Do you know people who got into Harvard with low SAT’s? (1800-2000)
If yes, what was special about their applications?
Thank You
The lowest accepted on my kid’s high school Naviance site is an 1800/2400. If it’s who I think it is, the boy was an outstanding high school football player.
It seems that Harvard is willing to be more lenient towards internationals from certain countries:
A non-athlete Iranian girl got in with a 30 two years ago. Her case is probably the most similar case to yours, and she was also interested in an STEM field. (you have obviously had more opportunities than iranians do, so she did not have as many ECs as you.)
A south African non athlete got in with a 1800. He was an interesting and politically active person whose ambition was to become president. You can find him on the website.
@Soheils that was cheering 
thank you!
Anyone?
Yes. Athletes who’s application is supported by a coach might get in with a score of 1800 and above.
I don’t know anyone personally, but I am quite sure that some URMs/economically disadvantaged/first-gen students and highly desired athletes are accepted with SAT scores in that range.
other than athletes…
The average SAT score of recruited athletes at harvard is 2067
The average SAT for normal students is 2250
So you need to get atleast in the range of 2100-2200 in order to be considered.
@rahuilmars231 Harvard has a holistic admission process where they look at your background, location, achievements, personal statement, GPA, ECs etc. not only your SAT scores.
If you have a low SAT score, the other parts of your application must be as perfect as you can in order to make up on your SAT scores.
What I’m asking is how did some people actually impress the admission committee despite their “low” SAT scores.
@shishax : That question, well, no one can really answer. The best answer that anyone can give you is just play to your strength and present your best self and hope that in the eyes of the admission committee that they think you will fit the school. There is no exact formula to how to impress the committee.
Maybe some did. So what? You know that the chances are infinitesimal – so why ask for the outlier among outliers to feed some fantasy or grasp at a fleeting straw?
@shishax In order to make up for the mediocrity of test scores, you need to have an extremely inimitable background story. One guy I know who got in with a 1900 SAT/ 29 ACT was from another country. He only got in because the admissions committee simply couldn’t ignore the mini-revolution that he spearheaded. I believe They saw potential in his drive to bring change.