<p>So yeah, I'm really nervous about going to Harvard this fall. I mean, I read about these kids who got into Harvard that did all this great research and had these perfect grades and stellar ecs. and quite frankly, i'm just not like them. i mean, i got my fair share of B's. i haven't done a lick of research, and my ecs were pretty standard (read: all band related- and i don't even play my instrument anymore not too mention i wasn't really good at it to begin with). also, all the kids on this site who want to get into harvard start preparing so young. i mean starting essays during the summer and doing summer school programs. i only applied to harvard because my parents made me (and it is quite a shock that i got in). and to top it all of, i'm not really into academics that much. i mean, i procrastinate and love to socialize more than anything. and when i say socialize i don't mean talk about intellectual ideas, like the meaning of life. i mean i like to talk about boys and makeup and what outfit i'm gonna wear to the party the next night (if you can't already tell, i'm really appearance oriented, some people call me vain...)</p>
<p>and now when i tell people i'm going to harvard, they laugh and don't believe me. a lot of them think that i'm too normal (that is to say, i am quite popular at school, i'm boy crazy, i party all the time, i don't always do my homework). so basically, i'm really freaked out about going to harvard. my main concern is whether or not i'll fit in. but i'm also concerned about whether i'll be the dumbest person in my class. </p>
<p>that's the thing orrican, i have no idea how my app was strong enough. i mean, when i told my counselor i was applying to harvard, he did everything but laugh in my face. i mean, he gave me speeches about how the kids at harvard are very academic oriented and how better qualified students had been rejected. and then when i got in he kept asking if i thought harvard was the place for me considering that i didn't work to my full potential and i didn't like to study. at first i was hell-bent on "showing him" but now i'm sorta nervous about it all.</p>
<p>That's completely normal. I remember someone saying to me last spring "How can you go there? Are you going to be able to handle all those super-intense study-types?" I was anxious that I wouldn't stack up.</p>
<p>This sounds completely shallow, but I was worried that other girls at Harvard wouldn't care about shopping or labels or going out for manicures/pedicures. I was certain that when I got to Harvard, I'd feel like I was the token valleygirl of the class. This has not at ALL been the case. I don't feel that way at all--a lot of my female classmates are more shallow than I!</p>
<p>But I think that when you get to Cambridge in the fall, you'll realize that there are a lot of down-to-earth types like you. Harvard's not COMPLETELY full of anti-socialites! ; -)</p>
<p>The best part of Harvard is that it's a balance. With my roommates and friends this year, I loved how we could be talking about something completely serious one moment--books or poems we love, politics--and then dish about something completely vapid the next.</p>
<p>Most people are pretty chill and fun. You'll find your group. Just relax! Go pick out some cute bedding or decorations for your dorm room.; -)
Are you from a warm climate? If so, you can start thinking about the whole new winter wardrobe you're going to get to buy.</p>
<p>thanks everyone, but i mean, do you guys think i'll fit in at harvard. i mean, i am this huge party girl, who loves to go shopping and loves to scope out hot guys, only reads what is required and isn't too into the whole aspect of work. will there be people like me at school in the fall. people who spent all of high school enjoying their teenage years, (even if that including slight promiscuity and some drinking) rather than trying to get into Harvard?</p>
<p>hehehe, i just read sunglasses post. thank you sooo much!!! i was so afraid that i would be the only girl who can spot a fake louis vuitton from a mile or who loves to go shopping, and talk about boys and stupid stuff. i am much more relaxed now. and unfortunately enough, i'm from ohio, so i have all 4 seasons here. but don't worry, i'm already thinking about the new "boston" wardrobe i'll be purchasing. </p>
<p>if anyone watches the OC then i guess i can be compared to summer (although i'm not THAT vain)...</p>
<p>hotpiece101, I was definitely in your shoes. I was barely in the top 10% in my high school, had my fair share of Bs, I didn't garner national/international awards (perhaps my high school awards night would count - AFTER college admissions was said and done), my high school barely had any APs (Our science AP was AP Environmental Science - that should tell you something). We had watered-down "regents" sciences.</p>
<p>Gungho on being a pre-med student, I was really scared at first, since most everyone at Harvard took APs up the wazoo (since in suburban high schools, I have found, it's either AP or dumb classes) - but it just so happens that I'm doing stellar (A/A-) in my pre-med classes so far (although God knows I strive for those grades like no other) and I've managed to have plenty of fun and go to all those parties. I think I went to a party almost every other weekend my freshman year, and when I didn't it was always either exam crunch time or some cool cultural things going on on-campus.</p>
