Chances

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I'm a white male from a large public school in southern California.</p>

<p>-4.0 unweighted GPA taking the toughest classes that are offered (International Diploma candidate)
-2220 SAT (700M 740V 780W)
-740 Chemistry and 750 Math IIC
-Two 3s and two 4s on AP tests</p>

<p>My two main extracurriculars are journalism and the violin.</p>

<p>-Editor-in-chief of student-run newspaper that has received national awards
-Job at local newspaper and possibly an internship at the second largest newspaper in Los Angeles
-Concertmaster of two orchestras: one of a local college and another in the community (I will be writing one of my essays about an experience I had playing with a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and how it affected me)</p>

<p>I am involved with a few other activities as well.</p>

<p>-Vice president of Model United Nations club
-Secretary of school's Academic Decathlon
-Vice president of my temple's youth group
-Volunteer at local library
-Junior varsity tennis team
-Member of NHS and CSF</p>

<p>I have received a few awards, but they are a little random.</p>

<p>-Research award at Model UN conference at UC Davis
-Winner of California Poppy Festival Academic Quiz Bowl
-Selected to attend California Boys' State
-Finalist in a local arts and literature contest for a short story
-A few departmental awards for specific classes</p>

<p>I understand that my scores are a little low, but I'm hoping that my essays and recommendations will make up for this.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your help.</p>

2

<p>You need to take one more SAT II test.</p>

<p>Your scores aren't that bad, really, although I would suggest retaking the SAT. Your SAT II scores are fine. Does your school rank?</p>

<p>You should really emphasize your journalism and music ECs. I think by focusing on those two, you'll show you have dedication to those ECs. Personally, I like journalism more than music as an EC because music is very common (it's not a very big EC unless you've won national awards and such), so if you can, you should write an essay about journalism. I think you'll be a very competitive candidate; however, you'll be up against a lot of competition since you're a white male from California.</p>

3

<p>Your probability of admission is probably slightly under 10%. As a white male from California, your scores are not up to par. Your EC's and awards are average.</p>

4

<p>Thanks a lot.</p>