Good Evening,
I know I posted this in the Veteran’s forum, but I wanted additional feedback from the black community as well, so forgive my persistence.
I am Active Duty in the Marine Corps and I want to get in to Harvard more than anything in the world when I am honorably discharged. I leave the Marine Corps in 2017, so I figure I have plenty of time. I have read almost every thread on here (they all have really good information) and have done extensive research on this specific subject, but every situation is different and I am not considered a “veteran” yet. Here are my stats:
Race: African American
Geography: Born in Ohio (Raised in Georgia, if Harvard cares to know)
Income: Low (If it matters)
Intended Major: Accounting
High School: Didn’t do that well, not worth posting here (Low GPA)
Community College: Currently a 3.49 (Currently taking classes; slowly improving my GPA)
Volunteering: Currently am in an internship with United Way for accounting
Test Scores: Haven’t taken them yet (Taking them this Saturday, June 13th.)
I pulled my head out of my a** when I joined the Marines. So I am pretty much playing catch-up now to get all of my cards aligned for a shot at Harvard.
When I see things like the Sergeant from my branch getting accepted into Princeton, it is very discouraging for me because for the last three years I have have worked only in the states and I try to go to college/volunteer with the little bit of time I do have. He also took loads of AP classes in high school, which I have not. I have not deployed overseas. That Sgt did. Will my [lack of a typical] Marine Corps experience affect my admission to Harvard when I go to apply, if anyone knows? That Sgt most likely put his plethora of military experiences in his essay and in his application as a whole. I do not have that luxury. How can I improve my chances (significantly) so that I can “get in?” As an African American, will a 30 or higher ACT score secure me a spot along with a solid community college GPA and a “veteran” sticker next to my name? I will do anything that is necessary to boost my application! Help!!!
Thank you in advance.