I don't usually do this, but oh well...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Could someone chance me?</p>

<p>Stats:
• SAT: CR: 730, M: 800, W: 760
• SAT II: Math II C: 800, Korean (with Listening): 800, Latin: 740 , Biology (M): 790, U.S. History: 760
• ACT: N/A
• GPA: UW: 4.0, W: 4.36
• Rank: 1/ 350
• Other Tests (AMC, AP, IB): AP/IB [5]: U.S. History [5], Biology <a href="Self%20Study:%20Psychology%20and%20English%20Language,%20will%20take%20in%20May%202009">5</a>
• Senior Course Load: AP English Literature, Physics CP (Don’t offer any other level), Orchestra, AP Micro-economics (semester), AP-Macroeconomics (semester), AP-Government (semester)
• College courses: Pre-Calculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Tennis I, Tennis II, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Latin I, Latin II, Latin III, Latin IV, Chemistry (101), Philosophy, Psychology, Physical Anthropology, Physics III (Total 65 Credit Units)</p>

<p>I’m taking Physics III and Latin IV right now, so I didn’t send that info to Harvard…</p>

<p>Subjective
• Essays: I thought they were good. For Harvard, I sent an additional one about how I came to become interested in researching stem cells, one about how I came to learn violin by myself, and my second one about my experiences as a simultaneous translator and how it made me realize how thankful I was to my parents.
• Teacher Recs: One was really short (only one page), and the other was basically a list of all the things that were in my application already.
• Counselor Rec: Really really good. My counselor told them I was the best student he had ever seen in his whole 25 years of teaching and how I would be such a great addition to the school, and all that other good stuff about my sociability, etc.
• Supplement Information (Y/N): Y—an extra essay, as mentioned above, and a recommendation from a former Texan Representative to the House of Representatives (who was under consideration for Navy Secretary and is an alumnus of my high school).
• Interview: Haven’t received any information or contact…figures, since I live in the middle of nowhere.
• Hook (recruited athlete, legacy, Nobel Prize): Nobel Prize? lol not that far, but I am low income.</p>

<p>Personal
• Location: Ridgecrest (a small desert town near Death Valley)
• High School Type: Public
• Ethnicity: Asian
• Gender: Female
• Applied for Financial Aid: Yes</p>

<p>Other
• Extracurricular: Simultaneous Translator [4]
Varsity Tennis (first singles) [2]
Key Club (secretary for two years) [4]
Church Orchest*ra (Concert Mistress for all four years) [4]
Master Pianist at Church [4]
Associated Student Body (Student Government Class Vice President) [1]
Orchestra [4]
Newswriting (News Editor for three years, Copy Editor one year) [4]</p>

<p>I had more, like library volunteer for three years, that I didn't put because...I don't know. =.= Agh!</p>

<p>• Awards:
National Merit Finalist, Honor Roll (awarded by Key Club International), Who’s Who Among High School Students, National Honor Society member, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (2007), California Interscholastic Federation Qualification Award in the sport of Tennis (2007,2008), Solo/Ensemble Festival Superior Rating (on violin), Gates Millennium Scholars Program Nominee, Gary Haugen Tournament 1st Place in Women's Singles, Girls State Nominee</p>

<p>I was stupid and didn’t put anything for work experience, even though I tutored and played piano accompaniment. And my summer experiences are virtually empty….*sigh</p>

2

<p>The Texas Rep letter isn't going to help you unless you interned with him. I don't know why you left out information about yourself, though it's unlikely to make a big difference. You are obviously well qualifiied, but nothing in particular stands out, so you probably have the same chances everyone does. 7% or so.</p>

3

<p>I disagree with mathmom, you are very well rounded. You have decent SATs I and II, and perfect class rank. AP scores are great. Harvard excepts several well rounded students, you don't have to find a cure for cancer or write an award winning book. I think your Ex-Cs are decent for Harvard (you show you can excel in sport/ community service/ instrument), but you have a good amount of awards. </p>

<p>I agree with mathmom about the letter of recommendation from the Representative; several students who apply to Harvard falsely believe recs from famous/successful people will aid their app. I don't think the adcoms would like to read more supplemental materials after going through the application, two essays (for H the optional essay is basically important), two teacher recs, and the one counselor rec of 29,000 applicants. You just have to ask yourself: is this recommendation really going to add something important/missing to my app or is it just an attempt to boost one's app by using someone else's name?</p>

<p>I almost forgot to chance you! Anways, I believe you have a good chance for admissions (for me a good chance at Harvard is like 20-30%). All I can say is your chances surely exceed 7%!, just don't be suprised if you are rejected March 31st because it is a definite possibility for all H applicants, even the most qualified.</p>