Hello all!!
I submitted my application on September 12th, and had an interview with an alumni two weeks later. I just got a call from admissions offer; GREAT news to hear after coming out of a movie theatre!! Obviously not an acceptance until December, but getting a likely letter/call was unbelievable. Good luck to all!
@cassiehaj19 Congratulations! Out of curiosity, are you a recruited athlete? I thought likely letters were only used in the RD pool.
Who is and who isn’t submitting a supplemental essay in addition to the commonapp essay?
I submitted one. I’ve heard that it’s not really “optional” if you’re serious about getting in.
Is anyone here submitting a music portfolio? Or have any tips on how to choose repertoire and record? Newbie here and my private lesson teacher never experienced submitting supplemental music materials since she just did live auditions. Thank you!
What is the supplement essay for Harvard?
Hey,
So I literally just realized that I forgot to self report my AP scores but mentioned my AP awards, will that hurt my application? I really don’t want to email Harvard about it…
No
@skieurope Should I upload a file with my reported scores to the portal or just leave it be? My transcript also contains my AP scores but I’ve heard that they don’t read it. I’m probably stressing out about this too much.
It’s up to you. But since they are on your transcript, IMO, it does not matter. You list your GPA on the Common App, but the AO is still going to review the transcript.
Yup. 
Is it a good idea to write all 3 supplemental essays?
@neurochic I’ve always heard that on Harvard’s application no “optional” supplement is truly optional, and that you should complete all of them.
Also, I just got a 730 on Math 2, and although I know that’s an okay score I’m also a little worried because it’s the 54th percentile, and because I took the test when I was really sick, so I don’t think my score reflects the absolute best work that I could have done (but I don’t have the time or money to retake the test). Is sending in a 730 going to hurt my application more than not sending any score at all, or is it still a good idea to send it in?
To the people who have submitted their application, have you been contacted for an interview yet?
It is all relative. If your grades in math are very good, then I would not send it in because it undermines your transcript.
@drumminggeek87 I’d send it. I know people who got in with low 600s and they said that essays are more important 
Does Harvard care when you submit your application, as long as it is before the deadline? If I submitted this week, will I be at a disadvantage compared to the people who submitted it in early October (because admissions officers probably read their essays and maybe accepted them)? Is there a set percent of people Harvard accepts per year?
Also, how long do you think Harvard takes to go through your application and decide whether or not you should be accepted?
No
Admissions Officers are often still in the field conducting college fairs, etc. With the exception of athletic recruits, they are not reading applications in depth before the due date and are not making final recommendations before reading all applications from a given HS.
Sending an application early benefits Harvard more than the applicant as it gives them time to assemble packets. The benefit to the applicant is that it gets it off your plate and it will trigger an interview request. But make no mistake, the timing of when an application is sent will not impact the admissions decision. If you are happy with the application and have triple checked for errors, send it. If not, wait. But don’t wait until 11:59 pm on 11/1.
The first read will be 15 minutes or less.
Oh okay. I was worried because it said “Early Action applicants: We recommend that you send your application by this date so that we may create and begin processing your file, and schedule an alumni/ae interview if possible.” Also, out of curiosity, how do you know this information? Did you ask Harvard or other schools?