OP states the professor speaks an African language.
A high performing URM is generally considered to be something of a hook. I am aware that it’s not in the same level as a recruited athlete, but it’s a hook nonetheless, if applicable.
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@bneb, as wonderful as Harvard is, it’s extremely unlikely that what you’re looking for isn’t offered anywhere else.
I suggest you do additional research with an open mind. Falling in love with a single school isn’t a good idea.
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And to add to DadJerseyGirls excellent post- if the OP can share what those future goals are, the experienced posters here can help identify a long list of college’s that will provide fantastic opportunities!
I think that the OP is probably going to need to get the 3.8 and 1370 up – or at least the former, and go TO if possible WRT the latter) to be considered a high performer in the Harvard URM pool.
That said, the holistic aspects of the app are also going to be important, obviously. Know thy self, and to thy self be true!
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Please don’t. HS students starting a nonprofit- in grade 11 no less!- has been overdone. AOs are going to figure that you are doing it to impress them (yes, even if you really do care about the subject, and yes, even if you get it registered, and yes, even if you raise a boatload of money).
Go re-read the parts in the other posts about being authentic. If being involved in politics was truly interesting to you- something that really motivates you- you would already be involved and wouldn’t need to be musing about doing something that sounds grand.
That’s the rose-colored glasses of infatuation talking.
You can get into Harvard without awards, but you do need to show that you are a standout. You asked what Harvard wants? bluntly, they want stars. It is too late for you to suddenly start trying new things: better to double down on the things that you are already doing and take it to a whole other level.
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All you can do is apply, write a good essay, and hope for the best. Chances are going to suck even with perfect grades and scores. There’s no way to maximize chances, because the criteria is subjective. Just apply with zero expectations and make sure you have a good list of affordable schools you’re serious about.
And please don’t do a “nonprofit.” The admissions people are going to see right through that. Normal healthy teenagers don’t start nonprofit organizations. They go on Prom dates and get speeding tickets.
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What exactly do you think these opportunities are, and why are you sure they are not offered elsewhere?
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Yeah, there are grand opportunities at lots of schools, but you have to be on the ball and go after them – nobody is going to just hand you a golden egg.
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I’d give this one a hundred thumbs up if I could.
Too many think this - hence they ask - who (which school) is going to get me an internship?
hmmm - you, you , and you - sure the school will have contacts, access, strategies, etc. that may run superior to another - but you’re still going to get your internship…not someone else. It’s earned.
I remember a story from a few years ago - at Ga Tech - a kid - wrote on his dorm room window all in post in notes - “Hire Me” - the kid had initiative - and landed an internship.
Georgia Tech student uses sticky notes to land an internship with a tech company | CNN
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Wonderful! This student is going places!
What does Harvard want?
They want to educate the future kings and queens, CEOs, prime ministers, supreme court justices, presidents, senators, academy award winners, nobel prize winners and poet laureates. In short they want the leaders of the next generation. How do you show that at the age of 16-17? No single answer. The competition is tough. But you’ve gotten some good advice.
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OP appears to have confirmed URM identity in a subsequent reply.
I will only add that a lot of students talk about why a school is perfect for them, but the burden in an application is to show why you are perfect for the school. Harvard knows where it stands, and it can reasonably expect that if admitted, you will attend.
You want the admissions readers to picture how you will contribute to the campus community. You are getting good advice above. Pursue your passions, make an impact with your commitments. This is not a “check the EC boxes” exercise (e.g. start a non-profit, check; captain a varsity team, check). Demonstrate through your application how you will carry your passions forward in a way that will make a difference at Harvard.
Do you need a strong understanding of what Harvard offers to understand how you might contribute? Yes. But you also need a strong sense of yourself and what you hope Harvard will help you achieve. There are glimmers of it in some of your replies. (Certainly, if Harvard offers a language that is undersubscribed, your interest and passion for that language and the culture associated with it will be a plus.)
You can absolutely decide to go for it. But you must apply with the kind of emotional preparation that will help you absorb a rejection.
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That’s the kind of thinking that drove HYP admit rates to the low single digits today from the 20-30% or higher that they were 50 years ago.
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I would argue that’s one of many reasons. Simplified access via common app, higher profile ranking ls and access to them due to social media, TO and more caused this. Kids today apply to 10-20 schools and more vs in the past when it may have been 5-7.
However I don’t believe the comment is relevant here. The student wants to go to Harvard. The student knows it’s an uphill climb but he’s asked what he can do to improve his chance.
He may have a .1% or 1% chance of getting in if he applies. But he has a zero % chance if he doesn’t.
Right or wrong it’s his dream school. Many kids have dream schools so why shouldn’t they apply?
We could debate why acceptance rates are low but that doesn’t help a student who is already intending to apply but asking what he can do to appear better.
If the kid who got into Chicago with a 20 act didn’t try because it was impossible - then Chicago would have had one less student. I’m not saying OP is going to get in.
But if OP wants to try and does the work, he’s allowed to try and while it’s few I’m sure each year there’s a few students who surprise and gain acceptance to impossible schools. They have that something the school seeks.
If you don’t take chances in life, you’ll likely never grow.
Good luck to OP in their application.
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I have a 0% chance of walking on to a pro-baseball team.
I also have a ~0% if I do try.
Ambition, within reason, is good. But wasting time (and mental energy) is not so good. The kid who obsesses about an unachievable goal may be disappointed when it doesn’t happen, and miss a chance at a more achievable (but still difficult and worthwhile) goal because they were distracted.
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I think it is fine to apply to Harvard, but don’t gear your high school experience to this hope. Honestly, non-profits by high schoolers have become a bit of an eye roll (sorry!).
Often young people look at Harvard info because it is well-known. I didn’t see anything unique about Harvard in your post, that you cannot find at many other schools. And LAC’s may have smaller classes, without TA’s. Just as an example.
I would make sure you are familiar with more schools. You can google “little Ivies” and “Colleges that Change LIves” (website) for starters. Good luck!
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I’m with @tsbna44 . Especially since on these internet boards we can never have the full and complete picture of applicants. We don’t have essays or recommendations or the nuances of an application. Given that, I would hate to be the reason a particular kid doesn’t get into the school of their dreams.
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But again - he’s not asking about his chance. He didn’t write a chance me.
He is going to apply.
His subject line is - “How to maximize my chances of getting into Harvard.” I think saying - don’t waste your time - is not an answer to his question. Anyone, no matter who they are, can optimize a situation. In your case, maybe we can focus on your speed and base stealing or ability to lay a perfect bunt down the line to overcome your lack of power or weak throwing arm.
If he wrote a chance me, my answer would be different.
OK - time to move on and good luck to OP.
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Haven’t read the entire thread, so maybe someone said this already. In answer to your question: You or your parents have to donate a multi-million dollar building, facility, or program. That’s the only answer. That’s how Jared Kushner got into Harvard.
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