My Chances of Getting into Harvard

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm going to start by saying that I don't really like these discussions. I am aware of the hundreds of different variables that are used to measure someone's eligibility and rights to go to a school of this caliber. That being said, curiosity and a bit of apprehension got the best of me, so I thought I would give it a try. </p>

<p>Harvard, while a bit cliche, is one of the schools I have been dreaming about going to for a long time. Until recently I have always been in the top 2 percentile of my class, school, and possibly even the state when it comes to overall academics (By the way, at the moment I am a sophomore at a high school in North Carolina); like I said, until recently. When I got to high school a mix of family mishaps, an overloading of AP's, and a tad of laziness got in my way. Suddenly, your's truly has with his large amount of A's, one standard B, one honors B, one AP B, and one AP C (hopefully).</p>

<p>My grades, in the eyes of the admissions office of any decent ivy league, are now horrid. That being said, I have something going for me: my music. I am an extraordinary cellist- I have played in many different orchestras, participated in many different festivals, and have even won an award or two. I have fallen in love with the instrument, and was hoping to participate in the NEC/ Harvard duel degree program, and hopefully get a business degree at Harvard while I'm there. </p>

<p>I also write- while sometimes my grammar is not perfect and once in a while my words do not flow, I think of my skills as well enough to write a good college essay or two. I have also won a few awards in writing, but as they were in middle school, they count as much as my Aunt Sally's recommendation. </p>

<p>My SAT, is about 1950- so it is not exceptional. That being said, I have two more years and I plan on using them to bring it up to at least a 2200. My PSAT score is a 1940. I have not taken any subject tests, but I am planning on taking a few of those, too. My weighted GPA is probably now about 3.857, and my un-weighted is a 3.0- I'm not sure if it is rounded, but if it is, it would be a 3.9. </p>

<p>I volunteer at my Synagogue, and I help at local elementary schools and middle schools often. Most of my extracurricular activities are all musically related. </p>

<p>I am planning on bringing up my GPA alot- I am taking 6 AP courses, all of which I plan on getting an A in, and doing a yearlong independent study, of which I will be practicing my cello. </p>

<p>I know that anyone that is reading this will not have any pull over the admissions decision for me, but my mother feels that I can do anything if I just set my mind to it. I would rather someone just be very frank about what they believe my chances to be. I'd would like to thank you ahead of time for any input you can give.</p>

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<p>Nobody should asked to be chanced to HYPMS. Ever!!</p>

<p>However, since you did, all I can suggest is continue doing what you’re doing. Strive for the most rigorous schedule at your school. Aim for SAT’s of 2250+ and SAT II’s of 750+.</p>

<p>Harvard does not have an undergraduate business degree, and your odds of getting into HBS right after undergrad are infinitesimal.</p>

<p>If your cello skills are truly extraordinary, consider sending supplementary materials. Only do so if you are truly world-class; otherwise it will be a disadvantage.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

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<p>Thanks skieurope. That was a mistake on my part- I meant undergrad econ, not business. I am well aware that the MBA program at Harvard is harder to get into than the US Presidency. Would you elaborate a little on the supplementary materials? What would I do, and why?</p>

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<p>Even if you did bring it up to 2200 (which is no small feat) you would still be below-the-line for most Harvard admits. Couple that with sub-par grades and it’s not going to happen.</p>

<p>Move on.</p>

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<p>Simply put, extremely low. Unless you left out that you are a 3x state champ in your sport or a nationally recognized musician, you’d be doing yourself a favor by being realistic. Going to these places doesn’t guarantee success either.</p>

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<p>Harvard is a dream for most people. I think at this point it is fair to say that you will apply regardless of what anyone thinks your chances are. What you can do now is focus on your cello and doing your best in school, assume you are going to apply to Harvard if you want to see if you can get in, and now, forget about Harvard. </p>

<p>What do you mean forget? The most anyone can do is their best and then apply. After that, the decision is up to Harvard. Your wanting and focusing on Harvard is then going to keep you from looking at some truly great colleges that could be a good fit for you. Talking about Harvard and having these high expectations could set you up for disappointment and feeling that other colleges aren’t good enough. They are. </p>

<p>There are some excellent colleges that have great music departments- some right in your home state and many LAC’s beyond Harvard. It’s great that you love your cello. Play if for love, not for Harvard.</p>

<p>Consider: UNC- CH, U Miami, Vanderbilt, Oberlin-- and many more. The more you put Harvard to the side, and start looking at some other great schools, the happier you are going to be with the college you eventually go to. </p>