<p>Not for me, unfortunately, but one of my friends is applying to Harvard this year, the first person in our school who has ever applied to an Ivy. She has decent everything that I know of, but she is an excellent equestrian, nationally and internationally ranked, and dedicates much of her time to the sport. Assuming grades, essays etc. are decent, maybe not spectacular, is the horseback riding enough to get her in? Just curious...we're excited at the prospect of someone applying out of state. Sad, but true...haha.</p>
<p>If her grades and everything are just decent, she will probably not get in. If they are simply on the lower end of the general Harvard ranges, then I think that her skill and passion will certainly be very helpful. I think it is a club sport, so they wouldn't try to recruit her, per say. But her talent and dedication will be considered.</p>
<p>How good is decent?</p>
<p>California has some super students, so I think it will still be an uphill battle.</p>
<p>Decent....probably 4's on AP tests, excellent recs, SATs....I don't really know, but most likely somewhere in the 2100-2250 range, played varsity volleyball, a couple of awards, going to be valedictorian, etc. We come from a tiny school, so there isn't a ton of competition for anything, but I would like to think she has a decent shot. She's also applying to Cornell and Stanford (where she has connections) and a few safeties.</p>
<p>How does she rate personality-wise? I'd say she'll probably get in (although i am not experienced in these matters)</p>
<p>she's really nice, but a bit shy. i think it's because she was homeschooled for a long time. she has a lot of friends though. everybody wants to see her get in.</p>
<p>I think she has a much better chance than most applicants with her stats. Good luck to her!</p>