<p>I wanted to ask whether Harvard can accept students with a 1860 SAT score and GPA of 3.6, also taking three AP's physics, calculus, and comparative studies and politics. I am an international student from egypt. Can they accept me in Harvard in Mechanical Engineering.</p>
<p>Schools use test scores as an indicator of “college readiness.” The lower a student’s SAT/ACT score, the more an Admissions Director will ask themselves, “If I admit this kid, will he struggle with the work-load on my campus? Will she become a ‘B’ student or a ‘C’ student?” As seventy-five percent of accepted Harvard students had an SAT score of 2080 or above, I seriously doubt Harvard would accept a student with an 1860, as an Admissions Committee would be unsure if you could do the work if admitted.</p>
<p>If I had to pick a “safe” number, it would be 2100. Admissions Committee’s at selective colleges are looking for SAT scores of 2100+ (or the ACT equivalent). You need to retake the test and try for a higher score.</p>
<p>“Can” they? Sure? Will they? That’s the real issue. If there are 5000 kids who apply with better stats than you – how do they justify taking you? H rejects 96% of applicants. Look at the numbers. You’re an engineering aspirant. Crunch the numbers.</p>
<p>A sub 2000SAT and 3.6GPA applicant to H without a significant hook (starting center) is not viable, IMHO.</p>
<p>I believe that Universities shouldn’t accept and take students according to the SAT but take them by their vision and ambition. They should interview these students and then choose according to these interviews. The SAT in America is different from the SAT for international students, so the SAT is a unfair comparison between students. Moreover, a lot of tutors obtain these tests by illegal manners and give them to students to memorize in many international countries. I believe Harvard should make a test every year, and through this test, it can choose the students that it will take, or even through the interview option i stated earlier.</p>
<p>Mictho: Do you believe that Harvard is failing in their admissions policies? The interview is and should be, the least valuable aspect of admissions (I’m a 24 year interviewer for another Ivy).</p>
<p>You’re just unhappy because the reality of the competitive pool at schools like Harvard is a stark reality. For some reason, you feel you should be above the other 94% of people who are rejected when you have no basis to believe so. Better to cease ranting about H admissions and better to spend your time crafting a more realistic list of US colleges. Being an international applicant makes this road particularly difficult given Harvard’s generosity to international students. </p>
<p>For some less selective schools, if you’re a full pay student, it can help. Go here for suggestions:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/international-students/[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/international-students/</a></p>
<p>There are excellent colleges in america besides Harvard and Princeton…</p>
<p>I fully agree with T26E4.</p>
<p>Also, as an international student myself, you need to realize that these are American schools. So saying things like “unfair” to international students is really pointless. It should be harder for international students to get in, because again, these are US schools that are generous enough to take in international students with financial aid. They are NOT international colleges.</p>
<p>Having said that, you should definitely apply. Just don’t count on one school such as Harvard or Princeton or Yale… etc. You need to have a wide range of schools to apply to.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>If you’re an unhooked applicant, the general consensus is that you want at least mid 2200s SAT or 34 ACT and 3.9+ for your academics.</p>
<p>Of course you can get in with an 1860 SAT. I know a kid who got into Yale, Columbia, and UChicago with a 1250 / 1400, without a single legacy family member or unbelievable prestigious award. However, said kid was also waitlisted at Harvard and Princeton as well, meaning they considered him perfectly qualified for admittance. The GPA is more of an issue, but really scores only matter in the first few seconds an admissions officer looks at your application. If they’re good, they’ll keep reading, if not they won’t. In you’re case, they may or they may not, but they probably will. Try to find something to put on your application that makes you stand out of the crowd so they definitely will.
The only thing I will say though is that if you can raise your SAT, retake it. Every little bit helps, but with your stats you do have a chance, and you could get admitted. If you want to go there, just apply. And apply early if you really want to go to Harvard as your absolute top choice. Trust me, it helps a lot.</p>
<p>T26E4 and gibby understand admissions at elite colleges and universities better than just about anybody I’ve encountered who doesn’t work in an admissions office. Listen to them.</p>
<p>This is true</p>