Chances for Harvard?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>GPA (Weighted): 4.548
GPA (Unweighted): 3.95</p>

<p>Rank: 2/645</p>

<p>Test Scores/Classes:
-SAT: 2270 (740 Rdg, 760 Math, 770 Wrtg)-Considering retake
-ACT: 33 Composite (same score for 2 sittings)
-AP (so far): Calc BC (5), US History (5), English Lang (5), European History (5), Spanish Lang (4)
-SAT Subjects: I haven’t taken them yet, but on diagnostic tests from study books (with no prior studying): USH 790, Spanish 770, Math lvl2 800, Physics 780
-11th Grade: AP Calc BC, AP English Lang, AP Spanish, APUSH, Honors Physics, Wind Ensemble
-12th Grade: Calculus III (Multivariable calc through U of Illinois), AP Gov’t, AP English Lit, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Wind Ensemble</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
-Marching Band (all 4 years): Member of Drumline, have won numerous section awards at various state competitions
-Youth & Government: Attorney (10, 11,12)-State awards 2 years running, including best Oral Argument, 2nd best Legal Brief, and 2nd best Case overall
-Percussion Ensemble (all 4 years): Numerous leadership tasks including designing our annual concert
-Church Youth Group (all 4 years): Play drumset in weekly worship band (also frequently tasked with organizing weekend worship), Member of both Leadership Board and Missions Trip Fundraising Committee</p>

<p>Volunteer/Community Service Work:
-About 75 hours tutoring underpriveleged, struggling kids at the elementary school level (through both church and other volunteer opportunities)
-Percussion/Drumset Lessons to Middle School students (about 20-30 hours)
-Volunteer work at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry (20 hours, will be closer to 50 at application time)
-Missions trips through church involving VBS programs in downtown Chicago, various repair and outreach ministries in Nashville, TN</p>

<p>Awards/Honors:
-Probable National Merit Scholar (with a PSAT score of 220 and SAT of 2270)
-Selected for 2010 IMEA District IX Honor Orchestra (as a percussionist)
-Received “Best of Day” awards for solo work in solo & ensemble contests both Soph. and Jr. years, also selected for 2010 District Honors Recital (one of 15 or so students out of approximately 600-700)
-Began playing percussion in 8th grade, was accepted into school’s top ensemble (in a Grammy-award-winning music program) Sophomore year</p>

<p>Recommendations: Two letters, one from my APUSH teacher (the only one I’ve received; it’s wonderful) and one from my Honors Precalc/BC Calc teacher (who has known me as a student for over 2 years now).</p>

<p>Personally I think the academic side of my resume is strong, but I think my extracurriculars/volunteer services portion is middling. Please let me know how I stack up. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I am in no position to give advice on this because I myself am applying to Harvard this fall and have no clue how I stack up, but I just wanted to say that I have never seen anyone else on here in Youth & Government and in Judicial like myself! Just sharing haha</p>

3

<p>I must say, it’s certainly rare. All that work tends to scare people away, unfortunately.</p>

4

<p>bummp anyone else have an opinion?</p>

5

<p>Let me ask this: would applying early give me any sort of added advantage? My dilemma is that I’d like to take as much time as I can get to really hone my application, but at the same time would be open to any sort of edge EA could give, however small.</p>

6

<p>I’m not sure your app would be a shoo-in for SCEA, so perhaps using the extra time to “hone” as you say, would help. On the other hand, you have until late October to do your essays, so you might want to go early, and hope for a little edge.</p>

7

<p>Thanks. Another question: would a musical recording be any help, perhaps to corroborate my music EC’s etc? If I were to apply SCEA, I’m not sure I’d have time, but if I were to wait for RA, would it be in any way beneficial? I know colleges typically frown upon sending too many extra materials, but I think if I had enough time I could really pull a good recording together.</p>