<p>I have a very lopsided science related case for Harvard College, and eg. scored a 790 on the science subject test of relevance to my area of interest, which is a 98% ile. My other SAT scores would be viewed low for an Ivy (1800), but cumulative GPA at 4 so a bit of odd data points overall on paper. Are the subject test outcomes of any real consequence? Are there really "well lopsided" case people that actually gain admission? It seemed on my campus tour and meeting with some subject experts there were certainly an inspiring assortment of eclectic people and plenty of very narrow interest things going on which is at the core of why I applied to Harvard. The interview I had was with someone who had perfect SAT scores and was a very impressive, all around type of person in a business career. From my ongoing research, those who gain admission appear to have pretty uniform characteristics its seems, impressive characteristics and achievements for sure, but almost with more of a business school resume and ambition than I might have expected. I suppose I am comparing impressions of the school I gained from different vantage points with impressions of the process itself. Anyone else have perspectives on all this?</p>
<p>I think what may stand in your way is the fact that many Harvard applicants have near-perfect GPA’s, high SAT scores, AND high SAT II scores. </p>
<p>You may ask, then, why Harvard would pick someone with a mediocre SAT score over someone with impressive EVERYTHING. Sounds impossible, right?</p>
<p>But, as history has shown us, that’s not always the case; if you write superb, unique, reflective essays and procure stellar recs, you have a shot. So don’t lose hope :)</p>
<p>When ivy league schools calculate your academic index (AI), they input your highest RAW scores from your SAT Subject Tests and do not look at what percentage that translates to. However, your SAT I score is going to really bring down your overall AI, which may possibly lower your overall chances, unless there are “wow” factors on your list of accomplishments. See: [The</a> Academic Index - Ivy League Admissions Key? - College Confidential](<a href=“http://www.collegeconfidential.com/academic_index.htm]The”>http://www.collegeconfidential.com/academic_index.htm)</p>
<p>That’s very helpful, and a reasonable way to aggregate things. </p>
<p>As a 4 I can see that the numbers have me out of contention, which I pretty much new, but the AI helps bring it together (only got SAT II scores recently).</p>
<p>The numbers matter, albeit within the broad band, and I know how hard one needs to work to land top grades and scores. I can see that “impressive everything” people are certainly out there. So all things equal, yep, Harvard doesn’t need to take any risks on its selection choices. But I applied anyway, just in case there are a handful of spaces for a few with arcane interests who could hold their own and make things more entertaining for everyone else!</p>
<p>Please think why you want to go to Harvard and Ivies and how it helps you further. UG is not a destination but it’s a stepping stone. Even if Harvard gets you accepted, other low-reach/match/safe colleges are may be better for you and your future with high confindence and GPA when you graduates and seek further profession. This is just my thought giving my kids. It’s upto you.</p>
<p>@gibby, do the admissions people just convert your ACT scores to their SAT scores when using the AI? So like a 36 ACT would convert to 800s across the board on the SAT?</p>
<p>^^ Yes, Admissions uses the concordance table to convert ACT scores to an SAT equivalent: [Compare</a> ACT and SAT Scores | ACT](<a href=“http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career-readiness/compare-act-sat/]Compare”>http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career-readiness/compare-act-sat/)</p>