<p>Chances for EA at Harvard?
Im an African American from a low income family with a single mom and 4 kids (my mom wont take any money from my dad) and I often have to spend time cleaning up after the kids and supervising them while doing homework. My family has rush moved in the middle of Junior year, and of course I had to help out in April, my most problematic month. I tried the best I could with grades.
I go to Lane tech one of the largest high schools in the U.S. (Im in a class of 1003 kids for the class of 2012) and possibly one of the oldest (103 yrs old)). From this class, Im ranked 65 (for now, will be updated after next report card) which is top 6.5% approx, with a weighted gpa of 4.477 (for now) an unweigthed of 3.56 (I know, not so hot, but read on) because I got two Cs and an F freshman year (Geometry and world hist., and Drafting respectively). I wasnt that serious a person then. My grades have never dropped below a B after that, and I have taken 6 AP classes as of the end of Junior year. (Im taking four more senior year). I know colleges like upward trends, so Ive been getting as little Bs as possible. My grades arent so amazing, but Ive had a lot of pressure throughout all of high school so Im proud of them.<br>
Took the ACT: 31, with a 26 in math and an 8 in writing but 34 English (only because I was too bummed about the math part, shouldve done better), 35- reading, 30- science. Im retaking it.
No subject tests, but Im thinking Chinese, Chem, and Math 2
Stats; 24 Awards (6 for Chinese Language studies and competitions, the rest for science fairs and science based things), Im part of the Alpha program at my school (all 4 yrs), which focuses on science fair and all honors/AP classes at the same time! (Arnie Duncans Chicagoan successor is planning on duplicating the program throughout all of Chicago). Ive been recognized as a National Black Merit Scholar. Ive studied Chinese in the summer at DePaul University freshman year, and at University of Chicago Sophomore year on two separate scholarships. This summer (Junior year) Im going to study at East Shanghai University on a scholarship for 6 weeks in China (after I made it through a meticulous application process of course ). I also started the new language and culture club at my school (I happen to be the president) for awareness of Chinese culture and Globalization.<br>
I won numerous Chicago (one of the biggest science fairs in the country) City science fair awards for Mathematics, as well as an opportunity for a summer internship at a planetarium (Im going to China, so cant ). I created a new model for mathematically estimating the probability of a star being able to support life, which I received a patent application for intellectual property for (should I pursue this?). I didnt make the Intel International Sci Fair sadly. Ive won a bronze medal at my first NAACP ACT-SO competition in physics. My school has the largest school science fair in Illinois (something like 165 to 185 kids), and only the top 20 kids get to move on to area, one of which has been me (twice) with two different project areas (only child that has done this and moved on in a like 4 years ).
Ive also participated in the environmental Fair child Challenge, and I have 93 service hours (when I come back from China Im going to get more). Im in the National Honor Society, and Ive also joined clubs like Think Tank and the Science Olympiad team. On that note, I won the most medals of anyone in the competition Sophomore and Junior year at regionals, and one a third place medal at State (Junior yr). (My team took first at Regionals). Next year, I will be the founder of the Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Math Olympiads at Lane Tech, which would probably make me the Captain of those teams too, as I plan on being the first member of each one. I will also continue work on my mathematical model for Science Fair in Senior Year, or check out this cool drug called DCA and its effects on cancer.
Im extraordinarily concerned about my future, and my mom is really counting on me to make an example for the rest of my family (ever since I can remember its been my mom vs. my dad on why one needs a quality education). I want to be a neurosurgeon, but my real passion is (quantum) physics (Ill have that argument with my mom when the time comes
). A lot of people counting on me to succeed, even Church members. Ive been a preacher at my moms church since I was little. (Yes, Im a PK) I do sermons every other week, and every two weeks I attend a midnight Friday service (its a cultural thing).
Well, thats everything I can think of in an hour. If you want to know anything else to give a more accurate picture, message me on my account.</p>
<p>I think with good essays, admissions will agonize over this one for a long time. You seem to have great ec’s, and URM+Low income is gonna be a big boost, but the stats definitely are a little low. That said, there are a lot of top tier, meet full need, really good schools. I’d say maybe don’t bother with CalTech as they are very score driven, but definitely apply to HYPSM. (Your shot may even be better at Yale because they want to attract science/math type students.)</p>
<p>I thought as much. To be honest, I think the ACT score isn’t reflective of my ability at all. A 26 in math in a particularly science and math based curriculum is laughable. I can do much better on the score, possibly a 35. A few mistakes were made on the math part, like leaving the chain questions till last. Next, I haven’t taken any SAT II subject tests, but my strengths are Chinese, Chem and Math. I should be able to get 800’s easily from what I’ve heard about the tests. Would this make me any more enticing for SCEA at Harvard?</p>
<p>103 years old? What a ■■■■■.</p>
<p>I’m not familiar with the term ■■■■■ via the internet. I looked it up and that pretty much means you don’t believe me. [Lane</a> Technical College Prep High School - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_Technical_College_Prep_High_School]Lane”>Lane Tech College Prep High School - Wikipedia)
under the opened heading on the right hand side info box. Lane Tech: 1908. It is now 2011. 2011-1908 = 103 years.</p>
<p>With a 34/35 I would be shocked if you were rejected at all of HYPSM.</p>
<p>This is good to know for RD, but what if I want to apply under Harvard’s newly reinstated SCEA? P.S: I have my other grades. You’ll understand what I mean by upward trend if anyone wants to use them to get a more accurate picture.</p>
