<p>I've gotten a few letters and an information book from Harvard. I think it's just a ploy for them to increase their amount of applicants, but my mom is excited and thinks I have a shot at getting in. Does anyone know if I'm right or if my mom is right?</p>
<p>You probably passed a minimum threshold on a test score and qualified for Harvard’s huge marketing program (free booklets and letters). Or you may be an URM or live in a geographically under-represented area. </p>
<p>Whether you have a shot at admission depends on many factors: top scores, top GPA, top 2% of your HS class, excellent recommendations, outstanding ECs, etc. </p>
<p>Be glad that your mom believes in you, but know that only 6% of applicants get to tell mom they received the golden “Yes!”.</p>
<p>So, I am an honors student who is in the top 10% of my class, student council president, head of the school newspaper, co-head of the community service club, captain of the quiz bowl team, have done a lot of community service, and have played piano for 12 years. I have also gotten an ACT score in the 30’s, a 5 on the only AP exam my school offers to juniors (APUSH), and have placed 1st and 2nd in my state on tests that determine a student’s ability in different subjects. I am also a member of the national honors society. Do you think I have a shot? Should I bother applying?</p>
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<p>Your Mom needs to remember that this is your college decision and experience, not hers.</p>
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<p>Harvard is not a prize but a certain U that is right for some students. If it meets what you are looking for in a college (and you can name those things), then apply. Don’t just apply for the brand name; this is 4 years of your life, not a car.</p>