<p>Hey there,</p>
<p>I am new here and attending the final class of a German secondary school.
By June of this year, I will probably have my Abitur and in this regard, I've
considered trying to apply to Harvard, BUT:</p>
<p>Is there ANY German student who has been admitted that I could possibly
compare to? I do not read but about American admitted students.</p>
<p>The problem is that the German "Higher Education system" (concerning high school/secondary school) is totally different from the American. Only reading about American students makes me feel chanceless. For instance: at German schools, the possibilities to attend advanced/voluntary courses or to prove leadership in "clubs" are not given.</p>
<p>Would be kind if a German admitted Harvard student showed up and told me about his experiences...</p>
<p>corrazud</p>
<p>Hello there, I’m not German, but from what I have learnt from the profiles of two admitted students (that I have found somewhere on CC), you guys have something for languages and linguistics. One of the admitted German is “Germany’s premier linguist who speaks 11 languages fluently” and the other one knows and scores 800s on SATs in about 5 languages.</p>
<p>Furthermore, I believe that Harvard understands the differences in foreign countries’s edu. system compared to US’s and therefore would not specifically look for demonstrated leaderships through clubs participation. You would be able to reveal this character through local/community events participation (organizing festivals? just make sure you chair something) or international organizations (I recall some debate club or the like that has EU-wide popularity). Meanwhile, ace your SATs, and since your school does not offer APs/IBs, take as much SAT IIs as possible; this is the best way to show your academic ability.</p>
<p>For more info, you should read the HV class of 2014 admitted thread. There are profiles of some EU admits that might help you.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Hi lilalilole,</p>
<p>thanks for your experience and your hint concerning the 2014 admitted thread with EU students. I’m much more confident now, although I do not hope
that the ability to speak 11 languages fluently is a MUST for Germans 
.</p>
<p>corrazud</p>