Harvard Hopeful Dismayed by Others Here

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>For quite some time now, I have casually talked about going to an Ivy League school. It almost seemed out of reach at first, but as a junior, I think I now have a legitimate shot at getting accepted. I started researching and saw that I was about the middle of the herd, but then I came upon this site. People's stats on here are amazing! I can't compare to many of them and I started doubting myself. </p>

<p>I think I might be able to set myself apart because of my background, not necessarily my educational feats. I was born in Norway and came here when I was 5. Norwegian is my native language and I am fluent in it. I was born to a Turkish father and a Norwegian mother and I am not an American citizen. I will be a first generation college student as well. Does this help my chances at all? I feel it is rather diverse and I feel I can write an excellent essay on my life experiences. </p>

<p>I was not born into an affluent family (I'm middle class) and haven't been presented with some of the opportunities others have because of the size of my school, which will graduate as a class of about 60. I'm not a bookworm or a hermit either. I'm the kind that would benefit from an interview as a personable and socially apt person. I think that is very important and helps to set me apart from the brains that apply to Ivy League schools.</p>

<p>My stats are pretty well-rounded and I'd like to know what you guys think:</p>

<p>Academic</p>

<p>1st in class</p>

<p>99.4 average</p>

<p>SAT 1: 740 Math, 740 Verbal, 660 Writing (Retaking them this Saturday)
Taking Subject tests in math, lit., and US history in June</p>

<p>College US history (credit at local CC)</p>

<p>Enrolled in 4 college classes next year</p>

<p>French - 5 years</p>

<p>Extra-Curriculars</p>

<p>Attending Boys' State in June (hopefully boys nation too)</p>

<p>Youth in Government- President (Chairperson at county steering convention)</p>

<p>National Honor Society - VP (President next year)</p>

<p>Varsity soccer player</p>

<p>French club- President</p>

<p>Leo's Club</p>

<p>Band- 1st Trumpet</p>

<p>150+ hours comm. service as lights supervisor at school plays</p>

<p>50+ hours at various other tasks</p>

<p>Prom Committee</p>

<p>Class of 2008- Treasurer- 2 years </p>

<p>(Running for HS and/or class president next year)</p>

<p>Missing a couple of other things, but that's pretty much it. I'd like some honest answers and considering I improve my test scores, what do you think? I know it's a crapshoot and all, but do I have a shot? Thanks in advance for any and all responses.</p>

2

<p>I'm no expert, but I'd say you have just a good a chance as any. I'm also a junior trying to get into Harvard (with a similar desperate topic) and I'm impressed and a little intimidated by the stats posted here as well. However, just remember that the kids at CC are generally the overachieving overachievers, often the most concerned and often the most qualified to get into these colleges. Basically, don't extrapolate what you see here at CC to all applicants, you are definitely a strong applicant, and have a decent shot based on what I've seen, especially considering your unique experiences.
Above all, never lose hope!</p>

<p>As far as advice for improving your transcript goes, try to raise your writing to about a 700. You seem to be a unique individual, but it never hurts to keep improving.</p>

3

<p>It really is unnerving to see all the stellar stats people are putting up and it is kind of a relief to hear you say that. I just think that a school like Harvard would be appreciative of a diverse student that isn't a complete brainiac. A socially adapted person has just as much chance as the hermit with awesome stats. </p>

<p>I will definitely be the only one applying Ivy League at my school and it is such a small school that only one person in recent memory from our school has gotten in. My school offers very little academically and gears all of its courses to taking the stupid REGENTS. Thanks for the response though. Maybe we will represent the class of 2012!</p>

4

<p>I'm an amateur at chance threads, but in my opinion, you have a great shot at the Ivies. Keep doing the amazing work that you are doing, and nail the essays and rec letters! However, if I could say this often enough: whatever you do, do it as a mean to improve yourself and bring a sense of personal fulfillment; don't do it for the sake of Ivies admission!! Let the gates of Harvard (since you posted here), or any other great universities (which there are tonnes) out there, be the motivators and the "pleasant surprises" as rewards of your deserving hardwork, but don't EVER let them become the goal of a feverish pursuit.</p>

<p>Good luck! :D</p>

5

<p>Lots of people here probably lie about their stats, and/or CC is filled with the more neurotic (and therefore perfectionist) of the college-applying crowd. You seem like a cool person. Ivies are crapshoots for everyone, but I see no reason why you wouldn't have as good a chance as any.</p>

6

<p>Bumpity bump. Kinda wanted more responses (I'm so selfish lol)</p>

7

<p>Maybe this will make you feel better maybe not. My son was accepted. He was 7th in a class of 650 or so. B's in honors English, A's in everything else. 690 on the writing. However the rest of his stats were excellent (do a search if you really care!) and he's a very one sided focussed (comp sci) kid - which is something I think Harvard likes. They like well-rounded ones too, but I think they are more about making a well-rounded class than picking a lot of well-rounded kids.</p>

8

<p>You've got a good shot, about the same as anybody with outstanding stats. My recommendations: don't mention the National Honor Society; that doesn't set you apart. Also, make sure you describe somewhere on your application what you actually accomplished as the chair and president of your extracurricular activities. It's very vapid to just list "President - French Society", for example. Also, it really is about quality, not quantity, of your activities. Just because there's 10 spots for extracurriculars on an application, don't feel obligated to list every possible thing. List what's most important to you, and don't spread yourself too thin. I did 1 or 2 major things throughout school and I got in to Ivy League schools. When you come to college you won't be able to do everything like you were able to in high school, so you might as well start focusing on a couple things that are really important to you so that your experience can be most meaningful in terms of contributing to college life. I am also an international student! Good luck!</p>

9

<p>Last two years results at Harvard for my son's HS</p>

<p>1/300+ 99.91 GPA 2400 SAT - accepted
1/300+ 99.80 GPA 2320 SAT - accepted
2/300+ 99.65 GPA 2300 SAT - accepted
3/300+ 99.60 GPA 2350 SAT - accepted
2/300+ 99.28 GPA 2340 SAT - accepted
10/300+ 97.79 GPA 2370 SAT - accepted</p>

<p>4/300+ 99.39 GPA 2100 SAT - deferred/rejected<br>
8/300+ 98.15 GPA 2230 SAT - deferred/wait listed</p>