<p>Sunglasses is right. Nobody here is anti-social and we all love to be vapid. Seriously. After some intense studying and intellectual stuff, it's nice just not to think and just ramble about nonsensical things. </p>
<p>Don't worry - you'll find your niche once you get here! Sure, at first it seems like everyone was 1st or 2nd in their class and got like 800 on every SAT test they ever took, but that's a perception you have to get rid of - and from experience, I can tell you that makes you feel so much better.</p>
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people who spent all of high school enjoying their teenage years, (even if that including slight promiscuity and some drinking) rather than trying to get into Harvard
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<p>Actually, hotpiece, I am quite certain that's exactly what Harvard is looking for :) (except for the whole promiscuity thing hehe) And yes, I believe you will fit in at Harvard. The Harvard student body is not made up of book worms... you'll have plenty of opportunities to socialize and enjoy yourself like you did in high school. Besides, you really won't have to work too hard there... Harvard is renowned for its magical ability to maintain extremely high average marks (through scales and what not). </p>
<p>I've been having those thoughts too. I'm into academics, etc., but I also enjoy spending time out and about. I've totally been doing the wardrobe thing and I have an entire closet full of future dorm accessories (I have no clue how I'll get them up to Boston from Houston...road trip with a U-Haul? input needed...). In any case, it's great to know that my fellow classmates share more than a few of my worries. So...see ya at the parties? ;)</p>
<p>Ahh I feel the same way hotpiece! i met all these geniuses at prefrosh weekend who were all " I got a perfect score on my SATs" and "I taught myself multivariable calculus"...it was depressing because I'm not like that at all!</p>
<p>oh please stop doubting yourself. you'll set yourself up for failure and emotional breakdowns. chill out! go to harvard and you'll actually meet all the normal people who go there. sure, you'll find "super students" at a lot of top schools...who says you have to be better than them? There's tons of other kids just like you.</p>
<p>!! i got a C+ (albeit in an honors class..) and everyone's telling me that i don't stand a chance at all.. but hearing from you guys it feels that maybe.. there's something greater to this.. that even if grades don't cut it something else can make the biggest difference in the world, and not only for like say a guy who established cambodia's government or something.. ?</p>
<p>and hotpiece lol you are probably one of the greatest people ever =p and getting into harvard proves that you belong there. i myself is like you with socializing and academics, and well i can't say because i don't know if i will get in, but i'm sure it's not all dorks, you'll make it better :p hope to join you ;)</p>
<p>(i think i'm in Love with harvard.. everything you guys say.. like.. feels Touching.. it's all so beautiful ;___; i want to be a part of it so much!!)</p>
<p>It's common at high-end schools like Harvard that pretty much EVERY student goes in feeling worried and unworthy, that everyone there will be smarter than them. When you get there, look around at your freshman classmates -- they are just nervous as you.</p>
<p>Don't worry. The admissions department people are pros. They know what they are doing. They wouldn't have admitted you if they weren't confident you would be successful.</p>
<p>Some students at Harvard seem so normal that you forget you're going to one of the most selective schools in the world. That's probably one of my favorite things about it. </p>
<p>Granted, as someone already said, you got into Harvard for a reason. But thank God the vast majority of students there don't feel it necessary to rub their "reason" in your face.</p>
<p>I really hope the admissions officers knew what they were doing in my case. I would hate to get there and absolutely fail and transfer to a community college. :(</p>
<p>aww both you guys stop it!! =) after getting into like the best school in the universe, you two should look forward to the time at the greatest place of education in the world! think about all you've been through and your fight to get there! you've been chosen (haha, "you are the chosen one") and now's not the time to start giving up and revel in wavering self-confidence (like i am because unlike you guys =p i'm part of the "I SOOOO WANT TO GO THERE" group)!! you have to look forward to the second battle and come out the best once again! you're all very special and should endeavor to make Harvard proud in that it has chosen you! if you say you're not worthy =) then it means that harvard has made a mistake. and that's just like once in a millenium lol. so be confident and have a great time there!!</p>
<p>remember =p it's a special school and you guys are one of the most special people in the World =) literally.. <em>hugs</em></p>
<p>If you "only read what is required," you'll do way too much work at Harvard. People here maybe do 50% of the assigned reading, and 90% of that is done during reading period!</p>