can i get in . . .

Colleges & Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>ok here are my stats:</p>

<p>SAT: 2050
SAT II: 720- Math 1
GPA: 4.3 (full IB diploma)
ECs: Newspaper staff (managing editor- 2 years), literary magazine, Key Club, Spanish Club, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society (president), tutoring kids, creating a newsletter for a company, volleyball for 2 years
Summer activities: work at mom's company, Hollins U. for 2 weeks in 2005, Boston U. for 2 weeks in 2006, tons of volunteering
Alumni: grandfather graduated from Harvard</p>

<p>So . . . honestly, what are my chances???</p>

2

<p>Hmm I wouldn't bet on it.</p>

3

<p>Personally, what I've been gathering is it's virtually impossible to predict your chances at a top school, and most especially Harvard. Each applying pool has different qu alities, different Xtra curriculars, etc. Maybe, the average sat score for last year's applicants was...say 1450 (or like 2250), but, maybe this year's applicant pool's average sat may be like a 1435 (or like a 2180). It all depends on how you fit in with the applicant pool; don't compare yourself to the previous class, b/c there is still different variation from year to year. I think your gpa is great! You should, however, take 2 more sat subject tests to fulfill the requirements @ Harvard. I think that your extracurriculars look very good; but, it all depends on what your passions are. Whatever it is that you LOVE to do, fulfill it, do it, pursue it...anything, but really make sure you show it in your application. Also, it depends on where you are applying from. Under-represented areas (like Montana or Alaska) have an easier time getting in b/c there are so few people who apply from those areas. also, if you are a URM it is somewhat easier-not easy, but <em>easier</em></p>

<p>So, in all honesty, I think right now, if you were to apply, depending on the applicant pool, you may stand a chance. That gpa is killer I think that's a good quality of your credentials. The 2050 is much higher than I scored, I will tell you that. I am not in Harvard but I do know most people have between a 600 and 800 on each section, usually about a 680 on each section-That is probably about what you got, so I woudl say you could stand a very good chance^_^</p>

<p>Also, the fact that your grandfather went to Harvard MAYY be a little bit of a hook; but there are no guarantees. </p>

<p>one of your extracurriculars that will stand out I think is creating a newsletter. If you do more of the stuff that YOU enjoy and that are your passions, (and that are also unique and not what everybody else does), it will distinguish you from others in the process.</p>

<p>Good luck to you~ You have a decent chance. Don't stop preparing for the application though!! You may want to retake the sat JUST to see if you can get higher. If not, no worries, it's great where it is^</p>

4

<p>You have a 0% chance of getting into Harvard. Try taking two more SAT IIs, and they may reconsider; Harvard does have requirements, you know.</p>

5

<p>Aw, she has a definite chance, maybe not 100% , but then again, who does have 100% chance. There are many different things they take into account.</p>

6

<p>No. She doesn't have any chance. She doesn't have 3 SAT IIs! That's the minimum!</p>

7

<p>the full IB diploma thing is great...SAT Is are horrible for Harvard
and you should take SAT IIs.</p>

<p>Chances are good.</p>

8

<p>The good news is that there are TWO and even possibly THREE more SAT test dates that she can take more sat subject tests. SHe's doing fine so far</p>

9

<p>Her SAT is significantly below average for Harvard, and there is nothing special about her activities. Don't give false hopes. As it is right now, she has a VERY slim chance.</p>

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<p>thanks for the imput! just for clarification, i am planning on taking 2 more SAT IIs and I will retake the SATs as well. And as for there being nothing special about my activities; what would you consider 'special'??</p>

<p>thanks!</p>

11

<p>honestly, i think people in general think the median SATs for Ivies like Harvard are higher than they really are. For example, the 2006 average SAT scores for Harvard are 2100-2350. I think these kind of schools look at SATs, but they look at other things with greater emphasis; i mean the SAT range is HUGE!</p>

12

<p>Nowadays, top scores alone won't guarantee you admission into a school. This led to the "scores aren't everything" sentiment, which led to the "scores aren't that important" sentiment. I think people are beginning to underestimate test scores, when in reality, they're the second most important part of your application. Again, revert back to the "SATs won't get you in, but they can keep you out." If you're BELOW that average SAT range, you're gonna need to have a killer hook, be a minority, or have legacy (grandparent legacy doesn't count for much) to stand a chance.</p>

13

<p>yes...seriously, with the time that you have left, it is REALLY to your benefit to take advantage and take the SAT or ACT (which you can send only the best score in for). Like Arti said, SAT scores don't get you in, but if you could improve one part of your application, what would be the easiest to do?</p>

<p>Standardized Tests! They are tests that you can study for, and like it or not, selective schools use GPA, courseload, and standardized test scores to determine your academic ability. Academic Ability is the biggest part of your application, so given the chance, I'd try to make it the best possible.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

14

<p>ok, right now I'm focusing on raising my SATs to at least above the 2100 mark. any more input???</p>