<p>Our family is kind of shook up due to Harvard's annoucement, little chance our son could even apply prior to change. Our income is currently at that level but has only been so for two or three years so we have not saved enough to provide that kind of support. </p>
<p>Look at his stats and see if you think we should apply, knowing we are falling within that income level for this year and last.</p>
<p>GPA 3.89 school doesn't weight
National Merit Semi-finalist
SAT I Math 640 Reading 800 Writing 800
ACT 32
SAT IIs US History 800, Lit 750, Language 430 (really screwed that up)
APs from jr year US History 5, Lit 4, currently taking two more</p>
<p>ECs
Debate, academic team, student council, class officer, language club, language club officer, school newspaper writer and photographer, active in community through BSA, holds Eagle Scout rank, active in church music and lectoring</p>
<p>The SAT math score is rather low, and as others have mentioned, there's nothing that really stands out. The GPA is also on the low side (considering how many 4.0's are applying).</p>
<p>I just can't envision this happening, although luck may be on your side. He might have good shot at some of top LACs and Cornell.</p>
<p>The thinking at our house is why not? If you look at their stats, not every kid is a 2400 with a 4.0. This kid has some excellent skills primarily on one side of his brain!</p>
<p>Of course getting into that school is a crapshoot and he probably won't be admitted, but you never know. Eagle Scout is a difficult road and not every boy can do it. It involves a tremendous amount of community service over a period of years which was not really spelled out. Who knows? thanks for the feedback. Since it is such a huge long shot, everyone in our house has the appropriate attitude.</p>
<p>Very good point, Tunkertech. I think you have certainly come to the wrong place for advice though. Most people on here believe that without a 2400, you can't get into Harvard or any other top tier schools.</p>
<p>Your son's chances are as strong as anyone else's IMO. Perhaps he would need to increase that Math score though. </p>
<p>He needs another 650+ SAT2 score in my opinion - the lit score is a killer. His math score is iffy, but might get by. His application will probably hang on recommendations and essay. Even though the school doesn't officially rank it will matter where that GPA lies. If he's in the top 5% he has a shot, if it's a normal public school that sends a few kids to Harvard each year.</p>
<p>Every top college has to accept some students with scores below 2400, just as a simple matter of scarcity of students with those scores. And there has been an extensive thread </p>
<p>on the issue of how students with top scores nonetheless don't get into their most favored colleges. All colleges will admit some students with non-peak test scores, and some students with peak test scores will be passed over by some (possibly many) colleges. </p>
<p>makes clear that Harvard looks for students with outstanding characteristics besides scoring high on tests. </p>
<p>P.P.S. Alas, I have no answer for the original poster about the chances of the son. I always used to guess wrong about chances, so now I don't try to guess anymore.</p>