ME? Harvard? That even possible?!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I have been dreading the time when I would have to post this cuz I'm so afraid that I'm a hopeless case.. I have done all that I could do in my country..
My school doesn't offer rigorous courses yo start with, and EC's are EXTREMELY rare.. </p>

<p>So here's what I've got so far,</p>

<p>I first came here (not that long ago :P) to get help on improving my SAT, which I did eventually..
1st SAT sophomore year:
600CR, 660W (9E), 640M= 1900</p>

<p>2nd SAT (Junior year): nov12
590CR, 700W(10E), 660M= 1950</p>

<p>3rd SAT (Junior Year): Jan13
620CR, 740W(9E), 800M= 2160</p>

<p>Now the thing is, I know 2160 isn't your "decent score" over here.. not by far.. but listen up..</p>

<p>I am still a junior..
My dream is, of course, top uni's, but I have confidence of 0.. cuz My country doesn't have any "top notch"national contests or what's not.. I have done everything I could for EC's.. from president of student council for 2 years now (and founder.. school had none.. i know -_-) , organizing many events in my school, like environmental days, costume show.. bla, bla, bla.. as in, Head of the events's club. Also, fundraising club, debates' cub..
I have also been involved in a fundraising campaign that we a bunch of teenagers carried out on our own to help orphans in Gambia.. this is the second year so far for the campaign which was very successful last year. We raised enough money last year to build a class for the orphans there..
I had a summer job for two years (well it started as volunteering in the 1st year, then they decided to pay me XD) in which I used to teach children an English course..</p>

<p>But THAT'S IT! I am fond of doing something that doesn't involve school, and that makes me feel useful somehow.. But I can barely find anything!</p>

<p>I feel so underachieved you know.. plus..</p>

<p>My school doesn't offer AP's or any rigorous courses. I am the first in my school, with always a really high GPA of 98-99%.. btw, we take all the subjects every year.. (all the sciences, History, Economics, English, French as second language(I am taking the Delf this May), Arabic, computer (but it's super easy so..)) .. I am planning to self study as many AP subjects as I can next year.. I feel like I'm at a GREAT disadvantage! It's just so unfair cuz i AM trying my best.. and taking every chance I get!</p>

<p>I still haven't taken any subject tests... I was planning on taking 2 subject tests this year.. what do y'all think?! Then maybe next year take the SAT next year to improve more? I dunno.. WHAT CAN I DO? I am still a junior. I'll do whatever it takes.. Just tell me what to do to have a better shot at top uni's like everyone else....
I once read n one of the Ivy league's website that they look at ec's in the context of the person's background and environment or sth..
What do you think?!</p>

<p>sorry for the blabber XD
Would reaaaally appreciate your opinion XD</p>

<p>P.S, I am doing my best to convince my parents that volunteering in a hospital wouldn't tke much of my time.. so I think that would be pretty good on my App too, hopefully..</p>

2

<p>Before you posted, did you read this thread?</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1420290-chance-threads-please-read-before-posting-one.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1420290-chance-threads-please-read-before-posting-one.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>BTW: Harvard requires 2 SAT Subject Tests, so you best take those before June.</p>

3

<p>Yes, yes… But I would just like ppl’s opinions in what more I can do based on their own experience or someone they know</p>

<p>I know these are only opinions of course…
In fact I posted this thread on the “chance me” forum, but I thought may be current/ potential students or parents of ones in Harvard… may have some advice that’s all… And whether anyone knows anyone who got in with similar stats may be?
That’s all…</p>

4

<p>Well, without the two SAT Subject tests, you have a zero chance. So, until you have those scores (and they need to be good ones), my inclination is to say it’s too early to ask for chances. You need to get off CC and start studying for those tests!</p>

5

<p>My isn’t about THEM only. lol…
I’m just asking for advice for what to do other than them, and whether anyone got in with similar stats…</p>

<p>I will hopefully do my best to get a perfect Math subj score and 700+ bio</p>

<p>and improve CR too… any more advice
anyone other than gibby? :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: ;)</p>

6

<p>What you are failing to understand – and maybe another poster can help me convince you – there is absolutely NOTHING you can do to increase your chances other than:</p>

<ol>
<li>Continue to do well in school</li>
<li>Take the 2 SAT Subject Tests</li>
<li>Get great teacher recommendations</li>
<li>Write fabulous essays that demonstrate your passion for something other than wanting to get into Harvard.</li>
</ol>

<p>And even then, if you do all of the above, the process is still super subjective that no one can predict your chances or recommend what you should do to increase your chances. MIT has the absolute best advice you can follow: [Applying</a> Sideways | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways]Applying”>Applying Sideways | MIT Admissions)</p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>

7

<p>Dear 2200, I find that Gibby gives some of the best advice on CC–I always find myself agreeing with his posts. “Chancing” for any of the ivies is largely a waste of time, because there may be something that tickles the admissions officers but not the chancers or vice versa. Also, we on CC are not privy to your whole file–neither are you. Remember that Harvard accepts fewer than 6% of applicants. Good luck, focus on other stuff, and broaden your college choices to avoid possible disappointment.</p>

8

<p>You are on the right track with finding out what you need to do. The admission officers understand that some locations have limited opportunities so I will advice that you make the best use of any EC available opportunity like the orphanage and others you mentioned below</p>

<p>" I have done everything I could for EC’s… from president of student council for 2 years now (and founder… school had none… i know -_-) , organizing many events in my school, like environmental days, costume show… bla, bla, bla… as in, Head of the events’s club. Also, fundraising club, debates’ cub…
I have also been involved in a fundraising campaign that we a bunch of teenagers carried out on our own to help orphans in Gambia… this is the second year so far for the campaign which was very successful last year. We raised enough money last year to build a class for the orphans there…
I had a summer job for two years (well it started as volunteering in the 1st year, then they decided to pay me XD) in which I used to teach children an English course."</p>

<p>There are AP courses that you can take online. Can you find a test centre?
My best advice will be to continue to make a big difference in your school and community and make sure your GPA is very high. Regarding your SAT too many times may not be very good. Take the SAT subjects and Toefl if possible. I can see your passion for learning and success.</p>

9

<p>You need to be careful how many times you take the SAT, as schoolfees stated. Colleges will think that you are getting better at taking the SAT, rather than the actual skills needed for the test (e.g. English, maths).</p>

10

<p>^^ The only college that matters for is Yale, which does not allow for “score choice,” so you must report ALL scores from ALL test dates. Harvard, on the other hand, allows for score choice, so the OP can bury everything but his/her highest score – so it’s a non-issue.</p>

11

<p>I got my 2160 in one test… if i don’t improve in CR, I’ll only send that to any Uni that allows score choice…</p>

<p>Thank you all very much XD</p>

<p>looking forward to anyone who has a story like mine that ended in unicorns and rainbows :P</p>

12

<p>no can can know for sure… the process is really random, but remember that harvard considers that engish is not your first language, so you should not put THAT much of attention to your sat reading. that said, it would only benefit you if you raised it. I know of someone who got into harvard (international student) with sat <2100 because of the reading score. the thing is, that that person semeed that his life goal was NOT to get into harvard, he did what he really loved, and I imagine that teachers wrote fabulous letters and he wrote excellent essays. The intangibles are what really matters in the end (besides grades and SAT), so work on them.</p>

13

<p>Oh okay… thanks all for the advice again :D</p>