<p>^ I occasionally use it just to sound pretentious. Direct Hits ftw.</p>
<p>^ I thought you were going to make some comment related to inferiority. :)</p>
<p>Quick question:
does a good essay have to have pretentious words?
Since I’m writing mine in a simple way…</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Certainly not. Should it have descriptive and appropriate diction? Yes.</p>
<p>IMO, if you read your essay and find yourself gagging at how fake you sound, you probably shouldn’t send it in.</p>
<p>Hello, all! I want to wish you the best of luck in next year’s admissions process, as a future classmate of all of you who actually do end up in Harvard’s Class of 2015. No, I am not a pretentious prick who is 100% certain that he will get into the most competitive 4-year college in the US, but rather a lucky guy who got into Harvard College this year and decided to defer my admission.</p>
<p>Again, good luck, and I cannot wait to meet my future classmates as soon as they exist! If any of you have questions for me (about anything, from admissions to life), just PM me. May the force be with you all!</p>
<p>Good decision Trevor! If I get in (and thats a monstertastical “if”), I might do the same. The only thing I’m worried about is losing that WOOO IM GOING TO COLLEGEEEE high…if you know what I mean :P. I really don’t know.</p>
<p>What are you doing on your deferred year?</p>
<p>Hi, my S will be in the Class of 2015 as he going to take a gap year (he is in school in England where about 50% of his class will do a gap year before university-- the trend is just starting to catch on in the States). So Good Luck to all potential (and admitted 
) '15s. </p>
<p>I know it is hard to do, but try your hardest to keep your egos out of the process, there are just too many great kids and too few spots and so some decisions seem hard to fathom–and you will go crazy trying to “figure it out.” I can promise you just that you will have good and bad surprises in the process and they will make no sense. </p>
<p>Also, broaden your sights to a variety of schools that aren’t on the usual “beaten path.” Some of his best friends are going to places like Reed, Middlebury, U Chi, Caltech, Mount Holyoke, Smith and universities in Britain outside of the Oxbridge set. All of them are amazing students and will thrive. His reasons for H are specific (pure math and music composition geek) not for the name–he could have done well at a number of these “non-Ivy” schools.</p>
<p>Again- I wish for you all that your’s or your S/D’s dreams come true. CC is a wonder web-forum and a great psychological resource.</p>
<p>^thanks for that, etondad.
I really wish both of you the best of luck :D</p>
<p>
While CC is definitely a very valuable resource, it is sometimes detrimental to a HS student’s psychological state and extremely shocking to see so many incredible applicants. One should always remember that CC is in no way representative of an average population of HS students to ensure a healthy psychological state.</p>
<p>For those asking about the essay: one thing I’ve noticed constantly is that they really note your way of thinking. As in the examples you choose and how you relate them to the prompt, and your critical thinking skills while writing, your own perception of personal experiences, the direction and smooth flow of the essay, etc. I mean, I’m generally a great writer, but some of the 12 essays I read are much better than I could hope for - the examples some use are great, and I don’t have all that much information to use, especially from literature. I usually write about Einstein and philosophers, or Apple/Google, personal experiences… I got a 10 on the Jan. essay (which I though I messed up) and my May SAT scores aren’t out yet (:()
Anyway, I’m applying to Harvard if I can ever muster up the courage and the strength. Doubt I’ll get in though - especially if my application follows silverturtles’ 
I’m fluent in Arabic, English, and French (kinda, on the last one). Does that increase my chances at all?
Just joking, but hey, I’m desperate for something that screams: (Don’t notice my grades! they’re great but I’m not a valedictorian!)</p>
<p>^ you don’t have to be a val to get in. Put that in mind.</p>
<p>If you think you can, you can.
‘Many people are greater than me, but I’m great enough to know that I’m fulfilled enough, pretty enough, talented enough, and happy enough.’ <- my friend’s word :)</p>
<p>Oh I know, I was just joking about that Still though, most Harvard applicants’ applications read like something out of a Big Bang Theory episode. Can’t keep up with their EC’s, unfortunately. I don’t even have all that many available to do. All I can do is hope that my essay is mindblowing :)</p>
<p>Jimmy, we are on the same boat.
I was completely thrown too when I first discovered that. But, I’ve tried my best to utilize all the opportunities given to me, and I do hope the adcoms will notice that.
And good luck, Jimmy! :D</p>
<p>I think we should make like applying to Harvard thread.
With stats this time though.</p>
<p>^ This is an applying to Harvard thread. Most posters probably prefer to not disclose all of their stats and a thread that required it would generate plenty of ■■■■■■ and posters who exaggerate.</p>
<p>^ Plus, Jersey would scare everyone away. (My stats aren’t too shabby either.)</p>
<p>I think my stats are pretty solid too.
And @ Jersey: No need to be paranoid.</p>
<p>Certainly no paranoia here.</p>
<p>@Jersey: Why didn’t you bold IS in your sentence “This is an applying to Harvard thread” ?
And you are pretty good at following my posts and leaving remarks.</p>
<p>Yay! Huzzah for you!</p>