It definitely is stressful, haha! I guess being deferred is better than being denied. And yeah, we’re all nervous but good thing we have each other, as cliche as that sounds.
The hard part for me is that, although this may be common with other applicants, it is very hard for me to predict my admissions chances at Harvard. I go to a big high school part time to take advanced classes that the small school I go to does not offer. The kid in one of my classes at the bigger high school I go to part-time is the valedictorian of the senior class there. He has all A’s, high test scores, he runs cross-country, and is currently making a mixtape because he raps, which I think is super cool. I don’t know if he does community ervice. He is super nice an funny and down-to-earth even though he is super smart and has almost perfect test scores. He is definitely not the stuck-up type of kid.
The hard part for me is that we both applied to Harvard. And although I am confident with what I put into the application and the kind of person I am and my story I shared through my application and interview, I can’t help but think that he is going to be accepted and I am not.
I don’t really know what to think at this point.
@strongswimmer15 That’s sort of the point of Harvard (and other selective universities) admission: you can’t figure it out. If you could, everyone would just do what they wanted, and they wouldn’t be able to create a class.
You never know how you came off in your application, you just have to hope for it. If you don’t get in, it’s not a reflection on you or your character - it’s a reflection on the small size of Harvard’s class.
Just … keep swimming. 
Also, remember, as long as you have enough credentials and you do your best, whatever happen depends on whether admission officers think that you would fit the school, NOT what you think, but what THEY think. Also it’s in a committee so it’s hard to say. Sometimes you might get like 10 people rooting for you but if the majority votes against you then you’ll still be denied. That’s the problem. Right now, just try letting it go You’ve done everything you could. We should hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
I guess that’s what makes it so interesting to think about whether I will get in: because it is so unpredictable. I kind of like that aspect of it though. It puts things into perspective.
What do you personally think Harvard looks for? I know they have a part of their website that talks about this, but I am curious to know what other applicants think.
It would be so awesome if everyone on this thread got in.
It certainly does. Harvard looks for the best of the best, someone who has a clear plan for the future, who will make a difference to the community. Someone who knows what he/she is doing, won’t back down in the face of challenges, someone, I would say, is worth the investment of Harvard. They also look for diversity and they will kinda project your application into this kinda of frame: What would he/she look like in 10 years based on your scores, ECs, essays, LORs, etc.
First, you have to have the grades and test scores, then…
I think Harvard reserves a portion of their class for people who are the very best at their fields. Think math/chem/bio olympiads, research winners, published authors, fluently speak 8 languages, etc.
Then, a segment of their class goes to low SES kids, those who’ve overcome a significant family/environmental challenge. Kids who’ve worked their way through school and had to face extraordinary circumstances but have found success.
Of course, there’s a part of the class set aside for athletes and mega-legacies.
International students surely are compared to each other - if you can stand out as an international student, there’s got to be a place for you.
Lastly, I think there’s a part of Harvard’s class that is there for the quirky, stand-out applicants who can communicate a unique perspective or view on the world. Say you’ve moved around the world and lived in 10 countries. Or you single-handedly designed and programmed a robot that does your laundry. Everyday innovation.
I don’t think just being the best in your high school will ever cut it, barring a significant challenging background. IMO Harvard wants to see that you’ve sought out your own opportunities and will continue to do so.
I think the bottom line is that the more categories that you can make yourself fit into, the higher your chance of admission.
Wow, that a fantastic synopsis of what the website said! And the best part is that it is intelligent and accurate!
So what drew/draws you to Harvard? What are your future goals?
@strongswimmer15 : What drew me to Harvard are huge FA for my family, a very competitive and cut-throat environment (I love stress), its history (First college found for Bible reading, etc. as a Christian, the motto “Veritas-Truth” holds a great deal of significance to me. I felt “it” there you know?), I love the fact that lectures are huge, professors teach materials very fast, and that you HAVE to initiate and overcome the challenges yourself. I love that they don’t tender and care for you that much. I love the fact that people try to sabotage your work and competition is huge. My future goal is to be able to be a strong environmental engineer and policy advocate. You?
@strongswimmer15 Was that directed at me? Honestly, I haven’t even looked at the website. Can you link me to it?
@whitespace : Here’s the link https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/what-we-look
Thanks! That was a good read, especially the essay they mention at the bottom.
Umm @hola1997 I know a couple of current students at Harvard and I’ve visited many a time. From what I hear it’s not cut throat at all. Students aren’t backstabbing each other to be the best. Most of the student body is wonderful and extremely nice. It’s a happy environment for most people. I get my other sources of harvard’s social and academic environment from the blogs students post. There is competition but, it’s all friendly competition. Nobody is looking out to get nobody. Students just want to help each other and learn from one another and share their passions. At the very least I hope some of this information was helpful.
@harvard2020babe : Then what you heard must be quite different from mine since two of my friends there said that people do compete against each other. Of course not all is like that and I suppose it depends on the courses you take the friends you make there.
I think the main point of a university like Harvard is to provide you with the resources that you need for success. You’re already supposed to have intrinsic motivation and a strong work ethic. The university isn’t there to motivate you - you should want to be the best on your own, and not because you’re competing with other people.
Also, I find it interesting that you both have friends there right now. The last person from my school that went there was in 2008.
@whitespace : Well, that’s the point I love about it. You have to take care of yourself, you are an adult and blessed with the opportunity to utilize all available resources to make great contributions to the community. Of course, since everyone is different, they might perceive the school differently. My friends still love it there despite the stress and the sabotage attempts they had from other peers.
My point wasn’t contradicting yours - it’s just that most people want an environment that will provide them opportunity, not somewhere that they have to watch out for their classmates.
I wasn’t trying to contradict you either, more of acknowledging your point. Apologize if it meant the other way. I perceive that you have to watch out for your classmate if you are striving to be the top of class or something
Yes I guess it can be competitive if in another field. I believe you One of the things I love about Harvard is all the perspectives one gets from each of his/her classmates. The fact that people can educate each other and share each other’s passions in a way that isn’t done at most schools is marvelous. The drool worthy library’s and academic language and Africana studies classes do help sweeten the deal of course 