<p>Hi everyone! I am applying to Harvard SCEA this fall, and I'm really psyched. I've been fascinated with Harvard ever since I visited Cambridge when I was eight, and ever since then I've held Harvard as my ultimate goal. I really like the concentration system and the possibility of advanced standing (not that I'd pursue it even I qualify, it sounds intense!), and I like the Cambridge area too; it's close to family.</p>
<p>Anyways, the main point of this post is to ask a couple of questions about SCEA. Firstly, when do the necessary materials (common app, Harvard supplement) become available? I've checked the Harvard website, and there's nothing there about release dates. Also, when is the optimal time to turn in the SCEA app? I know it's due in November, but is there a certain time when it's best to turn it in? The website makes it seem like people start sending in materials in October.</p>
<p>I plan on taking an actual tour of Harvard this summer to see it again as a young adult! Thanks for all your help with the SCEA process. It's all a bit daunting to think that in six months I'll know the outcome of my application!</p>
<p>Just make sure that you really convey what it is about Harvard that interests you. Too many HS students on CC offer very generic reasons as to why they want to attend a certain school- the diversity, the architecture, the campus grounds, etc. </p>
<p>Harvard is one of the few schools that doesn’t actually ask "Why X? " - sort of the old “we already know that everyone wants to go to Harvard” attitude. However, if you have a REALLY compelling reason why you want to attend you might consider writing about it (don’t waste their time if you don’t). They are generally pretty good about reading everything you send. Yale, on the other hand, strongly emphasizes that you only send what is absolutely necessary (and they do ask why yale, btw).</p>
<p>When you get enough posts, you can private message me an I can go over some things you can do to maximize your trip. Good luck.</p>