<p>will they toss your application out if it has the characteristics of a typical asian- math team, classical music, etc. (despite other activities) ?</p>
<p>they certainly wont "toss" it out without looking at your entire package.</p>
<p>It's just that what makes HYPS so exciting is the wealth of experiences, interests, and passions present within their student bodies. If your application looks the same as the 1000 other asian applicants with the same exact EC's, that does nothing to show to the college that you are "unique". It'll just be that youre just another follower.</p>
<p>HYPS want to enroll leaders who will make a difference in the world after they graduate, which will keep their respective school's name strong and powerful.</p>
<p>They do not expect followers to do this, because they will not be enacting change or influence in the world.</p>
<p>
[quote]
race DOES play a huge role in college admissions
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No, it doesn't. Race may have a part in the admissions process, but, imo, it doesn't define the entire process and certainly doesn't have a "huge" role.</p>
<p>Im sure there are a hundred different factors the adcom take into consideration when they are reviewing your application; you cant just pin it down to one part. Your ethnicity does play a role, but it is not the deal maker or breaker. The important thing is who you are. Everything you write or send in as part of your application, every detail, will be extremely important at a school like Harvard. Im sure the adcom wants to learn about you as a person and is not looking for what you think they want to see/hear.</p>
<p>I am also wait-listed at Harvard and I am Asian, applying as an international (I am have lived and studied in the US for the past five years but hold Canadian citizenship)but frankly, I dont think my ethnicity had anything to do with it. I was surprised to have been wait-listed at all. They are looking for a lot of things in an applicant and they only have 1600 spaces. I mean, you are competing with all the top kids in the world. The difference between in who gets in or out is painfully small.</p>
<p>What counts is that you got wait-listed, not out right rejected, from one of the best universities in the world. Thats saying a lot.</p>
<p>^ agreed. :D</p>
<p>agreed as well</p>