I just got into Harvard (Class of 2011) this past year, so I have an idea of what it takes (no one knows. a lot of luck is in fact involved.). Definitely pursue extracurriculars that interest you, keep a strong academic record (tough courses, high grades, high SATs) and do a lot of community service.

As was stated, you must prove how you can contribute to the campus (consider the admissions committee’s perspective). In my case I started a volunteer core of tutors to prepare disadvantaged students for the SAT. It showed initiative and commitment to others–and no one else had this. They might be looking for someone who plays a certain instrument, is strong in poetry or just fits a certain mold. They want diversity so one way or another, you have to prove your value as an individual. I answer questions like these and provide online SAT prep at INeedAPencil.com–check it out.

And yes, you definitely have time to prepare for and take the SAT. Most students take the SAT for the first time in spring of 11th grade, study over summer before 12th grade and then test again once or twice before submitting college applications in fall/winter of 12th grade.

As far as SATs go, they are important, but certainly not the end-all-be-all of the admissions officers’ decisions. I didn’t start prepping until a couple months before I took it, because spending months preparing for it was neither appealing nor practical. Remember that you can take the test up to around December of your senior year to meet admissions deadlines. Obviously, its not a good idea to wait until the last minute, but you have plenty of time to retake the test again if you aren’t happy with the scores the first time.

Bottom line, invest in a handful of extracurriculars that interest you and possibly correlate with your college/career plans. However, if those extracurriculars start affecting your academic performance, lighten up your load.