<p>...that I see so many bright students with amazing accomplishments like perfect SATS, GPA, rank, extracurriculars all on the same app. I don't intend malice towards any such bright student, in fact, I wish I was at that level, but as the days continue and get longer until the final date, you feel disheartened (I do anyway), the thing is, I was not Ivy Bound since the 7th grade, no one in my family was, my parents don't know much about the education in the US, and I never competed to that level. I just know if I had a second chance I could be better and work to my full potential, and not come off as lazy when the adcom reviews my app.</p>
<p>I guess this is just a rant, but no one in my family wants to hear about it (they're tired of it :)), but hopefully some of you can relate. </p>
<p>Its just hard to believe it when people tell you you have a chance that a school like Harvard would turn down a stellar student for you, for qualities like maturity and respect, while you have relatively average stats ... its seems unfair to the bright kid, and improbable.</p>
<p>There are soooo many people applying to places like Harvard that they really can't take anything less than the best of the best. How fair would it be for them to take you (or me) over someone else who is just as morally qualified but with better scores/class rank/etc.?</p>
<p>i feel you. ive seen too many friends who are recent immigrants who never got the chance to KNOW how to prepare for ivy league level schools. thats why every time there's a new student from china, i try to help them out as much as possible (talk to counselors to place them in the highest courses, answer their parents' questions on american education, etc.), but opportunities are just so different for each person. i have to acknowledge that i've been really really really lucky to be where i am today after four years in the us. there are so many equally talented, gifted, and deserving immigrants who should have taken my place, but fate separated us.
sometimes, its sad.</p>
<p>Fortunately, there are thousands of excellent colleges in the U.S., and one doesn't need to go to Harvard or a similar place to be a success (any way that you measure it) in the U.S.
Also, I don't think that the majority of students who are accepted to Harvard have been prepping for it since they were very young. I think that most followed their natural interests and passions -- even if that put them out of step with their parents and peers. I also think that all had the good luck of having factors that Harvard wanted to create a well rounded class.</p>