An autistic literature prodigy getting into Harvard?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>Ok, yes, I agree: the chances of even the most excellent of students getting into Harvard is a million to one. But that doesn't mean I can't try.</p>

<p>So, this will be another "what if" scenario. I have not accomplished ALL of these yet, but I set my heart on doing so.</p>

<p>3.8 GPA (unweighted)- all A's with the exception of a B+ in Alg 1, C- in Geo, and B in Algebra 2</p>

<p>2150-2200's SAT score</p>

<p>Autistic</p>

<p>Written an entire philosophical novel (unpublished, but planning to publish when older)</p>

<p>In Yearbook for 2 years</p>

<p>2 Clubs- Counseling other students and participation in community service- for 2 Years</p>

<p>Nearly liked by everyone for my devotion to helping others and my kindness</p>

<p>My passion for learning, art, literature, and philosophy</p>

<p>Like, let's say I really am a prodigy. </p>

<p>Top 15% of graduating class</p>

<p>I would like my answers to be from Harvard students/graduates and/or Harvard staff (or friends and family of Harvards), since they have the experience.</p>

<p>If you are going to say, "No, I will not get accepted." then please say so nicely. No- "Sorry, no can do babydoll." Or whatever crap. Be polite.</p>

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<p>Nearly all students are in the top 10% of their graduating class in schools of that calibre, since it identifies how academically qualified an applicant is ('lest you’re rank one in a random school in Wyoming–no harsh feelings, Wyoming–versus 15th percentile in the Thomas Jefferson School of Science and Technology etc.). However, an acceptance is an acceptance. You have a very interesting story, and I honestly couldn’t discern you from a…uhm…non-autistic kid. Are you a parent posting on these forums for his/her child? What do you mean by “prodigy”? I don’t want to come off as cynical, but you shouldn’t lower the standards of being a “prodigy” simply because you are inherently unique, but hey, unique is good :)!</p>

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<p>No, this is the real me talking. By “prodigy” I mean prodigy in my passion. That’s what Harvard looks for in addition to just grades, SAT/ACT, and activities. Right?</p>

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<p>@Newdle‌ TJHSST doesn’t rank (Im a grad- just for future reference, the entirety of FCPS doesn’t rank).</p>

<p>IF you do accomplish all that you’ll be competitive. However, at a school like harvard, there are no sure things. People can only tell you if you’re competitive or have no shot.</p>

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<p>I’m no Harvard student (hell, I’m not even in college yet) but if you want to show that you’re a prodigy, you do it through your accomplishments. Keep pushing for things around the caliber of publishing that novel (which is fairly high), and if you’re successful in all of your accomplishments then you will definitely be extremely competitive. That means truly exploring your passion for literature and really substantiating that passion.</p>

<p>Nobody can say for certain that you will, in fact, be accepted; you’d only have to see for yourself when the decisions come out.</p>

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<p>@guineagirl96‌ Haha, I know :)… I actually have a friend who goes to TJ right now, and he says the top 10% are pretty much the same. That was just his opinion.</p>

<p>@lctyson‌ Yes, of course they look for your passion. However, if Harvard wants prodigies, they’ll just pick up a few kids who’ve gone to international olympiads and whatnot (it’s not that simple, but I’m just emphasizing how amazing the applicant pool is). You love learning art, literature, and philosophy. How are your passions of them unique? Have you shown it? Just keep them in mind… Good luck :D!</p>

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<p>Hmm do you mean that your book is going to be published by a major publisher, or that you’re thinking of publishing it/have found an agent already? Also, not a lot of CC people talk about this lesser known Olympiad, but there is something called the International Philosophy Olympiad every year. It’s basically 4-5 hours (I think) of essay composing in a language other than your mother tongue (e.g. if your first language is English, you can pick out of only French and German, I think). If you are extremely skilled at another language and want to prove your “philosophical prodigy” you might want to think about this. I do know, however, the first Asian (and I mean international) to win a gold medal in this who still got rejected by HYPS straight out.
Also, in order to prove that you are an “art/literature prodigy”, you must show so by publishing your writing in pretty important literary magazines or winning a top award in major competitions (e.g. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, NCTE, so on). Do you have any ECs that show your passion in this field? </p>

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<p>OP. I will be frank and pop your “pseudo” bubble. True prodigies do not ever consider themselves “prodigies”…and they do not want to be labeled as such. True prodigies do their “own” thing without regard to which college they want to attend. True prodigies aren’t concerned about building a resume or doing this or that to impress some admissions officer. True prodigies spend time doing the things that truly interests them…not anyone else. True prodigies in an academic field, music, art, or sport will have the best schools vying for their talents. And true prodigies do not have time or the patience to be on CC. </p>