@Pizzagirl really? That’s awesome! Would it be wise to also include other issues I have had such as illness and harassment?
Yes it’s much MORE IMPRESSIVE than kids who fills their ECs from their parents’ “volunteer” help and expensive summer programs that amount to nothing in admission
@paul2752 thank you! I didn’t realize Harvard would be possible for my family until just last fall, so I felt at a disadvantage for a while since my application doesn’t have summer camps and other expensive things.
You’d better check this out http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/835055-calculate-your-chances-for-admission-to-harvard-p1.html
@Mrduque thank you! I feel pretty good about my application, there’s not much I can change now!
OP, try to learn what Harvard looks for, the attributes, not just the line items. Rather than see it as a crapshoot, kids need to understand what these schools value. It’s different than hs and most of them either outright describe or leave a trail of big clues. You don’t get into a tippy top just because you were a high school superstar and claim to be passionate about something, but by being the sort they want. And a big part, is how you think, what shows, how that shows, in the choices you made (and make, in the app and supps.) Could you answer a “Why Harvard?”
You don’t need a slew of Sat 2’s, some “unique” ECs, etc. The dance is good, represents a long term commitment. The food pantry is good, it’s working directly with those in need. As a STEM kid, when you dropped robotics, did you pick up any other math-sci ECs? How do you think you show leadership qualities (that’s different than titles.) Think about it.
And I’d caution you to pick an essay topic that shows the personal attributes relevant to your college targets (it’s for an admissions review, after all, not just a “me” writing assignment.) Show, not just tell. Be savvy. Best wishes.
@lookingforward thank you!
I am looking at Harvard for many reasons. I want a diverse and cultured experience in college, and I want access to the best resources and to give myself a great opportunity to use them. I visited the campus last spring too, and it’s beautiful. Sure there are many pretty colleges campuses, but the atmosphere also seemed right for me. Every student I talked to seemed excited to be there, and I didn’t see anyone walking around miserably as if they were carrying the world on their shoulders.
As for STEM, I’m really not sure what I want to major in anymore. I am looking more at English, and I have done some writing competitions in the past year with the help of my AP Lang teacher.
Try not to be generic (something that could be said about any top college.) That doesn’t mean you should cite some specific course or prof. The bit about the students is a good start, but once you know what the school values, you may be able to build on that. And, for any college that doesn’t ask a specific Why Us, there can be other questions intended to ferret that out. You have a lot going for you, so put in the effort to improve your shot.
@lookingforward I definitely will! There are many other reasons, but I will be working hard! Thanks!
@Ashley0729 I’m glad to hear that. By the way, you should apply Early Action, you are fine already, but don’t forget to concentrate on your essays and ask for an interview!
“And I’d caution you to pick an essay topic that shows the personal attributes relevant to your college targets (it’s for an admissions review, after all, not just a “me” writing assignment.) Show, not just tell. Be savvy. Best wishes.”
Can you explain that further?
@Ashley0729 Your test scores and GPA make you extremely competitive for any University in America. That being said it is true that ivies use these as a basis and then look at EC’s. I do think that you have good EC’s with your commitment in dance but it will not get you auto included, which I’m sure you know. I just wanted to say that you will definitely get into an AMAZING college whether it be Harvard or something else. If you were to choose Purdue,(it looks like a huge safety) or other schools at its level you would probably receive huge amounts of financial aid. But all in all, the possibility of you not getting into a top college that you like is slim to none, but with one university it is never guaranteed. Best of Luck!