :)

-My Twitter account is derekroxthexbox
---it has over 10,000 followers and I get a TON of messages and mentions so I'm sorry if I don't get back with you immediately.

- I do have a Facebook and if you send me a friend request I will accept.

PLEASE DO NOT SPAM ME ON ANY OF THESE PORTALS DOING SO WILL RESULT IN AN IMMEDIATE BLOCKING/REMOVAL OF YOUR ACCOUNT.

okay now for my classes for anyone who wanted to know what I'm taking.

P1- AP European History
P2- Spanish 2
P3- World Literature Honors
P4- Physical Education
P5- Algebra 2
P6- Biology Honors
P7- Advanced Competitive Debate Honors

---classes I plan on taking during summer break at Reedley/fresno state college---
(this is contingent on if there is summer school for sophomore's available.)

Trigonometry
Chemistry

(so I can take AP Calculus next year and double up with AP biology and Physics--- since I have already fulfilled my Requirements for english/ math and science as well.)

okay so were almost done I promise.

Next subject is charity / monitization of this site
---yes there will be a donations button on this site, and no there will be NO ADS. However I must stress that ALL MONEY EARNED GOES TOWARD COLLEGE TUITION. I made this website to document a goal however I feel like this site has potential to be something more, and this charity is the first step to achieve that goal.

[all transactions are made through Pay Pal and there is no set amount that you can donate so feel free to donate whatever you feel like]

/Derek

Week One: "Derek, What is this?"

2010-10-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well I started tinkering with the idea of college some years ago, However now I'm a sophmore in Highschool and it's time to do more with those thoughts. I started my goal of attending Harvard about a year and a half ago, and my goal hasn't changed and my ambition hasn't weakened. However I don't think thats enough, I ounce read an article out of the popular magazine "Forbs" I read about the importance of goals and the even more superior act of accomplishing them. One of the main philosophys of completing a goal was to simply write it down..Write it down?? Can't really be that easy...Can it? One of the more positive attributes to an applicant applying to any IVY League school is simply to do and follow what you love and go above and beyond with it. This is the purpose of this blog, I could of simply wrote down my ambition to attend Harvard, but thats not my style. I love computers/blogs/technology in general. Why not take that extra step and document EVERY WEEK every step I take to achieve this goal. Thank you and please look forward to next weeks post....

VERITAS- is actually a name for the goddess of truth and
is a key catch phrase for many colleges/universities

/Derek