<p>I'm applying for the Harvard SSP and I was wondering if good grades make a significant difference to your chances of getting in. My grades..well, have been pretty pathetic for this past year. It's not because I'm stupid or anything, I've just had a lot going on. But I'm going to be taking the program pretty seriously and am willing to work hard. I did well on my TOEFL (yes, I'm an international student) and am hoping to write an impressive essay. Are my grades going to do some serious damage to my chances of getting selected?</p>