<p>I know they can't salvage a bad record, but I feel that my essays are going to be so personal and like creative (different). I know you're probably saying that everyone thinks their essays are "different."</p>
<p>I believe that your chances are based on all the other hispanics that apply, not everyone in general. And with that said, if you are a junior, you and me are in competition!! lol</p>
<p>The essays can help. I think that made up my difference. </p>
<p>UIL is the roxors :)</p>
<p>I have a white last name (parents are divorced; live with my mother who is Hispanic), does it make a difference? How am I to all other Hispanics applying, then? Does Harvard know the competition of UIL? I feel like thus far it is the hardest competition I've been in.</p>
<p>I dunno then, b/c then the admissions ppl might take you as one of the people who are about 1/8 hispanic, and does not have to go through the average things hispanics go through. So know I have no idea, but still apply, as someone said to me, "you have nothing to lose, and everthing to gain".</p>
<p>I don't know if I wanna waste an essay talking about my being Hispanic....I feel like it wouldn't really contribute to anything about myself, except hard-working.</p>
<p>yeah, that's my problem too I don't know if I should mention my hispanic-ness...I don't want to seem as if I'm writng a pity essay</p>
<p>Best thing about HYP (besides prestige) if I get in: free ride!</p>
<p>People seem to be starting to underestimate the importance of SATs. Scores aren't EVERYTHING, but they certainly are very, very important. First is GPA & courseload, second is probably SAT.</p>
<p>Harvard's 25th percentile SAT score is 1400. The OP has a 1200. Bear in mind that much of that bottom 25% is likely composed of minorities, athletes, legacy, etc. Even though the OP is a minority, being that far under the 25th percentile is very disadvantageous.</p>
<p>Well when you take out my best test, of course my score is gonna look horrible. I plan on retaking the SAT....probably at my highest: 700M, 600CR, 750W</p>
<p>Ok...I went to Barnes and Noble (looked at a college book...no surprise there) and I'm starting to like Stanford and Brown.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Well when you take out my best test, of course my score is gonna look horrible. I plan on retaking the SAT....probably at my highest: 700M, 600CR, 750W
[/quote]
You never mentioned that. And a 1300 is still probably around 10-15th percentile.</p>
<p>I think colleges will look at the writing personally...maybe I can bring up the CR?</p>
<p>Colleges will look at writing, but they won't care about it nearly as much as math and CR. Go for 1400.</p>
<p>That is my goal, but for some reason I can't "read"</p>
<p>So what are my chances for Stanford and Brown, now?</p>
<p>:-( chances @ stanford and brown</p>
<p>Ok...I like Harvard again (and UPenn....but Harvard again).</p>
<p>Anymore chances?</p>
<p>Aim for above 2100.</p>
<p>Being outside of top 5%, or even top 10% also hurts a lot. I'd say Harvard, Stanford, and Brown were big reaches. Possible, but big reaches.</p>
<p>Even if I get 2100?</p>
<p>Unless being hispanic helps immensely (moreso than I think), you don't have much of a chance at any Ivy (except Cornell). Half Bs Half As with a C Junior year looks really bad, plus SATs of ~2000 is not too good...</p>