Aspiring Harvard student.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>First off, I was born in Boston, so I'm a US citizen.</p>

<p>I'm an international student in Turkey, starting grade 11 this year. I take the IGCSE and A-level system. I understand how extremely slim my chances are, but I am taking this very seriously. I will be taking the SAT and SAT Subject Tests this year, and I wish to study Medicine. To people who know the IGCSE system:</p>

<p>IGCSE grades:</p>

<p>English as a Second Language: A+
Physics: A+
Maths: A+
Biology: A+
Chemistry: A
Computer Sciences: C (because of my incompetent teacher.. I think it's the highest in the grade though, luckily it's not one of the subjects considered important)</p>

<p>Average: A+ or A (I will need to see my numbers first). I believe this makes a GPA of 4?</p>

<p>Valedictorian of the grade.</p>

<p>I'm going to start school in a week, with the A-level education system from England. I'll be taking Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Maths (I think it's a plus that I'm taking 5 subjects, most people don't even dare to take 4). It is the most rigorous curriculum available (if I recall correctly, each subject is tougher than the AP of it) and the maximum offered by the school is 5 subjects. People very rarely take 5 subjects in this school. I've seen accepted into Harvard with only 3 A-levels, which is the minimum required for the college. Harvard wants 3 A-levels with the grade A or B.</p>

<p>I understand that Harvard recommends studying History and a foreign language. I am fluent in Turkish, so I believe I have that covered. Regrettably, my school does not allow students to be in the Science group and take History at the same time in high school. If I conveyed this to them, would they still penalize me?</p>

<p>Currently, I believe I'm lacking in extracurriculars.</p>

<ul>
<li>Captain of the school's football team (grade 9)</li>
<li>Prefect (all throughout high school, I believe)</li>
<li>Writing consistently for the year book, interviewing the Vice Principal for it</li>
<li>Making and reading the Principal's departure (grade 9)</li>
<li>Chosen best promising actor in an acting tournament (this was in the summer holiday between grade 7 and 8, would this help?)</li>
</ul>

<p>Unfortunately, with the advent of the new Principal, I could not participate in barely any extracurriculars. In the junior and senior year, I'm hoping for new extracurriculars, such as becoming the Head Boy of the school and being the editor of the school's newsletter. </p>

<p>I MAY email the Principal about this, to let me participate in as many extracurriculars as possible. I hope that the people in charge of my admission can understand that my school is extremely limited in extracurriculars (how would I show this to them?). Nevertheless, I will participate as much as I can.</p>

<p>If I try, I could probably convince the Principal to make me the valedictorian of the school (unless someone brighter and more serious than me comes along). Is it worth it to email her about this? She's always striving to find new things to put. I believe I could use that as an advantage.</p>

<p>What are my chances? I realize it's a bit early for this but I want to get adjusted as soon as possible and get accepted.</p>

<p>PS: My mother was a student at Harvard, attempting to get her Masters degree, but she got pregnant with me and she had to leave (I'm evil). Would this help? Not much of a legacy, but I doubt it would.</p>

2

<p>I can’t edit my post for some reason… so I’ll have to double post. If possible, can a mod edit this in and delete this post?</p>

<p>I just remembered that I did voice acting when I was in grade 7 and 8 for children’s English books. I also gained money for it. I think this can be considered both as a job and community service? Problem is, it was before high school…</p>

<p>Would this be considered?</p>

3

<p>I think you have a good shot, but for some reason (perhaps because you did not mention it) you seem to lack passion for <em>something</em>. Be aware that there are many students with grades such as yours, those who get accepted promise to bring development to their subject and field of study. </p>

<p>Furthermore, beware of 5 A-levels, quality is the important factor, not quantity. You certainly have the capacity to study at such an demanding school, no doubt, but that is the standard with at least 50% of the applicants. But still, I think you got a good chance if you make your application outstanding and unique and show devoition to your subjects. </p>

<p>greetings</p>

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<p>I can’t blame you for thinking that. I don’t want to study A-levels at all because I’m a very lazy butt (other than Biology and Literature, I especially dislike Chemistry and Maths) and I’d take 3 if I could. However, my will to get in is really… unrivaled is unfair to say, but it’s pretty massive. I can put aside what I feel about my subjects and work as hard as I can with ease.</p>

<p>If I wasn’t determined, I could simply apply for a university in the UK, since it would save me a lot of studying for the SATs and a bit of money (I bought tons of books off Amazon). I know that I can go there without many conundrums.</p>

<p>You made it sound like the essay would be the deciding factor (which I can’t help but agree with). I will certainly focus harder on it now. I just need a good subject.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot for your reply. You helped me more than you think.</p>

5

<p>I think you will be able to submit a good academic record to Harvard. But, remember that there are going to be tons of applicants with stellar grades and very rigorous curricula ( I am an international applicant from India applying to Harvard this year. I am attempting two school-leaving examinations; Indian AISSCE for 5 subjects at school and the GCE A-Levels for three subjects as a private candidate.). Most of them are also going to have long lists of ECs.</p>

<p>What I am trying to say is, like felixbloch said, you need to be show your passion in one particular extra-curricular activity that you particularly love doing. So instead of doing as many things as you possibly can, focus on one or two things that you can get involved-in deeply. Do not do anything with the illusion that it is going to land you a place at Harvard. Do something only because you love it.</p>

<p>God Bless You.</p>