Maybe it’s in dog years.
Wow - brutal crowd. No need to pile on the hours subject. I think the first few commenters made the point clear.
One too many zeros is a typo. Repeatedly writing inflated hours in the initial post, then responding w inflated hours in a followup post is not a typo. Better the OP gets called on the fantasy here, than for him/her to write it in all the college applications he/she sends out.
And this phrase:
“I received over 1500 community service hours during my freshman year. I absolutely love altruism.” is utter BS self interest. It’s not “altruism” if you do it to boast hours to impress people and to stroke your ego.
Do not write “I love altruism” in your college essay.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
While all true, the point has been made. That horse is dead - stop beating it. Further comments on that subject will be deleted.
First, while you should ‘aim high’, you shouldn’t focus on Harvard only. Obsessing over a school where you’ll be rejected (that’s what 3%rd rate means - expect to be rejected because that’s what will likely happen) is unhealthy and dangerous if it keeps you from focusing on finding good matches and safeties.
It’s okay to dream of Harvard, Pomona, and Wellesley (for example) and do everything you should to be a competitive applicant there but it’s not okay to so everything for Harvard.
Can you answer these two questions:
- What do you like about Harvard?
(’ that everyone’s heard of it and would be so impressed if I got in’ isn’t the right answer so look for actual answers.) - How are you exceptional?
As a HS freshman, you will have lots of opportunities ahead of you, and your thoughts and feelings may change. Agree that you should widen your goals and not target one school. Look for the schools that offer what appeals to you, and look for schools that will want you, not vice versa.
@tsm1250 Are you going to respond to the posts?
I agree on the subject of focusing solely on Harvard. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a dream school that’s your absolute top choice, but that doesn’t mean you should move forward through your high school years with a tunnel vision on Harvard and Harvard only. There’s an abundance of excellent schools in the United States beyond Harvard and even the other Ivy Leagues. Each one has its own advantages, whether it be location, programs, majors, etc. I would encourage you to explore other schools.
Up until 8th/9th grade, I had tunnel vision on Harvard as well. I didn’t know as much about the whole world of higher education and thought that Harvard was the only way I could make my parents proud and have a successful medical career. Alas, I couldn’t have been more incorrect. When I started reading more into schools, I found a whole world of options I could look in to.
Another story – I know a very smart young man - excellent stats, highly involved in research and the community, wonderful personality - that for years, not too unlike many high-achieving kids, had his heart set on Harvard. He got into Cornell, Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, and more, and ended up deciding to go to UC Berkeley. It came down to UCB and Harvard for him, and after researching his options, he came to realize that UCB was the best option for him. Long story short, Berkeley’s proximity to Silicon Valley and its strong programs made it seem more worthwhile to him than Harvard, no matter its level of name recognition.
Anyways, sorry for the long post. I just wanted to say that you should definitely explore your options. You sound like a hardworking person, and that attribute will open up a lot of doors for you. Also – keep doing this volunteering and activities only so long as you truly enjoy them. If they become a burden, don’t continue them. This is a huge cliché, but colleges would rather see you become highly involved in several activities that you’re passionate about rather than trying to stretch yourself thin with a boatload of different things. Most importantly: enjoy high school! Try not to worry too much about college yet and enjoy that next three years.
I wouldn’t state that you devoted 1500 hours in one year to community service. That number is so high that it will cause an admissions officer to question your application.
Ukranian is not an URM. Europe doesn’t count: not even Moldova or Kosovo.
I also wouldn’t refer to other schools as being the same caliber as Harvard. That’s the one thing NOT to say to Harvard.
Completely agree, especially as . . .
Drew Faust, Harvard College President, earned her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr
Rakesh Khurana, Harvard College Dean, earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell
Michael Sandell, Harvard Professor, earned his undergraduate degree from Brandeis
Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Harvard Professor, earned his undergraduate degree from Yale
Tim Murphy, Harvard Football Coach, earned his undergraduate degree from Springfield College
I could go on, but I think you get the point.
No offense, but you wouldn’t believe how many posts on this forum have started with “I have been dreaming of going to Harvard since I was …5 or whatever.” This dream is usually the result of not knowing much about the college choices available.
Much better not to think about college at all for a couple of years, but if you really want to, get a more sophisticated sense of the choices. I often suggest Loren Pope’s books ("Colleges that Change Lives, Looking Beyond the Ivy League; CTCL is also a website). These books may be a little old, but they are still useful. If it is prestige that you want, google “Little Ivies,” and learn about other selective schools.
Enjoy high school. It is a time to explore interests and friendships and shouldn’t be geared to college admissions: really much healthier.
We all understand where you are coming from and just want to help you have an enjoyable time in high school. Eventually, sure, apply where you want, but have realistic expectations and make sure you have many good options.Good luck!
Wow…