Harrison Scholars

<p>I received a brochure on this program today, but I was hoping to hear from others who had applied or been accepted as a Harrison Scholar. The brochure says that 1000 apply and 45 receive the scholarship. I believe that I have the academic qualifications (33 ACT, 4.2 GPA, Top 3% of class), but am unsure of whether my extracurriculars would be strong enough. What kinds of extracurriculars and qualifications do the recipents usually have?</p>

<p>If anyone has knows anything about this program, please repy!</p>

<p>The website has some average statistics. Last year, the average ACT was a 34, and the average class rank was between top 1-2%. A 33 and top 3% class rank is definitely within an acceptable range. However, test scores and GPA really only make up a small part of the application, and since most applicants have high ACTs and class ranks, you have to stand out in some way in your essays and ECs. (I also think that 1000 is a low estimate for the number of applicants; I think it's closer to 1200). On the website, it says that Harrisons generally have national-level achievements-- basically, a lot of Harrisons are nationally recognized in an EC, or are very strong at several ECs. It's really impossible to describe a "typical" Harrison's ECs because everyone has very different interests and strengths.</p>

<p>I'm going to stop myself here (I could go on for a very long time), but if you have any specific questions or if there's anything that you want to know more about, feel free to ask on the board or PM me!</p>

<p>I was also interested in possibly applying, my stats are around the average. However, from what I gathered, you have to apply for binding early decision to be eligible, which I am not interested in doing. Is this the case?</p>

<p>You just have to have your university application in by Nov. 1, so you'd apply for Regular Decision I.</p>

<p>Eek! You're scaring me with the stats. I'm planning on applying for the Harrison, but I come from a small school that doesn't do all that national stuff.</p>

<p>My s. was a Harrison scholar (but chose to attend another school). He did not have national awards (other than AP). He had high scores (not perfect), and a love of learning that I think came across in his essays and recommendation letters. He was also a well-rounded student who did well in many areas. Just the opposite of what we hear is necessary for most scholarships! Ultimately, I believe he was awarded a Harrison because of his true love of learning, and because he was interested in entering a field Miami was interested in promoting. He met a need, which was probably his "hook".</p>

<p>So don't give up because you don't have any national awards. But do research what YOU can do for the university, not just what they can do for you ;-)</p>

<p>Thanks for the encouragement. Just curious, what field was he going into?</p>

<p>Does anyone have any information regarding Harrison/Honors awards for 2008? How many applicants, how many anticipated awards? Has anyone received a letter of acceptance?</p>

<p>Letters are to be mailed this Saturday per the website, any changes to that?</p>

<p>I think they make 40 offers for an incoming class of 20-25</p>

<p>I think there were around 1,000 applicants like usual, and there are usually 40-50 students who are selected as Harrisons. In the past 4 years, I've never heard of anyone getting a letter before the date on the website, and I doubt this year would be an exception, especially since students aren't around this week to stuff envelopes.</p>

<p>The Miami H&S web site says, "Congratulations Honors & Scholars, class of 2012!" and "Congratulations Harrison Scholars, class of 2012!" Has anyone received a letter of acceptance for either?</p>

<p>I just got my letter of acceptance for University Honors.</p>

<p>I got the Harrison letter this morning.</p>

<p>Will those who got Harrison and H and S please post stats? we are still waiting.</p>

<p>White male from ohio</p>

<p>4.0 UW
35 ACT
NM Semifinalist
Rank: 1 of 101</p>

<p>decent essays
outstading rec.</p>

<p>I'm so excited ... I heard how competitive the program was and wasn't too confident ... the letter sure was a relief.</p>

<p>S did not make it with uw 3.9, NMSF, and 2240 SAT. Did get into US with small scholarship. Disappointed but that's life and things have a way of working out. MU not off the table certainly, a wonderful school and opportunity for many people.</p>

<p>ACT: 32
GPA: 3.97</p>

<p>Can't go to the harrison scholars weekend tho</p>

<p>33 ACT
4.0 UW
Fairly good essays
NMSF</p>

<p>Did anyone not get a letter yesterday that applied? I applied and haven't received any letter at all yet. It's only been one day I guess, but I'm kind of worried now!</p>

<p>I haven't gotten a letter yet either.</p>