<p>Lol, I can’t believe 25% of the Harvard population has 2370+.</p>
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<p>It doesn’t.</p>
<p>i think i am going to apply with my 3.1 gpa and equally low act</p>
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<p>According to WLsilver (post #460)
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<p>If I’m understanding him correctly, he’s saying that the 25th percentile for those accepted to Harvard is 2080, while the 75th percentile is 2370. Which, by the definition of percentile, means that the top 25% of those accepted to Harvard have at least a 2370.</p>
<p>Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong; I’ve had a pretty long day.</p>
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<p>Those are the statistics when you combine the three individual section scores at the 75th percentile, since score distribution falls along a bell curve rather than a linear progression. When I was in the process of comparing the SAT averages across different institutions, I often combined the three section scores for the sake of gauging a general standard of academic qualifications. (U.S. News and World Report combines the Math and Critical Reading section scores at the 25th and 75th percentiles for a quick academic quality indicator in its annual rankings.) But mathematically it isn’t technically correct for obtaining the actual combined score for the entire test, which, for Harvard, probably resides somewhere in the lower 2300’s.</p>
<p>Wsilver- Haha. But you always have the hope that the admission officers might “misevaluate” your application and take you in! 
I think Harvard is always worth a try. Just in case.</p>
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<p>Gotcha. I see what you mean now; thanks for the clarification!</p>
<p>I wish Harvard had Early Action. It would be so much easier deciding where to apply early.</p>
<p>I’m applying, although I’m going to be relying partially on my extracurriculars. </p>
<p>SAT Is - 730cr, 700m, 780w (Why math is my lowest score, I have no idea…)
SAT II - Haven’t taken. Taking Spanish, Lit, and Math II.
4.5 weighted GPA (4.3 scale)
Top 10% of class
Course work this year: AP Comp. Sci, AP Calculus, AP English 12, AP US History, and independent study in German. </p>
<p>ECs -
Junior year spent abroad in Chile.
Varsity Soccer: 9 (jv) 10, 12
Varsity Alpine Ski: 9, 10, 12
Varsity Tennis: 9, 10, 12
Math Team: 9, 10, 11
Student Representative on the district School Board: 12 (nominated my principal, elected by students. Only student rep. on board. Attend all meetings).
Student Council Member: 9, 10
LifeSmarts member: 9, 10, 12 (captain). 5 member team that competes in an economics challenges. 9th grade: 2nd place at states. 10th grade: 1st place at states, 4th place nationally. 12th grade: TBD
FBLA Member: 10, 11, 12 </p>
<p>Work: I work at a marina, and have done so since the summer of Freshman year. I’ve also worked weddings and functions at my dad’s restaurant since I was 14. </p>
<p>Recs:
I have 2 teachers lined up that will give me great recs, as will my guidance counselor.
Also, the superintendent of the school district has offered to write a recommendation, as has the chairman of the Rotary district which includes NH and VT. </p>
<p>Other:
I speak Spanish fluently. I also speak German (proficient) and can read fluently in Portuguese.
I do waterski competitions… although I don’t think I’ll incorporate that on my application. </p>
<p>Comments: </p>
<p>Well, I’m hopeful. I’ll never be confident about getting into Harvard.</p>
<p>Black international student.</p>
<p>If I get a perfect SAT combined with a 3.7 GPA, solid ECs (with one big standout of being a corporal in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets), and solid Teacher recs and essays; what would my chances be?</p>
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<p>Unless you’re consistently getting 2390, 2400 on Blue Book practice tests, isn’t it a little pompous to assume you’ll score a perfect 2400?</p>
<p>That’s Nosike for ya. lol Just read all his posts.</p>
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<p>I thought all his posts, being chance threads, were pretty much the same thing?</p>
<p>I said “if” I get a perfect SAT score.</p>
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How is that argument about SAT scores relevant?
“plenty of students with non-stellar scores” who are accepted? Well I hate to say this bluntly but they are not Asian. Seriously.</p>
<p>How long is the common app essay supposed to be?</p>
<p>Around 500-1,000 words, but the optimal length is about 600-700.</p>
<p>thank you. :)</p>
<p>I’m coming into this albeit late. What’s this about being Asian is the kiss of death?
Is it harder for Asians to get into the big H?</p>
<p>I’m Asian too so i hope not.</p>