<p>Hi, </p>
<p>I have a 3.7 GPA (which I realize is considered low by Harvard's standards), but have 2350+ on my SATs and 800s on all my SAT IIs. </p>
<p>Most importantly, I am a world-class performer in my main extracurricular with national media attention and notable awards. </p>
<p>I'm applying SCEA. Am I a competitive applicant, or has my GPA robbed me of my chance at Harvard? </p>
<p>Oh, also URM. Hispanic. </p>
<p>URM status, high tests scores, and a notable EC are all positives. This may be a case where your transcript “makes or breaks” it for you. If it’s a 3.7 unweighted in very rigorous courses, you might be in the running. If it’s a 3.7 in lightweight courses, your chances are slim.</p>
<p>All my classes were the most rigorous offered. I took nothing but Honors/AP since Freshman year, though I slipped up here and there since my ECs were such a drain on my time. </p>
<p>You’re a competitive applicant.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your input. I feel more at ease, now. Appreciated! </p>
<p>Similar boat as you. I hope we’re competative. </p>
<p>Yes, it could happen if you are truly world class and if your uw 3.7 is in the most challenging curriculum offered at your HS.</p>
<p>I think it matters what kind of performer you are. For example, being ranked #1 in tennis for U17 is very very impressive, but being ranked #1 in some sport that nobody has ever heard of is, while still impressive, decidedly less so. </p>
<p>The OP reports “national media attention.” But I don’t think it makes much difference what the performance area is. If you’re a top contender at the world championships of essentially anything, including something fairly obscure like Thai classical dance or modern pentathlon, that’s a game changer for your Harvard application. I don’t think they care whether the activity is well known in the U.S., unless of course Harvard has a varsity team and you’re going to play on it.</p>