<p>I qualled for nats this year in OO as a novice and placed 15th.
I didn't even think it was worth mentioning until I read the CC boards haha</p>
<p>I have one question. How do you know you are a National Merit "Scholar" already? I mean information regarding National Merit Semifinalists only comes out in September...</p>
<p>My score is well above the average cutoff for my state, and I received a letter that indicated I was being considered. If anything, I'll be commended which is fundamentally the same thing. I wasn't by any means suggesting that I'm a finalist.</p>
<p>Have you recently taken a science class you could take the subject test for? Or a language? If so, I'd recommend that.
Also, I'm 1/16 Choctaw Indian. Does that count for anything?</p>
<p>If you're truly Choctaw, you wouldn't have to ask that question.</p>
<p>It certainly doesn't hurt.</p>
<p>Colin, you must look deep into your soul, meditate a bit, release all thoughts of college admissions and ask yourself "Who am I?" Then you shall have your answer.</p>
<p>Calm down about the SAT score...My SAT the score you have and I was admitted for Harvard 2012</p>
<p>how is it possible that you are unable to take 3 sat IIs?
If you are taking a full course-load, you should be able to take at least 3 sat IIs. You might need to brush up on a subject you took a year or two before. Harvard does not make exceptions for that. Even if you (somewhat) bomb one, you need to take 3. And fyi, Dartmouth is a great school.</p>
<p>How has your school done in the past at harvard and other top schools? How is your school's reputation in general?
Also consider your peers. You may be valedictorian, but there might be people breathing down your neck academically who shine more outside of school. I am tied for second at my school, but the difference between me (and the person I am tied with) and the valedictorian is an A vs an A+ in freshman AP bio. 3rd-8th is not that far behind either.</p>
<p>I don't want to rain on your parade, but a 4.0/valedictorian means jack to Harvard, especially if you have not been taking challenging classes (even if they are the most rigorous at your school). No offense, but not being able taking 3 Sat IIs raises a huge flag to your competency in any subject covered by Sat IIs. I do not know your situation, but i really want to stress you should definitely take 3 sat IIs </p>
<p>I would say that your ECs are very good, but so are everyone at Harvards. I don't see anything that really stands out to me in your ECs/awards that makes you a must have. Do you plan/are qualified to swim/golf in college? Debate could be a hook. Are you nationally/state ranked?</p>
<p>Despite all the things that I said above, the NA factor is HUGE (especially at harvard), but you just need to fill their basic requirements.</p>