<p>Woohoo, my first CC post!! After months of lurking…</p>
<p>duke33, Harvard is a reach for anyone, but you do have some things going for you. Your GPA is great, your ACT is good, it’s good that you are valedictorian, it’s good that you are from a under-represented state and a rural area, it’s good that you took the most rigorous courses available (Harvard likes to see that), and finally it’s good that you have “long lines” in your ecs (as in, you stuck with them for all 4 years). Plus, being captain of all those teams is pretty impressive. </p>
<p>That said, you have some serious weaknesses, but please don’t take it too harshly. I’m just not seeing any volunteer work or community service (Harvard really likes to see that as well) and all of your ecs are either academic activities or sports, except for band. What I’m trying to say is: you have no “hook,” you have nothing that makes you stand out from the thousands and thousands of Harvard hopefuls. Usually from someone’s ecs you can see what their passion is, or at least where their interests lie. But your ecs tell me nothing about you, except that you are smart and athletic and can play an instrument. I have no idea what you are interested in outside of school and sports. </p>
<p>Harvard has a lot of white, male valedictorian academic-athletes applying, and you really need to differentiate yourself to have shot. If there are some ecs you aren’t mentioning that would give Harvard a better idea of your specific interests/talents/skills, by all means INCLUDE them. My biggest recommendation would be to write a heckuva good essay, specifically on something in life you are passionate about (maybe it’s music, maybe it’s something you can connect to sports or academics, I don’t know). Just try to make your essay stand out. Make it real, and make it heartfelt. Talk about what you would bring to Harvard’s community if admitted. You should also try to get really good teacher recs from teachers who know you well. </p>
<p>However, I could be misinterpreting the situation, because if you are a recruited athlete, your chances are much better than the general population. Are you good at your sports and/or have you been approached by a Harvard coach? If you have mad b-ball (or football, or baseball) skills, but have not been approached, try to get in touch with coaches if that’s the route you want to go. </p>
<p>Finally, please remember that Harvard is a BIG reach for anyone – so have some safeties lined up that you would be happy to attend. With your stats you can go almost anywhere, and I’m sure you will find a good fit, even if that college is not Harvard. Make sure your Harvard application is as solid as possible, but don’t waste time obsessing and stressing over things that you have no control over, since it’s all a crapshoot anyway. I wish you the best of luck, and have a great senior year! </p>
<p>Side note: when I submitted my Harvard app my whole family was there with me, and we all yodeled really loudly. I got in, so it’s worth a shot :)</p>