I think Harvard cares a lot about music, and other arts, especially with the focus Drew Faust has put on them. And I don’t think you have to be a world class soloist, no. However, there are a lot of pianists out there…
The karate shows a great work ethic and commitment, and some great colleges will appreciate that.
“I suspect that the kid may not fit well at the school.”
But he was not rejected.
He’s heavy on karate and music, almost exclusively, but a film club is the only way he engaged with his hs group? They can like kids who stretch and show some activity beyond their own one or two interests. It’s different than just pushing oneself in a couple of “passions.” The writing and composing are usually solitary.
My guess: they liked him enough to hold him over a have a fresh look in RD, while also looking at other kids from your area who did not apply early.
Honestly, imo, it’s not the lack of club titles, It could be the seeming limited engagement with peers. We can’t know from your summary whether he showed some relationship to them in his writing, some balance, depth and breadth. They’re trying to build a community.
So take a look at the overall impressions, aside from the honors, for the next round of apps. I’m not saying there is any one way, but this is a case where rounding would have enhanced the awards.
Thanks @lookingforward The kid is no social butterfly to be honest. He does get along well with kids with similar interests. His film club has about 10 kids, they write scripts, act, and shoot as a group, he enjoys that tremendously.
I may be wrong, but after reading Harvard result threads, I have a feeling that Harvard love kids who are socially engaged leaders. My son does not fit that profile.
Harvard is not his priority anymore. He has moved on to other schools that may want him, a free, independent, and creative thinker.
Even if he wants to be loved as independent and creative, and is now interested in other schools, there is nothing lost in adding a line here or there that does show he interacts and enjoys it. A light hand, show not just tell.
@JHS Your point regarding accomplishment vs. potential is well taken.
You may be right that his solo piano career will come to an end if he does not continue his studies in a conservatory. He now enjoys more playing piano in a jazz band and playing for his high school musicals, he definitely has a lot to offer in college even if not in a solo fashion.
He writes pretty good music too. He is capable of writing one-night-long dance music, songs with lyrics, and even the music for a short musical. He definitely has not hit the ceiling here, he just got started. With proper guidance, I believe he can compose some magnificent music. If you are interested in what he is capable now, I can send you some music he wrote, you will enjoy it.
Yes, Harvard does not have a Karate varsity team, not even a Karate club. Harvard has a Kendo club. This could be viewed as a negative, but also as an opportunity for him to spearhead a karate movement at Harvard.
His number one passion is creative writing. He was a major contributor to his high school newspaper in 10th grade when he was the best student in a Journalism class. He spend two years writing his first novel. I certainly enjoyed reading it as a biased parent. He will continue to contribute to the school’s literary scene.
@lookingforward Got it, thanks!
I don’t know about their music programs, but Kenyon might be an excellent choice for his creative writing interests.
asian
I think solitary activities are fine. “Building community” includes introverts and extroverts alike. I would not change anything in the application if it is a true reflection of the kid.
And it is perfectly possible to continue piano, solo or not, at a school that is not a conservatory.
Creative writing sound like a great direction, but it seems he has many possible paths.
He sounds like a fantastic young man.
@compmom I sent you a PM. Thanks for the kind words.
I LOVE this quote from @compmom
I would not change anything in the application if it is a true reflection of the kid.
It was hard for me to be hands-off when daughter was applying, and let the system do its job - if they let her in, she would be ok; if they didn’t, she would be happy elsewhere in a better fit school.
My heart breaks at all these chance-me posts from wonderful kids who have spent time racking up the APs, leaving them less time to expand their horizons. Write a screenplay or something. Take care of your family and your health. Let whatever happens happen
Have you considered Duke? Duke has made an active effort over the past few years to enroll more students with an interest in the arts. There is a full tuition scholarship (Robertson Scholars) which unfortunately the deadline just passed. Your son would have been a strong candidate.
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/what-we-look/valuing-creative-reflective
Harvard has also made the effort to look for students talented in the arts.
"President Drew Faust’s new initiative in the arts will make Harvard an immensely attractive place to students with artistic talent of any sort. "