New poster, longtime lurker. I’ve used the search bar. I’ll try and make it quick. Still rather lengthy though. Sorry. This is not a sob story. I’m not asking for pity. I do not feel “entitled” to anything because of my circumstances. So please do not misunderstand. My goal is to get the advice of people with more knowledge and experience than myself.
Abandoned at a crack house at 3 years old by my mother. Both parents are drug addicts. I’ve been homeless. I’ve lived with a yearly combined family income of $2000. That was one of my lowest moments. Transferred schools too many times to remember. Sophomore year for example, I went to 3 high schools. As a Junior in high school I had my own apartment. I paid my own rent and bills while I went to school. Much more to my story. But for the sake of time, you get my point. I’ve had far from a ideal childhood.
I joined the National Guard as a junior.That small monthly check (around $140 a month if I remember correctly) was just enough to put food on the table and help pay my bills. It gave me health, dental and life insurance. It gave me money for college. I also love my country, so it was a easy choice. It came at a cost though.
Summer of my junior year was spent at basic combat training at Fort Sill. Definitely was not summer camp. I graduated and came back to start my senior year. The following summer I was sent to Fort Sam Houston to begin my training as a combat medic. After graduation I was sent to Fort Benning to conduct airborne training. All in all, I spent almost a year as active duty Army conducting training.
Immediately after high school graduation I was sent to training for 6 months. Obviously I was not able to attend college in the fall. I did not apply for the spring either. Because there was no guarantee when I would get back. For example, jump out of a plane in full combat gear, hit the ground wrong and break a leg. Congratulations, you are now spending a additional year in the Army until you heal up. Then you restart training. Fail a certain test 4 months in? You now have to restart from the beginning. It threw a big kink in any college plans I had. I did not apply to any schools, because there was no point. So now let me back up to high school.
Drug addicts as parents. Lived on less than $2000 for a year. No food stamps. Dad had multiple warrants out for unpaid tickets and fines. Did not want to go near a government building. Homeless at times. Cried myself to sleep every night. Went to bed hungry every night. Watched mom get high on crack every night. Transferred schools, both in and out of state, around 8-10 times. I went to one school for two months. Again, much more to the story. I am sure you get my point without me going into details. My SAT was horrible. Class rank, around the middle. GPA, 3.3. To be frank, I had more important things to worry about. Like eating. I am actually amazed with myself for even graduating. I think most people would have failed out and ended up like their parents. I am fortunate. My point is, I simply did not have the opportunity to focus on school.
I am now in a situation where I can focus on academics. I cannot fix the GPA or class rank. But I can retake my SAT. I am going to study a minimum of 6 hours a day. I am aiming for a 2400. If I miss the mark, then I will still land at the top. I am taking the SAT in May.
If they are admitting applicants based on academics (Which I do not think they are) I have not one chance.
If they are admitting applicants based on, character, intelligence and leadership. In that case I have a chance.
-Through the Army alone, I have more leadership experience and training than most kids my age. Probably more than a lot of people older than me as well.
-My circumstances forced me to become a leader. I had to depend on myself to get things done. I had to take initiative and get things done. I learned to overcome, not be defeated.
-At one school I went to, I won the highest award that school gave. The faculty votes and awards it to one senior. “This award is given to one senior who has risen above his or her peers by demonstrating the qualities of outstanding spirit and effort. This senior always demonstrates the best in himself or herself, and always brings out the best in others.”. I won a scholarship for something similar as well.
-My first year at one school, I joined the LD debate team. Essentially, LD debate, is a logic, philosophy and ethics debate. I never took debate in my life. I really enjoyed it though. I became the team captain, broke records, and took the team to regionals for the first time in the program’s history. After I left, they ever went back. Unfortunately, that was my first, and last year at the school. If I had more time, I believe I would have took them to state eventually.
Trying to keep this as short as possible. Not going to bore you with more details. I am not a young adult that envisioned going to Harvard all of my life, or any specific university. I never tried to “pad” my resume. I was just trying to make the best with what I was given. I believe through my experiences I developed the character and leadership top schools look for. I have a broad understanding. I have a unique perspective. I honestly believe I would add value to Harvard, or any university I attend. I want to help change the world. I want to help all of the kids out there that grew up like me.
So I guess my questions boil down to this.
- I’ve read around about the admissions deadlines. Still confused though. Is May too late to send in a late application?
- If by chance I can send a late,late,late application, do you think it will be laughed off the campus?
My only other option is to transfer in. 13 spots for 1400+ applicants? I would rather take my chances applying as a first time freshman.