<p>My guidance counselor keeps trying to push Harvard onto me. Every time I go visit him, he's telling me about all the opportunities for poor people at Harvard. I guess he's oblivious to the fact that you can't gain admittance to Harvard with a 2050, but that's beside the point. As for the actual question, does Harvard place more emphasis than, perhaps, other schools on one's socioeconomic background? For instance, my household income is WELL below $60K a year (actually, below $30K a year), and I work considerable amounts during the school year as well as full time during the summer. Will this help me in the admissions process or is my 2050 going to give the adcoms a good laugh as the toss put my application on the bottom? Many thanks.</p>
<p>It depends on the rest of your application...you still have a chance.</p>
<p>I wholeheartedly second mj93. A 2050 is not going to keep you out of the running at Harvard. Do submit an application and give it your best shot.</p>
<p>I agree with your GC, and also think it would be a good idea for you to study for the SAT and retake it, and also make sure that you have match and safety schools that you'd happily attend and also have good financial aid.</p>
<p>Thanks for the support everyone. I'll be applying to Harvard this fall. Wish me luck!</p>
<p>For the record, my SAT2 scores are surprisingly good: 780M2, 760US, 740Chem. I'll also be taking the ACT in a few weeks; I've heard weak SAT takers typically do much better on the ACT.</p>