<p>It’s difficult to predict how you will fare at Harvard specifically, but you have no reason not to apply SCEA.</p>
<p>honestly the stats are kind of low. GPA is low so are the scores. try and retake the tests and of course keep your grades up. the URM and leaderships are good but i can’t say that you have any more of a shot than the next guy which is about 7%</p>
<p>whether or not you go to Harvard isn’t going to make a huge amount of difference than if you go to a place like the university of Chicago, both are great schools and guess what? a person with a BA/BS from harvard makes the same starting salary as a person with a degree from U.Chicago, Penn, Cornell, or Duke so don’t be disappointing if you don’t get in, you can make a better life for you and your family Harvard or not, it really isn’t the end all be all.</p>
<p>Thanks for your opinion, person above. I have only taken one test, the ACT. I’ve only taken it once. I sent it to zero colleges. Really, I have no scores. I’m planning on taking three subject tests, and retaking the ACT. I should score around a 35, realistically (I can hit 35’s in reading, english, and math. Science I’ll just practice and hope for a 34). The subject tests will be taken in areas advantageous (Math, Chinese, and Chem). Also, if you remove my freshman second semester grades (the one with the two C’s and an F) I have a 4.77 GPA weighted and a 3.75 unweighted. Isn’t that the type of trend college boards would like to see?</p>
<p>Although it’s great that you have an upward trend, remember that Harvard has a huge number of African American applicants with stellar scores, as well as recruited athletes taking up slots. Apply and you may get lucky!</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1112322-official-harvard-university-2015-decisions-thread-3.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1112322-official-harvard-university-2015-decisions-thread-3.html</a>
PAGE 11 stats.</p>
<p>I’m not even worthy to lick the dust from these people’s boots. I won’t change my decision to apply early though. To get into Harvard with an F and 3 C’s would make me feel better about my self as a person. I have to try. Report cards are coming out everyone, I’ll have my updated COMPLETE grades and new retake/first take estimations for my ACT and SAT II subject tests. Next year I’m self teaching AP Chinese and Calculus BC, as well as Physics B and/or C. That’s a total of 13 AP’s for high school.</p>
<p>ak5528 didn’t read it properly, so I think he was assuming you were 103 years or something, Oluwamid</p>
<p>@Oluwamide: firstly, ■■■■■ is basically someone who is completely lying / talking falsely just to gain attention / bring resentment or reaction from someone</p>
<p>I personally think that you have a good chance if you write about your struggles / background in your essay. I can’t say that you have a certain percent chance etc. but definitely you portray yourself as a remarkable individual. Just keep working hard on your grades / extracurriculars, and make yourself an individual from the mass of applicants. Try your best to raise your scores a little more, and gain strong scores. The URM status will definitely help you, and best of luck to you. If you ever have other questions etc. feel free to private message me (:</p>
<p>This thread will remain open as long as it can. You guys will be here from the beginning (if you want) and I’ll update as much as I can so you can be here through it all and at the end. Heck, I might even use some of what I post as part of my paper: Olu’s road to Harvard EA.</p>
<p>I’m going to get those amazing scores I keep talking about, and then I’ll do my best on my essays to convey what it’s been like to be me for 17 years. Anyone who knows me knows that’s gotta be some form of divine punishement. (joke)</p>
<p>You seem like such a great, well-rounded person. I would be shocked if they denied you, but that F and those Cs may hurt you, but I agree with jsungoh. You could write a remarkable essay about your background and your journey. And if Harvard denies you, it’s their loss. Any school would be lucky to have you. I wish you the best of luck!</p>
<p>@Olu</p>
<p>Sorry about that, I misinterpreted and thought you were 103 years old.</p>
<p>Bad News:</p>
<p>My worst grades in high-school: 4 C’s, 1 F. (2 C’s Junior year b/c my mom made us move in April. That’s science competitions, PSAE, and ACT month, not to mention I had to study for AP Exams coming up in like a week. On top of that, I had to help move b/c we couldn’t afford people to help load our items.) I know the Junior yr failure ON TOP OF the Freshman year grade failure is going to hurt chances.
The rest are A’s and B’s, mostly A’s.</p>
<p>Now for Good News:</p>
<p>Got back from China 2 weeks ago, picked up a letter of rec from my host dad (who happens to be a Ph.D in language and media communication).</p>
<p>I’m working on a couple of online project designs; a website dealing with language and language modification, a tool for making poetry easier to write. So far all I have is ideas and a reward system that makes them worth using.</p>
<p>I’ve written some poems (I write poetry in my spare time) and have composed 3 songs for keyboard (I can’t read music so it’s all in numbers). </p>
<p>I’ve written 3 research papers (avg of 24 pgs a piece).</p>
<p>I’m working on my fourth research paper, which would involve a subatomic particle accelerator (I going to build my own! There are Youtube vids on that, did you know?). I have to order the supplies, but I understand the general science behind it. I really don’t have to understand the circuitry, as there are parts available that take care of circuitry: you just hook them up and you’re good to go.</p>
<p>Training for the Math Olympiad.</p>
<p>I’m about to take the ACT again. Wish me luck.</p>
<p>Chinese is getting a bit dull, I’m learning Greek now too (I’ll teach myself).</p>
<p>That’s all that’s going on now.</p>
<p>SO THE BIG Q: ARE MY CHANCES LOOKING BETTER?</p>
<p>You don’t need us to tell you hun! Especially since we are a bunch of high schoolers or Harvard undergrads who are wondering why they are in. lol</p>
<p>Just walk by faith and try everything you can! </p>
<p>I hope you will get into Harvard!</p>
<p>Lane tech in Chicago? Nice. I have a couple friends/cousins that go there or have gone there :P</p>
<p>Hard to say. I feel that your essay will definitely be the biggest factor in deciding if you get in. Definitely write about your hardships and such 
(realized that I posted on this a while back) haha</p>