Chances at Harvard

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I'm sorry - I know you must be really bored of these threads, but living in England my school doesn't really know anything about the U.S. education system (we've only had one or two people apply anywhere in the States in my memory).</p>

<p>White female
Public school
Parents not in education beyond the age of 16
English</p>

<p>GPA/rank: British schools don't rank, but I'm taking the hardest score possible and achieving the highest mark in my year, which my teacher will explain on my application. </p>

<p>SAT I: 760 Reading, 650 Maths, 760 Writing
SAT II: 700 U.S. History, 740 World History, 770 Literature</p>

<p>IB classes: History Higher Level, Economics HL, English HL, Biology SL, Maths SL and Italian SL.
Predicted the full 45 points (and should achieve) - only achieved by 70ish students worldwide last year. </p>

<p>GCSEs: English Lit, A<em>, English Lang, A</em>, History, A<em>, Geography, A</em>, French, A<em>, Latin, A, Chemistry, A</em>, Biology, A<em>, Technology, A</em>, Religious Studies, A*
AS Levels: Maths, A, and Physics, A, taken a year early</p>

<p>Awards: school prizes in Science (twice), English, Technology and Geography, and I think Italian, History and Economics this year. </p>

<p>Extras:
Head Girl - elected by students and faculty - lots of public speaking, meeting visitors to school etc
Guide Association - Ranger and Young Leader. Working on the Leadership Qualification which will enable me to run my own Brownie unit (7-10 yr old girls); represented Guide Association on trip to Poland
Young Enterprise - Managing Director of my company, should achieve well in the exam
Advanced Extension Award in English - am taking next week
Grade 5 Saxophone
Royal Yacht Association Day Skipper Award
Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award</p>

<p>Work Experience:
eResearch Technology Ltd
No. 10 Downing Street
Greg Clark, MP</p>

<p>Other:
Excellent recommendations, inc. one from the office of the Prime Minister
IB extended essay - 4000 word essay entitled 'To what extent does the Chinese government attempt to control its citizens?'
Took part in a 4-week personal development programme in Peru last summer</p>

<p>Ummmm I think that's it - congratulations if you made it to the end - I tend to ramble. </p>

<p>So.....what do you think?</p>

2

<p>It is difficult to evaluate the chances of an English applicant since I am not that familiar with the way their high school education system works. Therefore, there is no way to interpret your secondary school record. So, just based on everything else, you have an average chance. The SAT scores are good but not great and you have a number of activities but nothing that would truly stand out in the Harvard applicant pool. Just apply, you have a chance and there is nothing to lose.</p>

3

<p>Nothing that stands out? Working in the Prime Minister's office doesn't stand out? I'd imagine you could write an interesting essay as well.</p>

<p>Are you a shoe-in? No, but few people are. I think you stand a good enough chance to apply however. Your SAT scores are fine for Harvard.</p>