<p>There are so many of you who have better stats than I do, several who got perfect scores, and yet for some unknown reason I was accepted while others who seemed to be a lot more qualified were rejected. And I originally didn't even plan on applying to Harvard. The only reason I did it was because an alumna from my school (the first and only person who had ever gone to Harvard from my school) insisted that I apply. I didn't show any sort of interest in Harvard either. During my interview, I even admitted to my interviewer that I had not planned on applying to Harvard and did so only because of somebody's insistence. After that, I had no contact with Harvard, other than a rather ominous message from the head of the local alumni association saying that they had "solved the issue" when I responded to his phone call.</p>
<p>Incidentally, the girl who got into Harvard before me had even lower stats than me. In fact, she wouldn't tell me how well she did on the SATs, saying it was too embarrassing.</p>
<p>stele32: You sound a lot like me - I never expected to be admitted to Harvard, so never really considered it as a feasible possibility. It's always been a reach school, and after the only other guy in my school applying got in EA (with 1600, athelete etc.), I thought I had no chance. And I also had very little contact with Harvard, aside from my interview.</p>
<p>I didn't expect it at all either... NOBODY in my school has ever gotten in...and I've had the lowest scores out of those who have tried. I really don't know why on earth they selected me...I hope to someday see what they saw in me...(it rhymes!! jaja) :)</p>
<p>It's a fallacy that stats are what get people into Harvard. Virtually all applicants have the stats that indicate they could graduate from Harvard. What gets people into Harvard are factors such as ECs (and Harvard has hundreds of student-run clubs and activities, and selects applicants so as to be able to continue to allow those many clubs and activities to flourish), where you live (Harvard wants students from rural as well as urban backgrounds, from all states and from as many countries as possible), socio economic class (Harvard wants more than wealthy and upper middle class students from well educated families. It also wants students from low income and blue collar families, first generation college students, etc.), race, religion, political orientation, sexual orientation, etc. </p>
<p>In addition, it wants students with strong demonstrated interests indicating that they will take some of the less popular classes and majors at Harvard. Harvard could, but will not, fill up its class with aspiring doctors and lawyers. </p>
<p>Anyway, if you got in, you deserve it. There are many who didn't get in who also would have deserved an acceptance. Feel good about your accomplishment, and if you go to Harvard take full advantage of the wonderful academic and EC offerings there. You'll never have another chance in life to be in that kind of amazingly intellectually rich -- academically and socially-- environment with such a diverse group of talented, intense peers.</p>
<p>
[quote]
But also, COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ARE RANDOM.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>there's truth to that statement, really. My cousin was on the Harvard admissions committee from 1997-1999. he was telling me about the unsophistication/bias in many of the decisions that the harvard admissions committee made through the years that he was on it, which is partly why he left.</p>
<p>i don't really blame them though; it's not humanly possible to 100% accurately choose the absolute best applicants (best meaning most deserving of the spot) for Harvard, and any other school, really.</p>
<p>I feel exactly the same way. It's not that my stats are embarrassingly low, but I'm certainly not the top of the top, and looking at all the wonderful students who were rejected, I just can't figure out what they think I have that they don't. I mean, I'm more excited and happy than I can ever express about being accepted, but at the same time I sort of feel guilty that I'm taking up a spot that might have gone to a better-qualified applicant. Not that I'm going to argue or anything. ;) But still, for all of those not fortunate enough to have been selected, my heart goes out to you, and I hope you'll do well at whatever school is lucky enough to have you.</p>