<p>So I was just wondering how much rank will affect my chances at Harvard or MIT. I have a 96/98.5 GPA, and I'm pretty sure I'm top 10% if not top 5% in my class of 400 students. RANK IS UNWEIGHTED. I also take/will have taken at least 3 more AP courses than everybody else in my class (8-9 AP's total, at least two in each fire subject except math). Does the top 5 or 10 percent hurt my chances at Harvard or MIT even though grades are unweighted, my GPA is very solid ready, and my course schedule is much harder than everybody else's? Thanks!</p>
<p>I assume you’re applying for the name? Who would want MIT AND Harvard for the same major? Obviously one’s program is superior to the other (Eng. vs. Business, Neuroscience vs. Pre-med, etc.)</p>
<p>No offense, but these schools see a ton of asians with these scores (impressive as they are). To stand out, obviously, you’ll have to have stellar essays, reccs, and ECs. I recommend stressing 1 or 2 E.C’s in writing, preferably the one that’s major-oriented. Given your stats, legacy will definitely work for you.</p>
<p>Speaking of which, major?</p>
<p>It’s a toss-up, as it is for everyone, but you’ll probably make it into at least one of the top schools you’re applying to. Good luck</p>
<p>Firstly, thanks for responding! I’m really concerned about college (even though I’m still a junior) and I really appreciate all the help.
Now to respond to your post. </p>
<p>Well, I live in Cambridge, MA, so it’s not weird for me to apply to both schools since all the top students (and some mediocre students) do this. I also understand that each school has prominent strengths, but I actually want to be an economics major. Both MIT and Harvard are at the top for Econ. </p>
<p>I’ve also realized this unfortunate circumstance. I just wanted to know if my unweighted class rank would hurt my chances at these schools, regardless if my schedule is much more intense. My EC’s are good though. I’m a successful youth violinist (not just a typical Asian violinist; I have many honors and very impressive experiences for any musician). I also worked in a local nonprofit that my friends established, learning programming and doing outreach programs for people who couldn’t afford computers. I taught a class at a youth center about technology as community service, and I’ve also done more CS but teaching violin at a community program as well. I volunteer in a medical laboratory at Harvard with a professor. I also do school activities such as Robotics club and Outdoor track.</p>
<p>Thanks! I’m just really concerned with Harvard, probably because my brother went there, inspiring me to follow his footsteps. MIT would be fine too! Haha. Harvard also accepts a good 7-8 students from my school per year on average, so I guess that helps too!</p>
<p>DI Represent!</p>