<p>My dad has this big idea that i definitely have a chance of getting into harvard with my credentials. i highlyyyyyy doubt it. He thinks because of my minority status and the fact that im an international student (i was born in Ghana), that i can certainly get into harvard. i keep telling him im not sure about this...but he keeps insisting. is it just me or is this unrealistic.</p>
<p>i have a 3.9 weighted and a 3.4 unweighted
my sat score is a 1580 out of 2400</p>
<p>im sure once they see that they'll just laugh.....lol</p>
<p>Harvard is accustomed to seeing 1580/1600 SAT I scores--so hopefully the Harvard admissions committee will think that you did well on the exam. Harvard is not a realistic choice for you.</p>
<p>ColdWind is wrong. It depends on your situation, what you have overcome, how your progression has taken place, and what potential they see in you. 1580/2400 is obviously not a typical admittance score, but it is to early to say that it is "unrealistic" without knowing more about you. There are several students at Harvard who have scores like you.</p>
<p>Frankly, I think you need only print out the averages of student grades/scores and you're father will see things a little more clearly. Minority status is a bump, but it doesn't negate minimum scores and grades.</p>
<p>Retake your SATI in January, aim for 1800+ and you will make your chances much, much higher. 1800+ moves into the standard realm of admitted students.</p>
<p>i think i will definitely take it over in janurary.</p>
<p>GPA Weighted: 3.9166
GPA Unweighted: 3.375
Rank: 71 out of 385</p>
<p>All honors courses no AP's unfortunately
I have all B's in core classes (math, science, history, english), I have an A in US History honors though....all A's in elective courses 1 C in Chorus...i cant sing.
classes at a local community college (concurrent enrollment) college study skills, carrer assessment and principles of marketing, I received A's in them</p>
<p>SAT: 1580/2400 (not so good)
Im interested in working with the United Nations or working in government w/ a law degree.
Im interested in a Political Science/International Relations major.
I live in North Carolina.
I love history, i enjoy learning about other cultures and im really into politics.
I am the founder of Young Democrats of America chapter at my school
I am the vice-president of the debate club.
Nominated as one of the outstanding seniors at my school by faculty.
and I'm a member of 4 honor societies and 2 service clubs.
I had an internship my sophmore year at a pharmacy.
youth leader at my church - since the 9th grade</p>
<p>outside of school i work 30+ a week to help my mom with some bills.
harris teeter cashier 20 hours a week since 10/08
hollister co sales associate 10 hours a week since 02/08
paramount carowinds games associate 10hrs a week 05/06 to 09/06</p>
<p>Yes, I agree with Amadeuic. Hope for the best but plan for the worst. There are tons of good schools other than Harvard... maybe even better for what you want to do. Good luck.</p>
<p>You can definitely get in to plenty of good schools with that profile. Just...don't set your hopes on Harvard. It's not impossible but it's a crapshoot. <--Synonymous?</p>
<p>Dude, do not listen to anybody, just APPLY!
I have the proof that you CAN get in. If you seriously want to get in then you WILL HAVE to get some solid EC's and competitions, and leadership positions in that big list.
I will not discuss that proof stats here publicly, but PM me if you want them, you can read my posts in MIT forum (i belong there).</p>
<p>I think that there is a lot of appeal in your profile, including the fact that you work to help your mom out. So go ahead and apply.</p>
<p>But your Dad needs to get a little more educated about colleges. I think too many people think of Harvard when they are proud of their kids...it is such a brand name.</p>
<p>So, you, and especially, he, should not expect you to get in. The best way to avoid disappointment is to apply in a sort of "what the heck" way, but have low expectations. With a 7% acceptance rate, everyone should have that attitude- a lot of it is sort of random!</p>
<p>If your parents don't know a whole lot about other colleges, you can get books at the library or bookstore like "Cool Colleges" or "Colleges that Change Lives" or "Beyond the Ivies" etc. You can also research online. Do you have a guidance counselor who can be helpful?</p>
<p>There are so many good schools out there, where you can be happy. Harvard is sometimes a focus for people because they think it really says something when you get in, but after that, it is really just another school. A great school, but only one among many.</p>
<p>So, don't stress about getting in, tell your Dad not to stress, and think about other options that are definitely possible, affordable, and fulfilling.</p>
<p>My son is a sophomore at Harvard and one of his floormates is from Minnesota but she and her family are from Ghana. I think her older siblings also went to Harvard so maybe there is a "Ghana hook" at Harvard (who knows) but I think your dad has to be more realistic about the grades/SAT's that it takes to get into these super-selective colleges. Not everyone has perfect SAT's, etc. but if your grades/SAt's aren't in the top 1% you definitely need to have other hooks IMHO.</p>
<p>Post #6 is wrong. Your chances for Harvard with a sub-1900/2400 SAT I are well below one (1%) percent. With a 1580/2400, your odds are less than one-tenth of one percent. Apply elsewhere. It is good to dream & to apply to reach schools, but it is necessary to be realistic so that you have some opportunities for college.
P.S. Post #3 is wrong, as well. Even if you were miraculously admitted to Harvard with a 1580/2400 SAT I, the academic work demands might be too much for you to handle.</p>
<p>To give you some concrete numbers, I have a 2200 SAT and a 3.4 GPA. Harvard is not likely to accept either of us, my friend, but happy applying. Most Ivy-students I know were surprised as hell that they were accepted.</p>
<p>PS. I am also a Minority. National Achievement Scholarship Semi-Finalist.</p>
<p>You shouldn't make your decisions on stats people are giving you. The chance that these people can make professional suggestions to you is "less than one percent." Your SAT score is in no way a complete representation of your suitability at any school. Don't be confident but don't be too discouraged. Take everything in stride.</p>
<p>Exaggerate your families immigration to the United States. Tell them how you fled ethnic cleansing or another genocide. Tell them about the racial discrimination you face as a black in the United States, and the hostility you face from other African Americans. If you write a powerful essay that brings them near tears you're in! Anyway, apply! It can't hurt, and if you follow my instructions, you just may find yourself with a J.D in no time!</p>
<p>"outside of school i work 30+ a week to help my mom with some bills"</p>
<p>This is extremely impressive, far more impressive than if you were holding, for instance, a statewide office in a student EC.</p>
<p>Still, Harvard is a reach for you as it is for virtually everyone, so don't count on it.</p>
<p>I do hope, however, that you're applying to some other top 25 universities, as I think that due to the financial challenges you're successfully dealing with, you'll have a shot at some of the top universities. They all would understand that your grades and scores would be higher if you weren't employed so many hours a week.</p>
<p>It may be a good idea to include an extra recommendation by your work supervisor. It needn't be elegant to help you with your college apps.</p>
<p>I also think that the tip you may get from your work experience will outweigh any tip from minority status. Actually, African immigrants and their kids are overrepresented in top colleges. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>(I do not estimate chances nor do I provide private consultations, so please don't anyone take this post as encouragement to PM me about your situation. I confine my responses to message boards like this).</p>