Harvard Chance Me?

My interview was yesterday and it was really good. It lasted about an hour and he said he would write a good review.

Hispanic Male, First Generation, Senior

Parent education: both did not finish elementary school.

I went to a boarding school in a really small town. They did not offer APs or IB classes. I couldn’t do a lot of ECs because I wasn’t allowed to leave campus, but I tried.

Income: <50k

UW GPA: 3.9 W GPA:4.04

ACT: 34

ACT Breakdown: E:35 M:35 R:36 S:30

Awards:

Math Student of the Month

Best Physics Student

Most Improved Band Member (don’t know if this counts)

ECs:

Robotics (member), have been to multiple competitions.

Taught myself how to code. HTML, Java, C++, C#, Python, etc.

Sold computer programs, have an extensive portfolio of projects.

Basketball three years, went to a tournament and the team got second place.

Choir (member)

Band (section leader), lead percussionist

Taught myself how to play the piano.

About 100 hours of community service

I’ve had two jobs, and helped my dad with his construction work in the summer.

Familial Role, older brother. I have two younger brothers to take care of while my parents work, it’s the reason I don’t have many ECs. I have also had a job every year so my free time was limited.

LoR:

Counselor 6/10, gonna be generic probably

Math Teacher Junior year 10/10, I have a really good relationship with him and he should say good things about me.

Math Teacher Senior year 8/10, doesn’t know me that well, but recognizes my passion to learn and says he will make it good.

Essay: 8/10 Talked about my passion for math and comp Sci

Supplementals: 9/10 Talked about my experience at a boarding school and how I believe in diversity and belong in the Hispanic community.

Intended Major:

Computer Science

I think it is helpful to let schools know that you take care of your brothers and work to help your family out. This is more impressive really than many EC’s others might have. Good luck.

ps But what about when were you at boarding school? That would mean you did not live at home and did not take care of your brothers while there. So be specific.

Harvard admissions officers have told interviewers that such family responsibilities are counted in their mind as extracurricular activities FYI.