<p>Do any of you happen to have stats concerning the acceptance rate of humanities-centered students versus the math/science students? Is either group predominant on campus?</p>
<p>I think it's pretty safe to say that Harvard is looking for more well-rounded students.</p>
<p>I believe the case is that a lot more math/science students apply. So, they don't stand out as much. The tendency is to see higher math SAT scores rather than higher verbal SAT scores.</p>
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The tendency is to see higher math SAT scores rather than higher verbal SAT scores.
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<p>I really think that SAT Math is a LOT easier than the verbal...</p>
<p>yeah.. i agree..</p>
<p>That's why people who claim that the SAT is an IQ test place more weight on the verbal section.</p>
<p>I thiought the verbal was easier. but then, that just came naturally after years of reading, and I really didn't want to have to study extra for math. I dont like the fact that the math sections test stuff I learned 4-5 years ago and what i'm learning now...esp. Math 2 C-I wish there was one for calc.</p>
<p>What's weird is that my SAT II's were higher all around than my SAT I.</p>
<p>That's because the SAT I math tends to be trickier (even though it's easier in terms of content) and the curve is extremely harsh. The IIC exam is graded on a very lenient curve, which is why an 800 is only 90th percentile.</p>
<p>SAT I math (the old one is all I can speak for, at least) is more of a mind game for concentration and focus than anything else, especially for those scoring in the 700's. Since the difference between a 790 and 700 is just a few questions, it's the ability to concentrate and stay on task that sets you apart. </p>
<p>Not as true for the verbal, i think.</p>
<p>The verbal is (or rather, was) mostly about how many words you know, really. Now it's a bit more focused on reading comprehension, so you can't pull off a good score by just knowing tons of words.</p>
<p>I know a math whiz who was accepted early. While he is exceptionally talented in mathematical reasoning and abstract thought, he also is a superb writer, an extraordinary musician and a compelling speaker. The "well-rounded" b.s. is what we say to feel good about being in clubs - what Harvard wants to see is a student who is clearly a standout in a certain area, but has also excelled in a number of other areas. It's pretty clear who's really good at Stuff and who's only ok at Stuff.</p>
<p>yes.... I agree</p>
<p>Harvard supposedly wants well rounded classes now, not well just well rounded individuals...</p>
<p>I think that at the high school level, raw smartness (for the lack of a better word) can get you pretty far. Not much of the high school stuff is very tough, so anyone who has a smart brain can excel in various different areas, while doing even better at the one or two things they consider to be their strengths.</p>
<p>HH05-I disagree. I got an 800 on the verbal section and I ddin't study any vocabulary lists to prepare. It's really all about analytical thinking and technique and deduction skills.</p>
<p>At the only official Harvard admissions information session I have ever attended, a regional information session in the 2003-2004 school year, the Harvard admissions officer specifically said that successful Harvard applicants can be either "well-rounded" or "well-lopsided." I like that turn of phrase, and have seen it since on Harvard Web pages. </p>
<p>Just be yourself. Apply if you are interested in the school--you can't get in if you don't apply--but don't try to remake yourself for any school. </p>
<p>Good luck in your applications.</p>
<p>I think that by well-rounded they mean socially apt as well as being extremely intelligent and hardworking, but thats just me</p>
<p>freakish-I may have phrased my thoughts wrong. What I meant was that you can pull off a great score by just studying word lists. I didn't mean to say that that's what you needed to do in order to get a good score.</p>
<p>Trust me, I'm pretty sure that being "well-rounded" from Harvard's POV doesn't have much to do with social skills.</p>
<p>They most likely mean well-lopsided = have some ridiculous achievement in a field and well-rounded = have a bunch of very respectable achievements in a bunch of fields.</p>