I hate chance threads but I want to hear from you all...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I just got deferred from Yale SCEA which was disappointing, however both of the teachers who wrote my recommendations (which were unbelievable by the way) insisted that I apply to Harvard (both attended Harvard). I was wondering if the fact that they attended would help? I don't have legacy at H so any hook whatsoever...Also, the reason one of my teachers insisted I apply is that apparently Harvard looks at kids who live in inner-city Boston in a completely different pool from other applicants which might help me, if anyone has any insight on that, I would really appreciate it. </p>

<p>So here are the stats:</p>

<p>White male
GPA: 3.7 UW (Serrrrrious upward trend-From B's to straight A's junior/senior year)
My school is only 6 years old and is an independent school dedicated to providing a solid education to inner city kids (I'm kind of an outlier as the average GPA is a 2.9 and the average SAT is 1617...Will this hurt me?).
ACT: 34- (35 English, 35 Reading, 33 Math, 31 Science<-- I hate science!!)
SAT: Hopefully they don't look at my 2130
SAT II's: 790 Literature, 690 US History (Don't know what happened there..)
AP's: U.S. AP 4 Literature 5</p>

<p>My school offers very few AP's since it is so new. I took all that were available to me junior year and am taking AB Calc, European History and English Language/Comp this year (I hope that doesn't adversely affect my chances). </p>

<p>EC's: I am a varsity lacrosse player and varsity goalie for our soccer team. I have also done varsity crew and wrestling but do not plan to continue either in college.
Editor in Chief of School Newspaper
Play the Spanish-Classical guitar</p>

<p>So thats me in a nutshell. My Recommendations are great and I think my essays are pretty good too.</p>

2

<p>Anybody? I am really worried that my school's lack of reputation and poor average scores will damage my chances...</p>

3

<p>I'm sure lots of people get in from mediocre schools. The poor average scores might even be an advantage to you - your scores are pretty solid. I don't know about your EC's though... good luck.</p>

4

<p>Your scores (with ACT) seem okay. I don't think the fact that your teachers went to Harvard makes much difference, but Harvard does seem to accept more kids from Boston than they should strictly by the numbers. Go ahead and apply.</p>

5

<p>harvard requires 3 sat 2's</p>

6

<p>Yeah I just signed up for the math 1 today.</p>