<p>I had Harvard on my Common Application for a while, when I was deciding whether to apply or not, and I got an email that "recommended" that we send in the application before December 1st. Does this mean they will look unfavorably to people who don't send it in earlier or something like that?</p>
<p>No. Harvard starts reading applications from Dec 1st, since it does’nt have an Early Action/Decision program. So they generally suggest that students send in their application as soon as possible - that’s all the mail meant. You will not be looked on unfavorably or anything like that if you don’t submit by Dec 1st. </p>
<p>Just make sure you get it in by Dec 31st though.</p>
<p>Haha. Will do… Harvard is a way reach for me though (grades are decent, but nothing “amazing” in terms of ECs–I don’t have my own 300k a year business and I haven’t started a whole volunteer agency), so I am going to try to put as much effort as I can into the essay. I have heard Harvard’s admissions are quite hollistic, and I’ve even heard it described as a “crapshoot” by some. To what extent, if any, is this true? It could be a “crapshoot,” as some say, just because they have so many insanely talented applicants that it really does just become a crapshoot at that point.</p>
<p>You know funnyman4, even though it may be a reach, dont let that stunt your want for the college and your ability to fully express yourself in your app. I know a couple of people who though werent the brightest of the bunch, still showed a very strong liking and devotion and were able to get in. Dont let anything be a “crapshoot” for then what would be the point?</p>
<p>There are only so many people who can create a business or cure a disease by the time they are 18. Yet thousands of applicants are accepted. Granted most are exceptional, but as long as you have something unique, you have a chance. Harvard admissions arent a “Crapshoot”, what my guidance advisor has said to me, and I have heard before is that they review your application and narrow applicants down first by basic GPA and scores and then by the quality of their app. I have heard there is some factor of luck, but this would only be in the last stage.</p>