<p>I am a legacy at Harvard because my mom went there. My SATs are high right now (2280), but I am retaking and aiming for 2350+. My GPA is good for my school (4.13 weighted--we can't take more than 3 APs in Junior or Senior year). I go to an old feeder school for Harvard, and I heard there is a guaranteed 10 or so slots for Early Action applicants from my school. Could this outweigh that I have pretty meager ECs/leadership/community service? Do you think I have a chance at Harvard EA?</p>
<p>I probably should have added a question mark on to the title of this thread. I guess I should also note that I have two 800 SATIIs (IIC and US), and I'll be taking Physics in November.</p>
<p>Any comments?</p>
<p>Top ivies are a lottery for everyone, even vary able folks, like you. It sounds like a school you should apply to if it's where you really want to go (can't get in if you don't apply). Schools tend to like legacies more if they've given significant financial contributions and/or lend great prestige to their school, otherwise it may be just a slight tip, I think.</p>
<p>Your GC might have a better feel for your chances. Are there any other schools you might apply ED for? It's all a weighing process, as you know.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>last year at my school, a students father and mother BOTH went to harvard. his grade was great no doubt, but he definetly wasn't exceptional. He applied for Harvard and got in... under the circumstance that he wait one year and then go into harvard. Thus, I believe Legacy plays fairly a big part in harvards decision making process.</p>
<p>i can never understand why people who are applying to schools that accept such a small percentage of applicants come here expecting people on this board to be able to tell them whether they can expect to get in or not.</p>
<p>no one here can alleviate your anxiety over whether or not you will get in. it is a longshot no matter what you stats, etc. are. do yo have a shot? sure. will many with similar stats be rejected? sure.</p>
<p>start working on your list of other schools and be sure to have some safeties you can live with.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies. I was just trying to get a general idea of if EA, legacy, and high SATs could overcome/balance out that fact I have not-so-great ECs and no community service/job.</p>
<p>". Could this outweigh that I have pretty meager ECs/leadership/community service? "</p>
<p>I think that the lack of strong ECs (community service is included an EC) may hurt you for EA, but I am just an alum, not an adcom, so don't take my word as gospel. </p>
<p>The legacies that I have seen get accepted have had the full package: grades, scores, and very, very strong ECs.</p>
<p>I heard that legacies that are accepted have a lower average SAT score than the regular applicant pool (because the adcoms are more lenient towards legacies). I was wishfully thinking that instead of being more lenient for scores they might be more lenient for ECs. I doubt I am justified in this thinking.</p>
<p>NSM, are you saying that my dearth of ECs would hurt me LESS if I applied RD?</p>
<p>You still have time for EC. Think outside the box,
try something dramatic ...</p>
<p>Spend Thanksgiving break at New Orleans and write an essay about what you saw, what you learned, what you felt, how you made a difference, how it changed you ...</p>
<p>Apply RD</p>
<p>I'm not sure about RD or EA, but if you're a legacy, your SAT is high now anyway, and if what you say is true about your honor/AP credit, then you probably have a really good chance. blaw came up with a really good point, a really compelling essay might solidify your application as a whole and would make your case better. Also thinking of a good unique EC, something solid, will definitely better your chances. You have a chance nonetheless.</p>
<p>There is being a legacy and there is being a legacy. If your mom is a legacy that really has not done much to give back to the Harvard community through work, deeds or money your being a legacy is really not going to to a lot for you. </p>
<p>Your being a legacy is just a tip factor, unless you are a developmental admit (family is donating some serious cash), child of celebrity ot other famous or hooked applicant you are still going to need a stong application.</p>
<p>I know a legacy whose mom had done major service work for Harvard, knew admissions officers, etc. The legacy also was a URM with 2 state level ECs, excellent grades, an excellent curriculum and adequate (not great) scores. The student got waitlisted and then rejected.</p>
<p>OP -- having no or sparce ECs will hurt you however you apply because most applicants, including legacies, are outstanding. Most successful applicants, including legacies, have the full package: top grades, a rigorous curriculum, excellent scores and excellent ECs.</p>
<p>In fact, from what I've seen, legacies tend to be particularly outstanding when it comes to ECs because their parents are go-getters and the students take after them.</p>
<p>Apply EA or regular. Make sure that you have safety and match schools that you'd love to attend. For everyone, including legacies, it's hard getting admitted to Harvard, so have solid back-ups.</p>
<p>I have to agree with NSM about the lack of leadership and ECs and its effect on your chances at Harvard. D is at H and it seemed that everyone in her freshman dorm had rich and varied EC/leadership backgrounds. It certainly makes writing the essays easier. </p>
<p>You may not have the "typical" ECs--do you have something you do that can be written up as an EC? What have you been doing during your high school time besides study?</p>
<p>Legacy can be a tip, but no more than that. As NSM says, be sure to apply to other schools to hedge your bets.</p>
<p>wow flip, you've helped me alot on sat questions, and i guess this reflects well on your super nice scores! i'm personally aiming for 2250 for october... but its gonna be alot of luck.</p>
<p>but anyways, i wish you luck in the big H!</p>