<p>In answer to your question, If you could get your SAT to 2200, you would be much better off. I can't say you'll get into Harvard, this can't be said for anybody. However, your chances at all the Ivys will improve and at least the bottom Ivys will become a match for you. There is no harm in improving your SAT scores, and if you are able to...well, your efforts will not be unawarded.</p>
<p>Pay careful attention to Stambliark's post. Most of the posts here are from other high school students who have not been accepted to these elite schools and really have no idea what it takes to get in. Your test scores are not in the running at this time and your "hook" is no hook. Work HARD at raising those SAT scores (see the xiggi SAT prep threads) if you wish to even be in the running. Georgetown is also quite a reach for you. You might want to look at George Washington.</p>
<p>"your "hook" is no hook"</p>
<p>What else could I do to advance my political interests to the status of "hook" then? What else is there besides Paging, campaigning, and academic studies?</p>
<p>your sat's are not particylarily high. However, sta's aren't everything, your ec's are decent for a harvard applicant, but I saw nothing special about them as in, there was nothing to distinguish you from the pool of elite applicats who are all desperate to get in to harvard. Nevertheless, the admission process is rather unpredictable, so if you get lucky, you just might be accepted.</p>
<p>eh...GeorgeS could get in to GT.....my sister got in there with half his ECs......she didn't accept the offer though....if you're considering Georgetown, you might as well consider a public like Berkley, UVa, or Ann Arbor...a Virginia graduate will have roughly the same status as a Georgetown graduate of the same major/gpa.</p>
<p>But, you can consider hiring a private SAT tutor. They can help you substantially. You can hire them either through Kaplan, PR, or CollegeBoard.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I'd say you have very little chance. No chance with current scores and a 2200 would make you more of a realistic candidate but still not a strong one.</p>
<p>I interview for Harvard, and what I have seen over the last few years is that truly outstanding ECs, leadership, exceptional ability in an interesting area, or something along these lines is necessary even with 4.0/1600/val.</p>
<p>Kirmum, what sort of "exceptional ability" could be demonstrated in the field of politics that would get me in (theoretically speaking)? I honestly cannot think of anything more I could of done, and I seek your advice curiously.</p>
<p>I wouldn't depend on your politics so much to get into Harvard. It's obvious that you have a real passion for it, but if you really want to improve your chances, you MUST raise your SAT score. As much as I believe that SAT's aren't everything, at the Ivy level, a low SAT score will destroy your chances.</p>
<p>Sup, that makes me feel a lot better. Because if SAT's are the key for me, I feel like I can raise them to the level required and take off. I'm not pretending anyone cares about my excuses, but this last year I had no time to study for the SAT because I was roughing my way through math and science courses I hated (but took just to get them over with). SAT prep is simple, strait forward, and it can be fun to tag your progress over the days. </p>
<p>WITH THAT SAID, what else should I be focussing on? Are the SATs pretty much the only thing I can improve on in this short time frame between now and the EA deadline? </p>
<p>Again, thanks for all of the lengthy replies...I know I'm not the only one freaking out about my "chances" on this board.</p>
<p>idk, your ecs seem a bit weak......
I am also applying to Harvard EA and might apply to their business/political school. Good luck :) I hope we can meet each other there.</p>
<p>primitive, do you have any suggestions on how I could improve my ec's (keeping them politically related) over the summer/beggining of senior year?</p>
<p>Well, I am starting my own non-profit organisation in the summer (PM me if you want to be a part of it). </p>
<p>But in terms of politics eca, you can intern are local political groups (most of them are likely to be environment/ world peace related). Tell me which state you live in, and I can help you find good places to intern at. Oh yeah, you can also go to a well known newspaper publisher in your state and intern with political reporters. Also check this Harvard link:
<a href="http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/apply/requirements.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/apply/requirements.htm</a></p>
<p>You dont have to work in exactly these organisations listed on the link, you look for something similar. Finally check to see if you can intern at your state's Republican club.</p>
<p>Link me to your non-profit organization. I live in Oklahoma...thanks for the help really appreciated.</p>
<p>I am too lazy right now, but i'll PM with the details to you tomorrow. btw, do you know web designing?</p>
<p>I don't know web-designing THAT well (for whatever you might have in mind lol). Any other comments on my app?</p>
<p>I have a question. How can you become editor of the newspaper in 9th grade? You only participated for one year. That seems kind of suspicious.</p>
<p>There are many exceptional things a would be politician can do. From being nationally ranked in debate to leading an effort to make real change in your community. The latter would get accepted first at a top college. I find that most accepted at Harvard think outside of the box. They are not just president of an existing organization.</p>
<p>I'm not saying this is right in any way, just that it's who I am seeing get accepted. SATs make you a more strong or less strong candidate, but they are not the deciding factor to anyone over an acceptable point. Remember, Harvard rejects at least half of those with perfect scores!</p>
<p>I honestly don't think Harvard will care if you lift weights at the YMCA.</p>
<p>Having said that, you definitely have a good shot at getting into Harvard. I would try to get one of the people that you paged for to write a letter of reccomendation. Work on your essay writing would be my only advice. If you do retake the SAT, good luck :)</p>
<p>I think that your political involvement will quite possibly be your 'hook' so to speak, if you do get in. They also probably need a few conservatives in their government classes for debates so maybe that would help. (haha)</p>
<p>To be honest, I don't think being a Republican activist is too much of a hook. ESPECIALLY if you get a liberal adcom to read your applications and/or essays. Sure, we like to think that the admissions process is unbiased, but in reality it is far from that. Try not to look like some crazy right-wing radical who hates rock music and no prayer in school, lol.</p>
<p>all ppl at the Ivies are liberal</p>