Chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Essentially, a really good friend of mine has chosen Harvard as his main target, meaning he intends to apply SCEA. I personally believe his only drawback might be his OK SAT scores but they certainly do fall within Harvard's range, so I'm guessing that they won't really hurt him + they won't help him (leaving him in the neutral). The one thing I can guarantee about his application is that it will contain amazing letters of recommendations (I mean to stress that he probably is one of the top few students in some of his teachers' careers). I hope you readers will comment on whether he should try emphasizing one specific aspect about himself or the fact that he's able to stand out on many different levels all at the same time. Btw he's Persian.</p>

<p>Rank:
~top 2% (out of 160) @ very competetive public HS</p>

<p>GPA:
4.479 w
4.0 uw
lowest grade (on transcript): 93
hardest schedule possible </p>

<p>took 3 AP's as junior [chemistry, us history, english lang.]</p>

<p>SAT's:
1360 (700 M + 660 V)
1440 (740 M + 700 V)
2140 (740 M + 660 V + 740 W)
2180 composite</p>

<p>SAT II's:
Chemistry, US History, Math IIC (all June): prob 750+</p>

<p>Teacher Evaluations/Recommendations:
Counselour: Excellent
AP Chem/Bio: Excellent
APUSH: top few in career
Physics: top few (considered "star" of the year)
Principal: top few</p>

<p>Extracirricular Activities:
National Honor Society
Spanish National Honor Society
American Red Cross (VP 11, Prez 12)
National Beta Club (VP 11, Prez 12)
Science Club (Historian 11, Prez 12)
Academic Decathlon (5th place regionals)
Health Occupations Students of America</p>

<p>Volunteering:
MDA Summer Camp Counselour 144 hrs
Library 100 hrs
worked with Mentally Impaired at a Middle School 340 hrs
YMCA 55 hrs (helped establish + expand mentoring program)</p>

<p>Awards:
Dean's Scholastic Award (given to one person from the grade): 9, 10, 11
Principal's Leadership Award: 10
Prudential Spirit of Community Award National Finalist
Kodak Leadership Award $24,000 (Scholarship) @ University of Rochester
Young American Award (presented by Boy Scouts of America) 2004-2005
Biomedical Debate: City-Level 3rd Place
History Fair: State Finalist 10
Science Fair: City-Level 3rd Place 10</p>

<p>Summer Program:
Undergraduate Biomedical Research @ Baylor College of Medicine 11</p>

2

<p>crzy_commie, I would tell your friend that he has an EXCELLENT chance at getting into Harvard; in fact, I would go as far as to say that he has a 100% chance at getting in. True, his SAT grades aren't "perfect," but his EC's reflect his passion for science; Harvard can't say "NO" to this kid. When he does get in, don't be surprised.</p>

3

<p>lol, are you kidding crimson_leviathan? He has a decent shot, but so do many people.</p>

4

<p>No one has a 100% chance including 2400 SATs. Check the stats on the rejected this year. Harvard can and does say no to kids just like this (and better) every year. He has a shot. Find some safeties; everyone find some safeties.</p>

5

<p>I think I understand, but how do you think he could improve his chances at getting in? Do you guys think it would be better if a person shows one distinctive focus/passion?
In terms of EC's and overall performance, how would this kid realistically fare against other EA applicants?</p>

6

<p>How would he answer the question, 'What did you accomplish in this EC?' It's about making a difference, not paper padding. Overall, I would say his ECs are excellent. His SAT is low.</p>

7

<p>Would his excellent ECs therefore compensate for his presumably low SAT score?</p>

8

<p>somewhat. Unfortunately, there are also many applicants that are great across the board. That is why there are no guarantees when it comes to HYPSMC.</p>

9

<p>It's probably well worth applying, although there will be hundreds of other teacher recommendations saying said student was "the best I've ever known". :) My SAT scores were around the same (1390, I'm not a URM), as are countless others already at Harvard.</p>