What does it take to get into Harvard, Stanford, or MIT?
Getting into top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT requires more than perfect grades. Successful applicants combine:
Academic excellence (rigor + GPA)
Top-tier standardized test scores
National or international-level extracurricular achievement
A clear “spike” or area of distinction
Rishab Jain’s profile is a strong example of this combination, particularly his focus on high-level science research and competitions.
What courses did Rishab Jain take in high school?
Rishab built academic rigor progressively, moving from honors-level work into one of the most demanding AP course loads possible.
Freshman Year (9th Grade)
Literature & Composition
Global Studies
Precalculus
STEM Chemistry
Spanish II
AP Psychology
Sophomore Year (10th Grade)
AP Language
AP U.S. History (APUSH)
AP Calculus AB
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
Spanish III
Concert Choir
Junior Year (11th Grade)
AP Literature
AP Economics (Macro + Micro)
AP Calculus BC
AP Physics C (Mechanics + E&M)
AP Computer Science Principles
Spanish IV
Cultural Anthropology / PE
Senior Year (12th Grade)
American Literature & Writing
AP Chemistry
AP Government
AP Statistics
Global Conflict
How many AP classes should you take?
Take AP classes based on demonstrated ability — not ambition alone.
Rishab increased from 1 AP class to 5+ only after confirming he could handle honors-level rigor.
Key strategy:
Use honors classes as a benchmark for readiness
Avoid overloading if you are already struggling
Prioritise high grades in rigorous courses over excessive difficulty
Tactical tip:
If you plan to take both AP Language and AP Literature, aim for a score of 5 in AP Lang, as some colleges may waive further requirements.
What test scores did Rishab Jain achieve?
ACT: 36 (perfect score)
ACT Essay: 11
Should you take the ACT or SAT?
Rishab recommends the ACT for many STEM students.
Why:
Faster-paced but more predictable structure
Math section may feel more straightforward for strong math students
Scoring curve can be more forgiving at the top end
However: This is student-dependent — top applicants choose the test that best matches their strengths.
What awards did Rishab Jain win?
Rishab’s application stands out most in this category. His achievements are not just strong — they are globally competitive.
Major Awards and Honors:
Regeneron Young Scientist Award ($50,000)
Grand Awards at International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)
TIME Magazine’s 25 Most Influential Teens
Research Science Institute (RSI) Scholar
Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)
2× First Place – National Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
How important are awards for top college admissions?
At the Harvard/MIT/Stanford level, high-impact awards can significantly differentiate applicants.
What matters is not the number of awards, but:
Selectivity (national/international vs local)
Relevance to your academic focus
Evidence of initiative and originality
Rishab’s awards demonstrate a clear “spike” in scientific research, which aligns directly with top STEM programs.
What was Rishab Jain’s main extracurricular focus?
Rishab focused heavily on scientific research as his primary extracurricular.
This is a key takeaway:
Top applicants don’t just participate broadly — they build depth and recognition in one area.
Why research worked:
Enables competition at the highest level (ISEF, Regeneron)
Demonstrates intellectual curiosity beyond the classroom
Signals readiness for university-level work
How should you choose your “spike”?
Students often ask: How do I decide what my main focus should be?
Use this framework:
Interest: What are you genuinely willing to spend hundreds of hours on?
Opportunity: Does this field offer pathways to competitions, research, and/or leadership.
Differentiation: Can you realistically reach a top 1–5% level in this area?
Key takeaways for students aiming at top universities
Academic rigor must be progressive and sustainable
A perfect or near-perfect test score is expected, not exceptional
One highly developed area of excellence is critical
National/international recognition dramatically strengthens your profile
Strategic decision-making (courses, tests, activities) matters as much as effort
Understand the strategy
Rishab’s profile should not be copied directly. Instead, it should be understood as a case study in elite admissions strategy:
Build rigor intentionally
Test your limits before scaling difficulty
Develop a clear academic identity
Pursue opportunities that lead to real distinction
