I’m a junior at a competitive public school, and I’ve been freaking out lately…
Grades just came out, and I got a C in math last semester (multivariable calculus)-I’ve always wanted to go to Harvard, but what are my chances with a C on my transcript?
I have a 3.67 uw rn, with a few B’s (primarily in math) and the one C. I have an upwards grade trend (Except for the C), and I’ve gotten all A’s this semester except the C taking (i think) one of the hardest schedules in my class. I’m probably like top 40% in my class (really bad, lol i know), but my school is also incredibly competitive. I’ve taken every AP possible (except for languages). I’ve also taken 2 classes at my CC, and gotten A+'s in both. 35 ACT (aiming for 36 before college apps start), 1600 SAT score. I’m also Asian (yikes).
I think my ec’s are pretty good…cofounded math club, science team, beauty pageants, theater, neuroscience lab intern. I’ve also spent a lot of time studying for science competitions like USABO and USNCO (made top 50 last year). I also do science fair and all that jazz.
How much do Awards help you in the admissions process to Harvard? Hypothetically, if I went to the US ChemOly camp and made it to the International Chem Olympiad, would I have a good chance at Harvard (even with my poor grades)? Usually, I know that international science olympiad winners from the US are pretty much almost guaranteed to make it to one of the top schools, but how much does it really help?
What other things can I do to help me in college admissions and make up for my poor grade record?
Your GPA is just really, really low for Harvard. They turn down so many “perfect” applicants a year, that your chances are probably less than 2%, even with a shelf full of international competition trophies.
There are other “top” schools that would take you.
I’m not sure most people understand what Harvard wants. It’s not. 4.0/1600. Is there something unique and interesting that elevates your profile? And even then, among those elevated candidates, can they see why they would choose you?
Most applicants are “common”. They have perfect grades, play 2 sports, take all APs, go to very competitive schools, go on mission trips and volunteer and start clubs…and get rejected.
You need something else…something special. If you don’t identify that, the GPA will not be the problem…
You have a great ACT score. Instead of spending time trying to bring that number higher, spend the time bringing your math grade higher. @HRSMom is right. What makes you special? As you were describing your ECs, you glossed over them and wrote and all that jazz. Your ECs are boring you. How do you think the Admissions people are going to feel when they are reading them? Between now and next Fall, find something that fascinates you and dedicate yourself to that. If you are really dedicated to something, your excitement will jump off the page and maybe that will be enough to make you interesting to an AO.
Why do you want to go to Harvard? I think it would be a good idea for you to learn more about all the excellent schools out there, starting perhaps with the website ( also a book) entitled "Colleges that Change Lives.’ By all means apply to Harvard but don’t get fixated on it. It is not worth stressing about grades you have gotten in the context of Harvard admissions. Stop trying to make yourself into a fit for the school and find the school that fits you : ) You’ll do fine.
While many students are fixated on Harvard, the difficult reality is that Harvard seeks to admit the best-of-the-best, the tippiest-of-the-top students. Unfortunately (but realistically) that is not you. I’m not being cruel, just realistic. One look at Harvard’s C11 Common Data Set should help illuminate that fact: http://oir.harvard.edu/files/huoir/files/harvard_cds_2014-15.pdf
That means that just 12.6 percent of admitted students to Harvard (many of them athletic recruits on the football, basketball, wrestling and hockey teams) have a GPA as low as yours. My suggestion: let Harvard go and focus on those schools where your GPA places you at the TOP of the class: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/a-plus
It is true that some kind of extraordinary accomplishment can make a lower GPA less of an issue, but not often. Harvard is “holistic” in admissions meaning they look beyond stats, but I am sure there is a sort of benchmark to meet.
The real question is, why have you “always wanted to go to Harvard”? No offense, but this often means that you lack knowledge of a broad variety of schools. Harvard is well-known but that does not mean it is the best school for you.
The other reason people want to go to Harvard is because it sounds impressive, but honestly, there are many schools that are impressive for one reason or another, among people who know about schools.
Thinks about where your interests and talents lie and look at school websites, majors offered, courses within the major, distribution requirements versus free choice, and think about size, location (city or rural or suburban, what part of the country, weather), the “vibe” of the place (visits help) and of course, cost (financial and merit aid?).
It is interesting that you do so much math and science outside of the classroom, since math would seem to be a weak link for you. Do you have other interests academically? I would start rethinking goals if math is not a strength, and any anticipated major or career path involves a lot of it. Some science is of course heavily math-based too.
Your ACT is good and your EC’s may be interesting (especially the work in the lab) so go ahead and apply to Harvard or any other school but don’t have the expectation of getting in and don’t live your high school life stressing about it. It is NOT worth it. Enjoy your life NOW. Living for a future admission is just not healthy and then once in, many who have lived this way just start living for the next admission or honor or whatever. Good luck!
If you go to IChO, I’d imagine you have a very good shot at a top-10 university. HYPSM? Perhaps not, since your GPA is not the greatest, and you’re Asian STEM. But with IChO and perfect SAT scores, you’d definitely still be in the running. (Also, why did you found the math club if you’re evidently not so good at it?!).