I’m currently planning on applying to Harvard. I have a pretty good GPA, around 3.8, and great Test scores. However, as I live in a family with limited means in South America, I have had limited extracurricular activities. My extra-curriculars are baby-sitting and teaching my younger siblings, playing strategic board games along with them, and doing occasional community work independently. Will this damage my chances at Harvard? Should I write an essay or something explaining these circumstances?
Harvard has thousands of applicants with 4.0’s and better test scores. They would invest a quarter million dollars if they admitted you. Would that be a good use of money?
Good schools understand that not everyone has time to president of the prom committee.
Harvard does not have a list of presanctioned activities for accepted students. They will look at you in context and what you did within it, or despite it. Please do not be so fixated on Harvard, it’s unhealthy. Most kids that get accepted never planned their lives trying to get in, they did what they loved, excelled at it,and did not plan on getting in.