<p>I am a rising Senior.</p>
<p>Decision: Still Desperately Wishing</p>
<p>Objective:[ul]
[li] SAT I<a href="breakdown">/I</a>: 2350 (M: 780, W: 800, CR: 770)[/li] * NOTE:** This score is "superscored". I took the highest score from each of the sections from all the SAT's I have taken (three). I have done this because it applies to Harvard's SAT policy. My highest single sitting score is 2280.
[li] SAT II: Math IIC (780); US History (770); Physics (700); Biology Molecular (730)[/li] ** NOTE:** I will probably not be using Physics and Biology M test scores. I AM planning to take a Subject Test in either World History or English Literature. Also, if I have the opportunity, I might work to improve my existing Math and US History scores.
[li] Unweighted GPA<a href="out%20of%204.0">/I</a>: 4.0[/li][li] *Weighted GPA: 4.67[/li][li] Rank: 1/336[/li] ** NOTE:Tied with 3 others, 2 of whom are ranked 1 even though they do not take AP classes.
[li] AP Scores: Biology (5); European History (5); US History (5); Calculus AB (5); Physics B (4); English Language/Composition (4); World History (5 - self studied, if that means anything?)[/li][li] IB: None taken[/li][li] Senior Year Course Load: AP Calculus BC, AP English Literature/Composition, AP Macroeconomics, AP Environmental Science, Journalism, Tennis (Varsity)[/li][li] Major Awards: Hopefully National Merit Semifinalist (Scored 219 in California.) :/ ; California Southern Baptist Convention - Bible Drill 2nd Place (pretty lame I guess, but at least it'll put me into a broader perspective)</p>[/li]
<p>[/ul]Subjective:[ul]
[li] Extracurriculars : Newspaper (Co-Editor-in-Chief); Class Council (Senior Vice President, Junior Treasurer); Interact (Treasurer); Asian Culture Club (Treasurer); Associated Student Body (Member); California Scholarship Federation (Member)[/li][li] Job/Work Experience: *None[/li][li] *Volunteer/Community service: Interact, City of Hope Medical Center, City Hall, City Park, Library (Tutor, Summer Reading Club Volunteer), Intervention (tutor freshman students during lunchtime)[/li] **NOTE: Should have completed around 500 hours by Application period.
[li] Summer Activities: Boys State, AAJA J CAMP[/li] NOTE: Nominated for Pepperdine Leadership Conference, declined. Accepted to COSMOS (organized by University of California), declined.
[li] Essays: Should be pretty decent[/li][li] Teacher Recommendation: One really good one for sure. Second one should be pretty decent[/li][li] Counselor Rec: Generic. Doesn't even know me[/li][li] Additional Rec: From Library Children's Manager. Should be good,[/li][li] Interview: Not fabulous. Not Horrible. Should be average.</p>[/li]
<p>[/ul]Other[ul]
[li]* State:* Califronia[/li][li] School Type: Public[/li][li] Ethnicity: Asian-American[/li][li] Gender: Male[/li][li] Income Bracket: around 70k annually</p>[/li]
<p>[/ul]Reflection[ul]
[li] Strengths: Good ECs and SAT I scores, I guess?? :/[/li][li] *Weaknesses: *Weak SAT II scores?[/li][/ul]</p>
<p>For those of you who find this thread a bit familiar looking, its probably because I posted a thread very similar to this one at the start of junior year. I am making this thread, because I now have a lot more information that I think will make "chancing" a lot more easy.</p>
<p>All your comments will be appreciated. Don't mind being brutally honest. :/</p>
<p>Your SAT IIs are not weak. Your ECs are a little generic, though the leadership is strong; try to show enthusiasm for what you do have. Your volunteering is especially strong. While Harvard is a reach, I'd say you have a good shot, and your scores may put you over the top. </p>
<p>Check out the 2012 decisions thread; there are many accepted students with resumes similar to yours. Then again, there are many rejected students like that. Write excellent essays and hope for the best. :)</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your input!</p>
<p>Finally a chance thread that is formatted in an easy-to-read manner :)</p>
<p>@ laststopforme: haha, but what do you actually think of my chances?</p>
<p>azn4eyes00,</p>
<p>Don't think that the California Southern Baptist award is anything small. What this type of award does is show "who you are". Many of the other awards out there are all academic awards, and yes, they are very good to have. But, this award shows a personal side of you and that's important also. Your stats are super, but you need to show more of a personal side. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you and congratulations on such wonderful stats!</p>
<p>@ guitars101: Hmmm, what you say is true, isn't it?</p>
<p>Yea, I'll definitely try to put some more focus on activites like that, haha. I guess I have a few more stuff like that I could list...</p>
<p>Anyone else have anything to say? I would really appreciate any and all input</p>
<p>Any advice about how I should go about applying and maybe additional things I could do?</p>
<p>Objectively, your sats, sat IIs, grades, and courseload are all very strong and certainly put you in the range of other harvard applicants. However, your EC's lack any specific interest or direction, so you risk being lost in the sea of other applicants. Just frame your interests in your essay, and pray to the gods of college admissions, (jk).</p>
<p>@ sevitagen: I agree with you about the ECs problem (many other people have pointed out that same fact). Since it is now too late to realistically add more ECs or really show some focus on something in particular, what do you guys advise I should do? Some have pointed out that (I guess) the strongest part of my ECs is the pattern of leadership? </p>
<p>Do you think I should put a particular focus on that when I am applying for colleges? Because I do think I could pull it off okay (mentioning Senior VP, Editor-in-Chief, ASB, etc.)</p>
<p>Tell me what you guys think! haha.</p>
<p>Thanks all!!</p>
<p>Yeah the co-editor-in-chief, and the senior VP show good leadership. That is what will stand out about your ECs- you stayed focused in a few and eventually became leader of them. I agree with the first post that there are students with similar stats who get accepted and rejected to Harvard. Focus on your essays. You don't have to retake your SAT IIs!!! Really, they are great.</p>
<p>@ chinnychinchang: I don't have to retake my math and history you mean? But what about for my THIRD test? Do you really think I should use the 730 in Bio? I'm planning to take English Literature for my third test (hopefully I'll score well).</p>
<p>Speaking of SAT IIs, will Harvard be able to see ALL the tests I have taken or only the ones I report?</p>
<p>^ Harvard (and all other colleges you apply to for that matter) sees all.</p>
<p>hi i got into all the UC's
and im attending UCLA this fall
so i was in your shoes not too long ago</p>
<p>your SAT scores esp your your SAT 1 score
superscore or not superscore, are impressive enough</p>
<p>i think you have a clear shot at the UC's
so if HYPS fail
berks and ucla can be possible prospects?</p>
<p>i had all that
and sports
i did lots of them
ahah i was interact club prez too
and leadership
and student council
and asian club prez[indian/paki tho]
and many of the things you did; and/or similar</p>
<p>mind you</p>
<p>but your asian
so you REALLY have to stand out of the crowd
and im saying to this to your benefit</p>
<p>SO basically this is what i think</p>
<p>IF YOUR ESSAY IS AMAZING
and mine was amazing</p>
<p>youll get in to the UC's fersure</p>
<p>but for the ivy leagues idk much
altho i think you have an brilliant record
and i wouldnt be surprised at all if you did</p>
<p>best wishes</p>
<p>and keep us updated :DD</p>
<p>just kick ass on the essays! and recs!</p>
<p>Well, it's encouraging to hear that I'm in pretty good standing for the UCs. Ivies, though.... haha.</p>
<p>Anyone please?</p>
<p>I really appreciate your input</p>