How to Get Into MIT, Harvard, or Stanford? Class 9 & 10 Matter More Than You Think

Most families start thinking seriously about studying abroad in Class 11 or 12. By then, however, students are often trying to do too much in too little time – rushing to build profiles, start projects, take the SAT, or fill in what they wish they had begun earlier.

At Epiphy Academy, we have seen a clear pattern across every successful application at top-tier foreign universities: the most powerful journeys don’t begin in Class 11 – they begin years earlier. Class 9 and 10, far from being “too early,” are often the decisive window when students plant the seeds for stories that eventually stand out in the international admissions pool.

This early stage matters for one simple reason: the world’s most competitive universities aren't just looking for perfect grades. They are looking for depth, character, and authentic growth over time. MIT, Harvard, Stanford — institutions like these seek students with stories. But real stories aren’t built in a rush. They emerge over years, through curiosity, exploration, setbacks, and learning.

When students begin that journey in Class 9 or 10, they are not being pushed into pressure – they are being invited to explore. At this stage, there is still room to try, to fail, to pivot. It’s when students can safely ask: What excites me? What am I drawn to? What do I want to understand more deeply? From there, mentorship helps connect those interests with real-world exposure – through projects, research, internships, and writing – turning vague interests into meaningful pursuits.

By the time Class 12 arrives, it’s no longer about adding more. It’s about showing who they have become. That’s what top colleges are truly looking for – not just what a student has done, but how they have grown. A clear trajectory that reflects initiative, resilience, and self-awareness speaks far louder than a rushed list of achievements. Students who start early don’t arrive at the finish line with a checklist — they arrive with a cohesive, authentic story that stands out.

Take, for instance, the success story of Ahitagni Das – he began his journey with Epiphy in Class 10 and went on to earn a full-ride to Rice University! His isn't a story of last-minute profile building, but of slow, steady growth – powered by early and the right mentorship. His application stood out not just because of what he did, but because of who he had become by the time he applied.

With my beloved student Ahitagni Das at MIT.nano — he came to MIT from Rice University for summer research while I was at Harvard

So if your child is in Class 9 or 10, now is the time. Not to stress. But to begin. To plant the seeds of confidence, purpose, and intellectual curiosity. At Epiphy Academy, we help students discover who they are – not just to stand out on paper, but to become individuals who are genuinely prepared for the world they want to enter.

If you're wondering how to prepare your child for universities like MIT, Harvard, or Stanford, we’d love to talk. Book a free discovery call with our team today.