<p>I am pretty shocked by the academic/extracurricular profile set by many applicants to Harvard, however Im wondering if there are any odds of my acceptance...</p>
<p>SATI scores are rather low (600V 660M - However 2nd best scores in my class, no one from my school has ever gotten above a 1400 to my knowledge, its a very 'ghetto' school, not necessarily in comparison to the various private schools)
SATII - Not yet taken
APs- World History, US History, Biology, Language
To-come APs - Literature, Psych, Calc AB
Dual Enrollment - Taking Anthropology, Philosophy, and Mangagement over summer, then Astronomy and Human Bio in the fall of senior year, 2 more courses over spring, and possibly evening courses if it would bring any chance of acceptance
My school is run on a block schedule, which also is a disadvantage due to the fact I can take no more than 4 classes per semester, and no more than 4 APs per year.
Another disadvantage of my school is a very limited AP selection (AP Chem, & Government has been removed - Ive already taken all available Science AP courses [bio], We dont have AP Economics, any form of AP Government anymore...
I feel Ive greatly utilized what opportunities HAVE been made available to me by moving on to a majority of courses at the local college due to the lack of academical support offered at my school.
No student at my school has ever attended Harvard. There is no prep for any form of Ivy League school as no students are expected to ever attend. Ive never even heard of SATII until I did my own research. </p>
<p>ECs
Boys & Girls Club Volunteer
Science Bowl (We have no club for it or actual captains)
NHS
Beta
Hospice Volunteer
1st Place in American Mathematics Competition
3yrs Varsity Wrestling
2yrs Football (1 year Varsity)
Latin Club </p>
<p>The website for Harvard admission states the importance of a student to utilize what opportunities are available, I feel I have a great potential to raise SAT scores and possibly break beyond the barriers set by tradition at my school. Ive utilized every available opportunity and created a great deal of new opportunity; Is there a chance?</p>
<p>So what exactly do you guys think I could do to merit some sort of chance? I have no clue because I cant find any ideas on the web, and my school doesnt seem to care...</p>
<p>Sounds like you're making an effort to do the right things. Do what you can to improve and buildyour resume and give it a shot if you think it is a fit with your goals. Any way you cut it , it is tough getting in.</p>
<p>If you are not very special as lagacy or recruits, you at least have to make to 1400 for SAT1 to be considered. There are over 28,000 high school in this country. Even you're No.1 and best ever from your high school, you still needs good application(means stats, ecs and essays) to get in Harvard.</p>
<p>Good news!
Updates:
Im now the treasurer of Beta Club
Next year I will be a full time college student and high school student because I have signed up for the 2 evening classes at the CC as well
Im trying my hardest to start a Science Bowl club since I said my school doesnt have one
And when I take the SATII Ill be taking it for Latin, Bio, and Math</p>
<p>So my schedule for summer will be:
Anthropology
Philosophy
Management</p>
<p>Senior Year:
AP Lit
AP Calculus
AP Psychology
Hist of Viet War
Law Studies
Dual Enrollment Classes:
Astronomy
Human Biology
Anatomy/PhysiologyI Lecture
Anatomy/PhysiologyI Lab
Then 4 more (not yet chosen) in the Spring</p>
<p>And if I do become the founder of a Science Bowl club that should also be a great boost...
Can I compete?</p>
<p>You have a chance. I utilized dual enrollment all through my high school career, founded a club (film society), got a lower-than-Harvard's-average SAT score (680 M, 740 V, 700 W), some low/average SATIIs (660, 640, 760)... I just stressed how much I utilized what I was given and how much I did with it to make my academic career stronger... (btw, i was also deferred EA and i'm NOT a URM/athlete/legacy)...</p>
<p>If you are in a disadvantaged environment ("ghetto"?), then your scores don't have to be as high as those from high-powered public and privates. That's because Harvard, or any other college, acknowledges the obstacles that need to be overcome in such a situation. You are absolutely doing the right things - showing academic ambition and leadership - that should get you serious consideration. The most important thing right now is not to change ECs but to enhance them. Top schools don't like the shotgun approach to ECs; they like to see your passions and how you've spent your time to include them in an academically rigorous schedule.</p>
<p>You don't say where you are from. If you are from an under-represented state, that should help you even more. If not, don't worry.</p>
<p>Remember that no one is a sure thing at a place like Harvard. Try to improve your SAT scores and study hard for your SAT IIs. Emphasis what you have done to make your personal learning environment more challenging.</p>
<p>And the good news is, on the way to polishing your resume for Harvard, you will also make yourself extremely attractive to other schools that will accept you with open arms and give you all kinds of money to go there. :) Good luck!</p>