Harvard transfer app questions, with what may be a unique case

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hello, I just joined because this forum seems to have some good insight on college application and others that have gone through it. I have what may be too unique a case with too many factors to get input from a general source, so I'm wondering if anyone here might know. I wish to possibly transfer to harvard, and I'm wondering what conditions I need to meet on top of this, or if it's even possible considering my condition/situation.</p>

<p>My Dad went to Harvard, graduated Phi-beta-kappa, top of his class, and was on the Harvard Entrance Committee for years, until somewhat recently (10 years ago) did he leave the committee. He told me things have changed and he doesn't know how it works nowadays. I have asperger's syndrome, and have always had trouble being organized and issues with social interaction and behavior, which greatly affected my highschool years, and hindered my academic grades to a large extent (I got A's on all tests, but my homework organization and class participation was always an issue, landing me nearly all B's, and ending with a GPA of 3.32, however, at Langley it required a 94% for an A, 84 for B, and so on). I always dreamed of going to Harvard since I was young, but recently realized the goal may be unachievable. However, I did get a 2250 on the SAT, and a perfect score in the math section. I still thought it impossible to go, so I never applied.</p>

<p>My parents, worried about my ability to function on my own through the pressure and isolation of college had me apply only to in state institutions, to which all that I applied (GMU, JMU, VCU, and VTech) I was accepted. Out of all of them, I felt a most suitable environment at Mason. College ended up being a much better environment for me, and first year I pulled a 3.5 GPA, which next year i could easily make a 4.0 with effort. I have taken 7 years of latin and in highschool got gold every year on the national latin exam, placed top 10 3 years in a row in states, and in the national convention got 14th in the Nation in the grammar exam for my level and 12th in Derivitaves. I also happen to know 3 other languages, Japanese fully conversationally, Chinese to a large extent, and I'm currently learning Arabic. But I have recently watched many friends who like me struggled throughout highschool, have success in college and transfer to schools like Duke and Princeton. I'm wondering if, at Mason (considering it's still largely viewed as a commuter school), if I pull a 4.0, with my awards, SAT score, and language knowledge (though my major is engineering, I just have a gift for languages and love them), and my Dad's reputation at Harvard and in the world, and a proper essay, possibly about my past and current struggles in academia and social aspect with asperger's, I would even stand a chance to get in.</p>

<p>This is a long paragraph, but this is my dream, and my dad didn't think I could make it with my predicament and organizational issues, and that harvard would have too much pressure, so he never really explored the possibility. I want to prove to him I can do it. If I have enough to have a chance, i will ask him to help as well. I'm not saying I'm trying to use legacy or exploit a disability I have, but it is my dream, and I will play any card I have to to achieve it if I can.</p>

<p>Sorry for the long message, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.</p>

2

<p>I hate to burst your bubble, but I don’t think having Asperger’s, having your dad on the committee there, or anything else you listed would make much of a difference. I don’t mean to be mean or anything; it’s just the fact of the matter. Transferring in is a total crapshoot for everybody unless you’re Mahatma Gandhi or something.</p>

3

<p>You should take your questions to the Transfer Forum. Several people there are also applying to, or have applied to Harvard and other top institutions. To find the Transfer Forum, go back to the mainpage where all of the forums are listed, and then scroll down.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>Your not being mean at all. As I said, I thought that was the case and it was a long shot anyways, I was pretty sure none of that would help regardless, and it’s Harvard, so I’m pretty sure I’m in the same boat as everyone else, meaning it’s not worth the try or application, because other than having a very good GPA and languages, I don’t have the EC and other things many do (like sports teams and such, and once more, that’s a direct effect of my asperger’s). So yeah, I knew that was the case, just thought asking would be worth a try. So yeah, guess I’m stuck for now.</p>

5

<p>You should apply. You may get in, you may not. Otherwise you may always wonder, “what if I applied to Harvard?”</p>

6

<p>None of us forum users really know what Harvard is looking for. This is your dream. I think you should give it a shot.</p>

7

<p>I agree with surfwakesnow and bostoncrmpie.
You should at least try it! Maybe there are people who tell you that it is 100% impossible. But you should still hold the chance and try it!</p>

<p>加油!</p>

8

<p>Thanks, I guess I’ll try it, but I agree, it’s always worth a shot.</p>

9

<p>and there are many, many amazing institutions besides harvard that you could apply to if you want to leave your current school. if you just want to go to harvard for the name, and otherwise youre happy where you are, id say an application never hurts but, yeah, unless your dad pulls some major strings its just as much of a crapshoot for you as for anyone else</p>