<p>How important is being valedictorian to Harvard? Do they get a slight upper hand/greater consideration in admissions? I was ranked first in my class up till the end of first semester and now I'm second. I'm not exactly freaking out about this or anything, but the thing is, my test scores absolutely suck and val status was what I thought the only thing going for me. Any insight is appreciated.</p>
<p>There are hundreds of thousands of vals. If that status is the only thing going for you, then that would be a rather lackluster application. I'm sure you have other interesting points that more than make up for your rank which is already good enough.</p>
<p>It makes NO difference if you're first or second. If there is a higher percentage of valedictorians accepted that is because their other qualifications tend to be higher than those of other students. I promise, Harvard will look at 1 and 2 as exactly the same.</p>
<p>Great! Thanks so much for your super helpful responses!</p>
<p>Also, remember, each school has different qualifications for valedictorian. One school might say that anyone with a 4.0 GPA is #1, whereas another school may award the #1 place to the student who indeed does have the highest GPA. As we also have heard time and time again, many schools don't even award valedictorian status anymore to "minimize competition." I think all of us know relatively whether we are doing well in school or not with a competitive courseload, so I think that this discussion on valedictorian status is absolutely null.</p>
<p>What about #3? I'm ranked 3rd and is that just a whole level down from 1&2 or does it matter?</p>
<p>As long as you're in the top 10% of your class, I wouldn't worry. Obviously, being ranked higher is better, but realize that the committee reviewing applications would much rather see something really unique on your resume as opposed to 1/xxx.</p>
<p>I have a question about this</p>
<p>Is it 'better' or 'more favorable' to have a lower GPA while being in the top 10% or higher? This is with the most difficult courseload, because I feel if you have a lower GPA with that rank then it means more ... or something like that.</p>
<p>Harvard gets 3,000 plus apps from Vals, maybe more--picks only a couple of hundred--so many more get rejected. Other criteria much more important.Your stats look good- 1 or 2 won't matter. Welcome to the crap shoot.</p>
<p>Ok, the initial question I had was exactly what JustWondering33 summed up. When I said valedictorian, I did mean #1 in the class. I do have some pretty cool ECs but the only thing that makes me academically stand out is the fact that I was #1. Now that I'm second, would that remove the distinction of being "unique" especially when my application is burdened by horrible standardized test scores?</p>
<p>^^ I think the idea is that Harvard gets SO many valedictorians, being #1 is not "unique." But your academics are probably fine, and if not, there's not really much you can do... Good luck!</p>
<p>Ok. that totally makes sense now, and yes, good luck to all prospective Harvard class of 2012 students!</p>
<p>
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horrible standardized test scores?
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</p>
<p>how horrible?</p>
<p>Luminaire: 2190</p>
<p>LOL. 2190 is NOT horrible at all. I know a girl who got ~2100 on her first try, decided not to retake, is a student at Harvard. Those scores definitely won't kill you at all.</p>
<p>Really? Well consider this: I am Asian and a non-U.S. citizen. Btw, this isn't really a chance thread and I'm not really freaking out about my score either, but keeping in mind that this is Harvard we're talking about, will being #2 seriously endager my app (be the judge with the newly provided knowledge).</p>
<p>No, you're GPA vs the Val's is off by too small amount for anyone, even Harvard, to make assumptions that you are not good enough, or don't have as much potential. I believe you have made the cut, 1st or 2nd, your still the best. And, not being number one does not erase the luster from your application, on the other hand, it may just make your more favorable to the other, what ... 3000 valedictorians. So relax, you're good.</p>
<p>I really don't think being #2 will hurt your chances in anyway. my school doesn't even rank and we dont' even do the whole 10% thing. I think your application as a whole must come across to show you are a amazing applicant. If your school's #1 has amazing stats and that's it (no Ecs), I doubt he/she has a chance at Harvard</p>
<p>I am hurt by the skewing of 2190 as a "horrible" score. That's the score I got, too, and I was fine with it, didn't retake or anything. I feel bad for people with lower scores reading these forums when they see someone feeling sorry for themselves with an adequate score.
Past a certain point, I'm sure Harvard doesn't even look at scores. With all the similarities in scores, the essays and teacher recs are what make people really stand out.</p>
<p>^^Yeah, I said before the girl I know who got into Harvard (and Brown, btw) had a 2190. She was also FOURTH in her class. Oh the horrors.</p>