Awards

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>when applying to Harvard, if you don't have any major awards (like Intel, USAMO, etc) are you at a disadvantage when compared to other applicants. Will 3-4 school awards, 2-3 state awards suffice? My class is truly the most competitive class my school has ever had. Our top 3, has a minumum score of 35 ACT! </p>

<p>Also, personally, I don't like competing against other students because of a personal credo of not valuing myself based on others' performances. in fact, the awards I got were the result of my love for w/e it was. Although I still do enjoy a bit of friendly competition.</p>

<p>So, will this hurt me when juxtaposed to other applicants? Or what about applicants that get in?? I know that a people get in without major awards;but do most people get in w/o major awards? I am not sure if that is the exception or the rule.</p>

<p>Edit: I am also aware that the process of admission is holistic and everything is taken into account. I am speaking generally.</p>

2

<p>Every year, students with 2400 SAT’s, 4.0 GPA’s and prestigious awards are rejected. Why? To understand more about the admissions process and to learn what Harvard values, please read:
[Guidance</a> Office: Answers From Harvard’s Dean, Part 1 - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/harvarddean-part1/]Guidance”>Guidance Office: Answers From Harvard's Dean, Part 1 - The New York Times)
[Guidance</a> Office: Answers From Harvard’s Dean, Part 2 - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/11/harvarddean-part2/]Guidance”>Guidance Office: Answers From Harvard's Dean, Part 2 - The New York Times)
[Guidance</a> Office: Answers From Harvard’s Dean, Part 3 - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/14/harvarddean-part3/]Guidance”>Guidance Office: Answers From Harvard's Dean, Part 3 - The New York Times)
[Guidance</a> Office: Answers From Harvard’s Dean, Part 4 - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/harvarddean-part4/]Guidance”>Guidance Office: Answers From Harvard's Dean, Part 4 - The New York Times)
[Guidance</a> Office: Answers From Harvard’s Dean, Last of 5 Parts - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/harvarddean-part5/]Guidance”>Guidance Office: Answers From Harvard's Dean, Last of 5 Parts - The New York Times)</p>

3

<p>Harvard has an unpredictable admission process that’s not always easy to follow. From what I understand, they like students with a strong character and passion which can mean not always being awarded. I wouldn’t say not having tons of awards puts you at a disadvantage because many awards can be pretty trivial and circumstantial. Good luck!</p>