<p>it seems as if everyone accepted to harvard is of upper middle class backgound and attends a private school, where everything and more is offered- 20+ APs, loads of ecs to choose from, etc. </p>
<p>so, what are the chances of underprivileged students actually getting accepted if they don't have the resources to even compete? because i'm an underprivileged student and the very thought of applying to harvard at my school is incredibly absurd. i attend a public, at-risk high school where the graduation rate is less than 50% and only 5 APs are offered. 90% of the school is of immigrant background (mainly hispanic and asian) and low income. we don't have the sufficient amount of resources to provide sat prep classes, educational prep opportunites. </p>
<p>in comparision to my school, i'm an all-star student- the only student in my school's history is be named ap scholar; i've taken 9 community college enrichment courses (since my school doesn't have course variety to choose from), and i am a leader/ president of almost all clubs offered at my school (which is also a very small number).</p>
<p>but, in comparision to the students harvard usually accepts, i feel as if i'm nothing. i don't have diplomat parents; mine are immigrants. my sat scores are very, very low (less than 1800) compared to the 'typical' harvard student. i haven't taken more than 4 AP courses. although i know i've achieved a lot to get as far as i have, given the lack of resources, i don't know if i can compete with the students that usually apply to harvard. </p>
<p>does harvard ever select students they know will not be as academically prepared because of their educational background and income?</p>
<p>I have not had the best opportunities from my school either, and I am also low-income (low enough to go for free to H). My SAT scores are pretty low (~1300 SAT I) and I have only taken 5APs out of 7 offered - the others never fit. But I look at the admissions process this way:</p>
<p>If my weaker educational background, no matter how much better than those around me, would inhibit me from being sucessful at Harvard, then they would I want to go?</p>
<p>If you want my opinion... don't lose hope. You have obviously achieved a great deal. Just keep in mind that maybe you wouldn't belong there, and fall in love with your safety schools as I have. Life is so much better knowing that I will be happy no matter where I end up. But that doesnt mean I should give up hope, because may we do belong, having overcome so much.</p>
<p>The adcoms get a list of your school's "profile." I believe it says things such as how many ap courses are offered, graduation rates, average sat scores, minorities, etc.. Therefore, they'll understand your situation. They also can know your income without even talking to the financial aid office. THings like parent's education and occupations, whether or not you have a part or full-time job, if you used a college application fee waiver, etc.... I'm in the same boat as you, but my scores are higher and I live in South Dakota... Really... Yeah, there's NOTHING as far as opportunities here. </p>
<p>The bottom line is that colleges will understand your situation.</p>
<p>There are plenty of students here who have not taken APs and did not have national/international level extracurricular activities. Of course, it goes without saying that the students who did have the 20 APs in their high school would be more successful at adapting to school work in the beginning, but after a month or so, it definitely levels out so that everyone is on the same playing field.</p>
<p>Geography plays a huge factor in college decisions. Obviously a student attending an excellent urban school will have more opportunities to "succeed" than a student attending a rural school with fewer resources, regardless of the students' race, gender, etc. I go to a rural high school, and I haven't even heard of some of the awards that the students in other high schools won, much less know what AP meant when I was a sophomore. Don't fret over your SAT scores too much either. The biggest indicator of a person's SAT score is his/her zip code. Harvard emphasizes a lot that they look for diversity so anything is possible really. Good luck with your app!</p>