<p>Does Harvard have a preference for young intellectuals? ^^
After graduating from high school this year, I've chosen to take a couple of years off and stay at home to help my brothers with school, as well as do some independent study on various areas of interest. </p>
<p>Would this be a disadvantage when I do apply?</p>
<p>As long as you do something productive during your time off, it won't hurt you. Productive gap years can potentially help you.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, Central Perky!
Productive meaning strictly academically? </p>
<p>Do SATs and the rest need to be retaken b/c of the time gap?</p>
<p>Blessings and a Happy New Year to you!</p>
<p>No, you not have to retake SATs and the like. It certainly is more "hassle" to apply when you are in the gap year; you must file an additional response because of your interrupted education to, understandably, justify your time off.</p>
<p>I would venture to say that applying with a gap year does not hurt you, but I have bias; I am a big believer in the gap year.</p>
<p>Harvard has been recommending gap years generally to admitted applicants. Other selective colleges do too. There are press reports about this. If you use your time to help others, and to grow personally, you should be as strong an applicant or a stronger applicant than you are now.</p>
<p>Right.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/prospective/applying/time_off/index.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/prospective/applying/time_off/index.html</a>
<a href="http://www.cityyear.org/sites/clipp.cfm?Site=skc&CatID=2&Clipp=090106%5B/url%5D">http://www.cityyear.org/sites/clipp.cfm?Site=skc&CatID=2&Clipp=090106</a></p>
<p>tokenadult is right that Harvard recommends this to those who have already been accepted, but I would assume [safely] that the sentiment is the same to current and future applicants. Why would you frown upon those who took action that you recommend?</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing the great links about gap year activities.</p>
<p>Thank you for the websites, sonar, and for the counsel, tokenadult! </p>
<p>Are there any statistics available regarding age and admission?
Also, how should one document his/her activities during gap years?
Is extensive proof recommended/ required? (i.e. letters of recommendation,
additional SAT II tests for languages studied during gap years)</p>
<p>There are no statistics available that I know of, but I believe that Harvard asks for an essay like form describing what you did during the gap years, and most likely wants you to tell what you learned, how it helped you grow as a person etc.</p>
<p>If you studied a language well, another SAT II test might just be more solid proof making your application look better, but isn't required. You won't need extensive proof, but at least have something to back it up, such as contact info. If it's a large project, I would recommend having someone right a letter of recommendation since that's an important part of your application and of yourself.</p>
<p>Thank you, Kamikazewave! I truly appreciate your insight.<br>
Have an awesome new year!</p>
<p>No problem. Hope you do well this year too. Good luck with Harvard.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>You may hafta retake your SAT, if you didn't take the version with writing, you should check on that, if you haven't already</p>