Inspiration, a change of heart: Harvard?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hey guys, so a short anecdote about my high school career.</p>

<p>Basically I have always been naturally smart but never took school TOO seriously or cared about getting in to Ivy Leagues, as a result my Weighted GPA is a 3.7, however I am in the second semester in my Junior year and I would like to know if you guys think it is possible that I can be accepted to Harvard if I work extremely hard and salvage the rest of high school. Recently I've been watching a TON of Neil Degrasse Tyson videos and just general videos on physics and science and have gained a passion in a very short amount of time and now would like to go to a prestigious university that will set up my post-college years; Harvard has good precedents for this.</p>

<p>I wouldn't be posting this thread but I am half banking on the fact that I an am AA male and thus have an easier chance through URM and Harvard wanting to spread the diversity of its students.</p>

<p>Now I told you my GPA which is my main problem here,</p>

<p>I have not yet taken the REAL ACT but I am super paranoid about my GPA being too low even if I manage to get straight A's until the 2nd semester of my senior year.</p>

<p>That being said, On the practice ACT I received a score of 30, I will be taking the SAT on may 5.</p>

<p>My grades are not stellar, mostly B's, however I have taken the most rigorous course possible in all years of my high school career, including all AP's and the most advanced math and science classes allowed.</p>

<p>Extra Curriculars: Math Team, Marching Band ( will be section leader next year 100% Guarantee), Illinois District Band, 100% Joining Robotics next year, NHS, Trumpet for 7 years</p>

<p>IMO: EC's are another BLARING weak point but those are easier to salvage than my gpa.</p>

<p>I realize with my current application I have a 0% chance of making it, but if I were to work my ass off and get all A's until the end of my senior year, get a 34-35 on ACT and equivalent on all SAT tests, And improve my extracurriculars do you think I have a chance?</p>

<p>I am prepared for harsh words, thanks for the critique.</p>

<p>Also if I do this work I need some advice on what Extra Curricular activities I can take to improve my application.</p>

2

<p>ECs that convey your interest in physics etc. are always great.
Do things that you enjoy.
Technically, watching all those videos can be considered an outside of school EC. </p>

<p>what’s your anticipated rank/UW gpa when you apply?</p>

3

<p>Do you have any ideas for ECS that convey physics interest?</p>

<p>The weight at my shcool is very minimal for honors classes so if I get straight a’s for the rest of my high school my UW gpa will be about a 3.8
I think my rank will be about 30/600</p>

4

<p>UW 3.8 gpa isn’t bad. rank is great. With URM status, start to focus on ECs. </p>

<p>Start physics club, try to get a research opportunity, courses at community colleges or work on some of your own projects/research.</p>

5

<p>Ok, would you recommend doing every physics AP exam and math as well?</p>

6

<p>Bump bump bumppp</p>

7

<p>I think your “change of heart” could make a great essay. colleges love an upward trend. I think if you get straight A’s and find some major ecs OUSTIDE of school that you sought out yourself you may have a chance.</p>

8

<p>Alright thanks, I’ll work on it</p>

9

<p>If you end up with 3.8 UW and a ACT of 35 there wont be a problem there. However ECs are very weak. There is time to improve, but the ECs will be for less than a year so it won’t make too much of a difference. Now the essay comes in to play. If you write about your change of heart and your passion for physics, then go for it. Harvard is Harvard, we all understand that so writing a chance me for Harvard is useless. The two categories are not a single chance and high reach LOL(unless you are hooked). Also URM doesn’t help your application, only admission. What I mean is, it will only help if you are already very qualified candidate who has a great chance regardless of race. Unless your chance at Harvard is great in the first place, it won’t put you in the discussion. None the less,do everything you can and write great essays. Also go for the AP Exams. I think you mean you will self study them. If so, that would show your change of heart and help your chance.
Also I would consider watching those videos an EC. An EC does not have to be an “official” club or something. Try to go some research over summer and start a physics club or something.</p>

10

<p>No, I don’t think it’s too far-fetched that you get into Harvard if you do super-awesome. Your GPA won’t KILL you (UW 3.8 is good), but definitely does not help in this context. To do so, make sure you:</p>

<p>-Really REALLY do well on your tests. You seem like a very smart kid, but you have to show “whiz kid” status. </p>

<p>-MAKE something. Don’t just do well in a science fair, or go to a science camp, create. Educate. Promote. There are kids applying that have literally founded non-profits (not huge ones of course, but still); you can do all sorts of things with science education and activism. Make a bill and work with it to increase funding/science education, start a drive to give kids telescopes, there are endless opportunities. That will show how far your interest goes; your words can only speak so much.</p>

<p>-Take a rigorous course, with heavy STEM classes. If you can, take classes online this summer while doing your other stuff; that’ll be very helpful. </p>

<p>And of course, don’t forget that if you don’t make it in, it’s okay! There are a TON of fantastic schools out there that you can become a brilliant scientist through. What’s most important is that your passion sticks with you. If it does, you’ll succeed anywhere.</p>