Do I have a chance at Harvard?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I've been thinking about pursuing a math major at Harvard if I don't get into MIT or UC Berkeley, but I am not sure if it is worth my time to bother applying. I'm more of a technical type of person rather than the well-rounded kind that Harvard is looking for, but recently, I've been quite impressed at the types of things they're doing there.</p>

<p>SAT I: 640 V / 800 M / 650 W
SAT II: 800 Math Level 2 / 800 Physics / 520 Literature
ACT: 33 English / 35 Math / 26 Reading / 36 Science, 09 writing, 33 composite</p>

<p>GPA: 4.6 W / 3.7UW
Rank: second decile (very competitive school :()</p>

<p>13 AP courses, 1 college math class, almost no ECs.</p>

<p>Do I have a chance at Harvard? Or, is it almost a definite reject? Should I bother applying if I only have some slight interest, or is it like buying a lottery ticket?</p>

2

<p>most likely a reject from Harvard.</p>

3

<p>Harvard: REJECT
MIT: REJECT
UC Berkeley: Maybe/ Unlikely</p>

4

<p>Rejected like no other. I've never seen anyone who completely looks like they just try very hard in school. Not well rounded at all.</p>

5

<p>Hey, don't let people's opinions bring you down. While I do agree that simply because you are so math-focused and not as well rounded, there will be other applicants more likely to get in. ANY applicant, no matter how well rounded, is going to have a very rough time at admissions. There are many fantastic schools you have wonderful chances at, and really should look into those. You should look at Lehigh- you're almost a sure shot for it, its very math/science focused, and an overall great school.</p>

6

<p>You don't have much of a chance at any of those. Sorry...</p>

7

<p>Since you are in-state, you very well may get into UC Berkeley. Not a sure thing but decent chance.</p>

8

<p>Yeah - I'd have to agree with you all there. There's absolutely no way I could pass myself off as well-rounded, or even normal. That's because I've basically been putting all work into the subjects I'm good at and almost none in to the ones I'm not good at.</p>

<p>I think my stats look fairly competitive compared to that of others applying to MIT. If you take a look at my ACTs, they're leagues better than my SATs. As far as passion goes, I do have a couple ECs that I'm truly passionate about, but that's about it. Recs are great, and the interview went extremely well. I probably have a 10% chance, but that's still significant. In any case, I have a lineup of safeties.</p>

<p>I know I'm definitely not ivy material, so that's the main question. Do my chances hover below 1%?</p>

9

<p>Too things stand out that hurt you even at MIT--that 520 Literature score and the lack of any ECs. </p>

<p>Most admittees at MIT have won at least some national or regional math or science awards and have been active in school clubs and taken leadership roles.</p>

<p>Try UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC San Diego. At these schools you only submit two SAT II scores (meaning they won't count the 520 Literature score). And since your courseload was so tough and your test scores are good, they may not count the lack of ECs against you too much. And as an in-state student you get preference.</p>

<p>(Also, the three UC schools I mentioned all have excellent math and science programs--which appear to be your specialties).</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

10

<p>To be honest, even Berkeley is going to be tough for you, as you'd be applying to a competitive major (presumably); ECs are important in distinguishing applicants, and your other SAT scores are subpar.</p>

<p>However, you are definitely not an "automatic reject." You do stand a chance. Why not go ahead and apply? There are many who don't expect to get in and do. Go for it! =)</p>

11

<p>You say that you have "almost no ECs" and then you say that you have "a couple ECs you are passionate about." Which one is it? Are you instate for Berkeley? What is your racial category, Asian, White, or URM? Are you first gen/low income/rural/ or some other disadvantage factor?</p>

12

<p>Assuming that you have "almost no ECs," instate for Berkeley and you are white with no disadvantage factors, I'd say:</p>

<p>Harvard: REJECT
MIT: Low possibility (can you retake SAT II Literature and/or try to obtain a prestigious math award such as the USAMO qualifier? Admittedly I don't know much about these, what years you take them, and the proficiency they require)
Berkeley: Possibility</p>

13

<p>Maybe you should try to apply anyway? Just to see how it goes. Not everyone that goes to an Ivy was in the 1%. Look up the stats on collegeboard.</p>

14

<p>It's too late for pulling something on the national level like USAMO or Siemens.</p>

<p>Your chances at Harvard hover around 1% and MIT around 3%. Look for schools on your level.</p>

15

<p>You might have a chance for Berk bc he cheated and put his majoring as "forestry," which was a dirty lie. But maybe, but don't cheat like this guy.</p>

16

<p>You get into harvard if they mess up in sending out the notices, maybe.</p>

17

<p>If you don't apply, you have a 0% chance of getting in. Unless you truly fear rejection, go for it. What have you got to lose? They aren't necessarily only looking for "well-rounded" kids... plenty of those. They want some mathies too :-)</p>

<p>GOOD LUCK!</p>

18

<p>There's almost no way, IMO. I hate to say this, since I am usually very optimistic about a person's chances, but I can't see that application being the one chosen out of every 11 at Harvard. Perhaps you should find a few safety schools? State schools might judge you a little easier, since they disregard the "EC" factor.</p>

<p>Anyway, don't listen to these people. Apply to Harvard regardless. Who knows? It's a crapshoot. Besides, you'll be doing a favor for Harvard by raising their selectivity haha.</p>

19

<p>Tough luck man</p>

20

<p>Well, I'm sure you DO have some extracurriculars. Or do you not have any? If you don't, then most likely you'll be rejected from Harvard.</p>